We get a lot of questions about graphics, so I thought it would make sense to do a basic primer that some of the less experienced exhibitors can get their heads around the various pros/cons of different graphic options.

Laminated inkjet mural panels: These are printed on a flexible media (paper) and then laminated (front) or encapsulated (front and back). Laminated murals are produced on an inkject printer and are durable because they are laminated. They do, however, require care against kinking and bending, and they must be packed and shipped with care. Premium versions may include a light blocking material to limit the images being “washed out” by ambient lighting behind the graphics. With care, laminated mural panels may last for several years and many trade shows. Typically, these graphics are used on pop up displays, modular displays and truss displays and they are attached using a combination of hangers and magnets.

Unlaminated inkjet mural panels: These graphics are printed generally on heavy (18-22 mm), flexible PVC media on a flat-bed printer. Generally, they are less expensive to produce than laminated panels since there is a single layer (the PVC). The inks used are water-proof and cured using ultraviolet light (UV) . But since these panels are unlaminated, the printed surface is exposed to potential damage (scratches, etc) more easily than laminated panels. We advise exhibitors using unlaminated panels to plan to use unlaminated panels for 6 months or a few shows. Typically, these graphics are used on pop up displays or modular displays and truss displays and they are attached using a combination of hangers and magnets.

Fabric graphics: These graphics are printed on heavy polyester fabric using a process that embeds the dye into the fabric itself (the dye sublimation printing puts dye in, not on, the fabric). Fabric graphics are vibrant and deep – they are particularly effective for color saturated images with a lot of color. Fabric graphics are also convenient – they can be left on a frame or folded and packed. Kinking is not an issue (as it can be with mural panels), but you should carry a travel steamer since fabric can develop wrinkles. Typically, fabric graphics are used on fabric pop up displays or modular displays and truss displays and are attached using Velcro or metal clips.

Vinyl graphics: These graphics are printed on flexible PVC or vinyl media using an inkjet printer. They can be produced using a wide range of weights of vinyl – from 6 oz to 15 oz – depending on the application. Vinyl graphics are usually unlaminated and can be scratched, so they need to be used, packed and shipped with care. Although vinyl graphics are flexible they should not be folded as they can crease. Typically, these graphics are used on banner stands, hanging displays and other event banners and are attached using Velcro or grommets and cable ties.

Impact Displays offers trade show displays, trade show booths and trade show exhibits as well as a range of graphics.