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1 8 G R A P H I C S P R O • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 3 G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M S I G N A G E & P R I N T I N G great demand in the industry for talented designers and installers. Anyone starting in this field should consider taking digi- tal design courses, as well as installation classes. 3M offers installation training — both in class and hands-on. We provide a three-day advanced training course where someone with no previous experience can come to one of our five authorized facil- ities across the U.S. for expert hands-on instruction. To be successful in this indus- try, it's all about knowledge." Ryan Allen, regional technical special- ist at Avery Dennison, Mentor, Ohio, explains that alignment is everything when you're installing film on walls. "e first panel needs to be perfect and straight for all other panels to align to. Included in the planning process are pro- ficient math skills — calculating square footage correctly will ensure full cover- age of the graphic or design. Your panels have to line up with a good seam usually around a half inch. A good overlap gives you room to manipulate the panels for proper alignment. Once you get to the application, clean cutting and consistent squeegee strokes are key. In terms of lon- gevity, proper prep is the most helpful." What are some wall prep basics? Walton reports that low VOC paints, meaning paints with low surface energy, have f looded the market. "In laymen's Wall graphics at Cal State Fullerton Titan Stadium printed on Arlon DPF 6700 and wrapped by Superior Sign & Graphics. (Image Courtesy of Superior Signs & Graphics and Arlon Graphics) OneTen cycle image uses 3M Controltac Print Film 40C. (Image courtesy of 3M) Wall graphics at Cal State Fullerton Titan Stadium printed on Arlon DPF 6700 and wrapped by Superior Sign & Graphics. (Image Courtesy of Superior Signs & Graphics and Arlon Graphics)