Published in: The Graphic Arts Wire
By: Kevin Coyne
For some point-of-purchase and display applications, bigger is definitely better. In-store and exterior signage, self-standing displays, charts, product packaging and sample kits are just some of the products that take advantage of large-format presses to create larger-than-life projects.
Regardless of design, these large-format pieces require the extra support of mounting to create effective displays. Large-format mounted displays can include a wide range of design and construction possibilities; here are a few to consider:
Mounting Substrates
Mounting is the process of adhering sheets to a board or backing substrate using an adhesive. The usage environment of your mounted pieces will typically dictate which mounting substrate to use. For general-use applications, such as easel-backed shelf displays or hanging signs, a thick paper or newsboard substrate will be sufficient.
Displays that need a little more heft to perform their duties may require a more robust mounting substrate, such as a fluted corrugated board. If the pieces will be spending time outside or in other areas where they will be exposed to the elements, a synthetic or plastic backing substrate should be specified. Weather-resistant mounting substrates go by several different brand names, so let your finisher help you choose the right one for your mounted display.
Many mounted displays are die-cut to add visual impact. Die cutting is performed after the mounting process, so be sure to plan your projects accordingly. For large-format, die-cut displays, verify that your finisher can perform die cutting on the mounting substrate you’d like to use. Very thick plastic and board substrates may require specialized equipment.
“Hanging or Self-Standing?”
That’s the first question that should be asked when planning a mounted product, as each display variation will yield different design possibilities. If your application calls for pieces to hang from a wall or ceiling, grommets or eyelets can be inserted to provide a sturdy hanging solution. Grommets and eyelets are available in several colors and diameters to match the thickness of your displays. Quick planning tip: Be careful not to place important copy or graphics where grommets or eyelets will be inserted. Let your finisher help you plan your pieces to account for eyelet or grommet placement.
Self-standing displays will typically make use of an easel for support. As with the selection of a mounting substrate, the size, weight and display location of your products will dictate the design of the easel. For example, a single-wing easel is often appropriate for a small, lightweight tabletop display. Single-wing easels can be die-cut from the mounting substrate and unfolded after shipment, or tipped onto the display if the easel substrate differs from the mounting substrate. Tipped easels can be attached to the mounted display using a permanent adhesive or tape.
A double-wing easel design offers increased support for larger mounted displays. Double-wing easels are typically tipped onto the mounted piece for maximum strength and stability, and can be constructed from materials including corrugated board, chipboard, SBS and Fome-Cor.
Self-standing and hanging displays can be designed to include pockets to hold additional materials such as pamphlets and small products. Pockets can be designed to hold a variety of capacities and weights, and can be tipped onto the front of a display much as an easel as affixed to the back.
Planning Tips
As with any binding and finishing project, proper planning is a must for production to go smoothly. Keep these planning tips handy when preparing your next mounting project:
Send a Sample - Few tips will save you more headaches than simply sending a sample of your completed project. When this isn't possible, supplying your finisher with a printed proof will help determine how the piece will be produced. Making your finisher guess how it's mounted can be a recipe for a reprint.
Glue Margins - Adding an extra 1/8" margin on the non-gripper end of the sheet allows ample room for excess glue to spread. After the adhesive cures, the project will be trimmed flush. Without this margin, glue can spread onto machine parts or other material, which can increase spoilage and delay turnaround.
Backliners - Adding blank stock on the back of the project can help keep the mounting piece from potentially curling or warping. The best backliners are often the exact (but unprinted) stock as the mounted piece.
Fasteners - If your project calls for tape, grommets or other fastening devices, make your finisher aware of this during the estimating stage. This is especially important if you’re specifying unusual colors or sizes. Most finishers only carry a limited amount of common sizes and colors for these products; the extra time will ensure your finisher has the appropriate materials prior to production.
Shipping and Packing Considerations – As you may imagine, the logistics for handling large-format finished products are a chief budget consideration. Be sure to communicate any specific needs with your finisher, who can often suggest solutions to help reduce costs. For example, mounted displays can often be folded into sections for easier packing and shipping, without compromising the appearance of the display. Keep in mind that we can also drop ship your products directly to retail locations or other end-users to simplify logistics.
If you’re going to go big with your mounted displays, make sure your go about it the right way. Let your finishing partner help you plan your projects for success.
Kevin Coyne is President of Coyne Graphic Finishing, a full-service finishing company located in Mt. Vernon, OH. Coyne Graphic Finishing specializes in large-format die-cutting and mounting, high-die cutting, CNC routing, mechanical binding, folding/gluing, high-speed collating and more. Kevin may be reached at (740) 397-6232, or k.coyne@coynefinishing.com.