Wall covering material

k_c · 11-17-2009, 01:29 PM

Hello all, before I start a design for my client I have to make sure they can afford it. The project is to design an indoor wall covering that will wrap two walls over a corner. The height of the wall is about 9 ft.

I am trying to figure out the best material/method for this. I have a Roland Versa SP 540Z and it prints on all sorts of vinyls and papers. I understand I would have to print the wall covering in strips because the max width on the printer is ~50", so with that in mind what do you suggest as the best material for something like this? I would be installing it myself (with a helper) with this method. Or would it be best to have a real wallpaper made and have it installed professionally?

Thanks

PrintDriver · 11-17-2009, 02:01 PM

You can get printable wall covers. Dreamscapes and Korographics are two I know off the top of my head. Both come in a variety of widths. Bear in mind that most wallcover installers have pasting machines that do NOT work with even 48" material. Most don't like to stretch their arms that wide to hold it up when pasting either.

HOWEVER>>> check that the material is compatible with your inks
And seriously think about the install on this. You may want to overcoat the mural once it's up to protect the inks. If you've never printed or installed this stuff, you may want to talk to an installer as well as the company that makes the material.

You could also use one of the printable vinyls with an overlam and put it up like a car wrap. I think this is what you are thinking of doing. If so use one with a Comply or air-release backer. But it will show every single little flaw in the wall. If they ever want to remove it...that gets a little dicey. The longer it's up, the more likely you are to rip off the backer paint and even the drywall paper cover.

Depending on how 'removeable' it is.

treblesix · 11-23-2009, 12:02 PM

Have used Dreamscape and it is excellent however can be a nightmare to install - get a professional!!

**AD LINK REMOVED**

Ang · 11-23-2009, 01:33 PM

a really cool removable vinyl that i have used and installed is from oracal, its called fathead material or wall noodle sometimes... but its a matte finish (i would suggest an overlam tho to keep from scratching...) it is repositionable, so if you mess up, you can fix it... i like how easy it goes down, it comes in different widths, prints really nice too. it is slightly thicker, and is only a temporary vinyl (about 3 years indoors). the nice thing is that since its a temporary use vinyl it doesn't leave a sticky residue behind and wont tear off your paint or drywall paper either. Also if you want to contour cut the edges for a cool edge effect, it is cuttable too!

PrintDriver · 11-23-2009, 01:51 PM

The Oracal stuff is called JarHead. The stuff is too easily removed. It is meant for temporary wall stickers and has issues with edge curl after a little while on the wall. While meant to be repositionable in the real sense, it isn't really meant for long term use or high traffic use. Originally used on Sports figure stickers for kids room (FatHead sports stickers.)

But thanks for the reminder... It may work in a weird display situation my boss just brought to me.