Printing Wall Graphics

If you want to cover the entire wall, ensure your design is larger than the space, giving yourself some excess to trim away when you’re finished.

The overall quality will vary depending on the job but try to keep your raster images around 300 dpi (vector images will retain their quality at any scale).

If your graphic is wider than your printer, you can use VersaWorks’ tiling function, which prints the graphic in panels including a slight overlap on each side.

Ensure any bumps or cracks are filled or sanded away, then clean the wall thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol. If you are simply applying a decal to the wall, remove half the backing material and position your decal as desired.

Using a squeegee, firmly press the graphic to the wall, avoiding any creases or bubbles. Then remove the remaining backing paper and use the squeegee to complete the application.

For larger wall graphics comprised of several panels, start from the top left and carefully apply the left-hand-side panel, ensuring it is applied straight and follows the edge of the wall. Use a squeegee to firmly attach the material to the wall as you work from top to bottom.

When you encounter plug sockets, switches, window ledges or door frames, use a craft knife to cut holes leaving enough excess to fold around the item.

When adding another panel, take care to align the graphic with the previous panel and work as before.

Any adhesive vinyl can be used to produce wall graphics but print professionals commonly use a high-quality, removable self-adhesive vinyl. If you are printing wallpaper, several papers are produced specifically for this application.

Talk to your media supplier who will happily suggest a material to best suit your job.

The durability of your wall graphic will depend largely on the environment. A typical wall sticker is rated to last 3-5 years outside (media dependent), so you can expect an indoor graphic to last longer provided there is no excess moisture in the air and the room isn’t subject to frequent changes in temperature.

This will depend on the adhesive used in the vinyl and the bond between the paint and the wall. If the paint isn’t adhered strongly to the wall, there is a chance that it may come off when the adhesive is removed.

On the other hand, if the adhesive in the vinyl isn’t strong enough, the sticker may slip or peel over time. It’s important to find a compromise between the two and this is something you should communicate to your customers if they have any doubts.

All Roland DG’s ink technology can be used to produce wall graphics including UV, Eco-solvent and Resin. Resin ink is particularly popular for wall graphics that are required to meet tighter regulations, for example in hospitals, schools or public buildings. Our digital vinyl cutting devices are also popular for producing vector wall art and wall lettering.