Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1451376
3 0 G R A P H I C S P R O J U L Y 2 0 2 2 G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M A few of our customers have picked this film for their vehicle graphics because of its unique look. When material shortages started affecting our industry, we were unable to get this film for a couple of months, and unfortunately, there are no other com- parable options. Fortunately, one of our customers who ordered during this time frame was able to wait for us to receive more stock, and the other chose to switch to a regular white cast film on their order. Another film that we stock is 3 M 780mC-10R, a printable wrap reflective vinyl. It's a great, flexible option for full-color reflective graphics that's easy to apply. Due to the extra cost, most of our reflective wraps are limited to the rear of a vehicle (ambulances and fire trucks), side-stripes, and contour-cut graphics. For flat full-color reflective projects, we use Avery Dennison's T-6500 film. is gives us the same flexibility of offering full- color graphics on a reflective film, but the features of the film work best on flat signage vs. wraps. e customer wanted to update their signs using a black and gold color scheme on a recent sign project. We created routed- to-shape wood panels layered and overlaid in premium black and gold metallic. e customer wanted a gold-leaf look that matches their other locations and has an old-timey look for the windows. We usually use Sign Gold 22 karat gold leaf vinyl in the Florentine pattern. Unfortunately, this product wasn't available, so we had to look for alternatives. With the help of one of our favorite sales reps, we tracked down a new-to-us film that worked great. e film is a 3300 series Lumina Imitation Leaf vinyl made by FDC Graphics Films Inc. e cast film is available in gold or sil- ver and has a three-dimensional pattern that looks like gold leaf. e best part of the film is that we can print to it on our eco-sol- vent printers, so we didn't have to cut both black and gold leaf; we were able to print the black directly onto the gold. Since the design contains small details and elements that would have been difficult to cut, this was a great solution. Be familiar with these specialty films and others on the market and incorporate them into the material options you offer. ese films are a great way to upsell a project and find a unique option that best meets your customer's needs. GP Charity Jackson is co-owner of Visual Horizons Custom Signs based in Modesto, California. She has been in business since 1995 and has worked in the sign industry for nearly 30 years. You can visit her website at www.vhsigns.com. Special projects require specialty films. Check product bulletins to find the right media for your needs.