surfacePRINT is a great technique for adding graphics to any indoor or outdoor surface. It transforms functional surfaces into eye-catching design elements, making it a great solution for applications that require aesthetic appeal and durability. The optional labGLASS coating makes it durable, fade-resistant, and easy-to-clean. Some common applications include:
• Healthcare
• Food Service
• Commercial
• Hospitality
• Corporate
• Retail
Healthcare
Hospitality
Food Service
Corporate
Commercial
Retail
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Surface Print?
Surface print is a full color UV imaging printing technique that involves creating photographic images, patterns, designs, and graphics onto solid surface material. Solid surface is a versatile and durable material commonly used in a wide range of applications including countertops, wall panels, furniture, and interior design applications.
The advantage of Surface Print is that it allows for very crisp, high-resolution printing with incredible detail and color vibrancy. Through our proprietary adhesion process, the printed iamges become a part of the material, resulting in a permanent and durable image that is resistant to fading, scratching, staining, and peeling.
2. Can any color of solid surface be used for Surface Print?
Yes, Surface Print can be applied to any color of solid surface. This allows for excellent accent opportunities between the image and the surrounding environment.
3. Is Surface Print on solid surface permanent? How durable is it?
Yes. Our specialized, proprietary ink adhesion process produces an image that is bonded directly into the solid surface material. It is then locked in with our UV-stable labGLASS clearcoat to resist fading, scratching, staining, and peeling over time. This makes it extremely durable. One of our Surface Print installs was placed on a bar front and subjected to thousands of bumps, scratches, scuffs, kicks, and more. After a year, the image looked flawless.
4. Can the image be repaired if damaged?
It depends on the level of damage. In many cases, we can remove the damaged panel, sand off the image, and reprint the replacement image. This way the panel can reused, avoiding the cost of material replacement.
5. Can Surface Print on solid surface be used for outdoor applications?
The Surface Print imaging process is especially effective in outdoor imaging applications since both the inks and our clear labGLASS protective coating are UV stable.
6. Can Surface Print images be illuminated from behind?
Yes, because UV inks can be translucent, applying them to a translucent solid surface allows for the creation of vivid, colorful images that can be illuminated from behind.
7. What are the size limitations or restrictions in design?
The only limitation is the maximum single panel size that can be produced, which is 5' x 12'.
8. When images span multiple panels, will vertical or horizontal joints get bonded/seamed together with adhesive?
Generally, no. During hard seaming, the solid surface adhesive must flow out onto the top and back surfaces of the panel joint to ensure a proper bond. This excess adhesive is then sanded smooth. If a Surface Print panel is hard seamed and adhesive hardens on top of the image, the image would likely be removed during the sanding process.
9. When images span multiple panels, how are they aligned accurately?
Most often we utilize Z-Clips that are bonded on the back side of the panels along each vertical edge, at precise predetermined locations. We utilize an aerospace grade epoxy adhesive to bond on those Z-Clips to the backside of the Solid Surface panels. We then mount a long Z-Clip rail on the wall that spans the joint of each panel, capturing the rear panel Z-Clips on each panel, insuring front panel alignment. (An engineering drawing is available upon request).
10. What finish options are available?
Our labGLASS coating is available in matte, satin, and high gloss. This coating is applied over the printed image, which results in a great, tactile finish. LabGLASS is a uv-stable coating that resists fading, damage, and liquid ingress.
11. Is there any maintenance?
Not really! Once our labGLASS clear-coat is applied, the images are extremely durable, resisting wear and tear. The printed surface is easily cleaned using standard cleaning methods suitable for the solid surface materials. The image will not degrade when using harsh healthcare cleaners such as 3M Disinfectant Cleaner – RCT Concentrate 40.
12. Can Surface Print panels be thermoformed?
Yes, depending on the final design requirements. Post-image thermoforming of the solid surface does not distort or crack the printed image.
13. Is it possible to match specific colors or Pantone shades?
Yes. A color's Pantone Matching System (PMS) is preferred to ensure accuracy.
14. What file type is required for Surface Print?
Adobe design files, vector files, PDF, or JPG are acceptable. Higher resolutions result in sharper prints.
15. Is there a CSI Specification Document available?
Lead times are based on project size and scope. When working on a project, we'll provide pricing and lead times.
17. Why is Surface Print on solid surface so awesome?
This process/material is antimicrobial. It is scratch, stain, and water-resistant. It can be installed over almost any surface in any environment and is very affordable. Impact resistant. Class A fire rated. No minimum orders. Create stunningly realistic graphics, photos, textures, and more.