This month one of our major clients asked us to create impactful, customised graphics for a hospitality marquee they have sponsored at Plymouth Albion
Rugby Club.
In this blog we will explore step by step the design, printing and fitting that turned a simple plain marquee into a memorable branded environment.
Step 1: Designing the Perfect Graphics
Before the printing process begins, the design must be created. This stage is crucial as it defines the visual identity of the event. Our customer worked with our
graphic designer to create the custom branded graphics tailored to the Marquee.
For marquee graphics, design considerations must factor in:
Size & Scale: The overall dimensions of the marquee roof were 30 metres wide by 6 metres deep a huge area! The graphics had to be scalable to fit
the expansive surfaces of the marquee. High-resolution designs were essential for clarity and vibrancy.
Purpose: Are the graphics purely decorative, or will they include branding elements, wayfinding, or sponsor logos? Clearly defining the purpose will
shape the design.
Colour & Lighting: Ensure that the colours chosen complement the marquee's lighting setup. Printed materials will appear differently in natural
daylight versus LED or spotlighting.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Materials
Not all materials are suited for a marquee environment. Given the large scale and often temporary nature of the structure, it’s important to choose durable yet
flexible materials. Some of the most popular materials for large-format marquee graphics include:
Vinyl Banners: Durable, waterproof, and easy to clean, vinyl is a go-to option for outdoor marquee setups. It can handle exposure to the elements and
is lightweight for easy installation.
Fabric Backdrops: If a more elegant and soft finish is desired, fabric prints can give a more luxurious look and feel. These are often used for interior
walls or ceiling draping.
PVC Mesh: This is a breathable material that allows wind to pass through, making it ideal for exterior graphics on marquees in windy conditions.
Adhesive Vinyl: For more permanent applications, adhesive vinyl can be used on marquee walls, floors, or windows to add a sleek, seamless look.
For this particular project we recommended PVC Vinyl banner material for the roof and Adhesive Vinyl for the walls
Step 3: Printing the Graphics
Large-scale printing requires specialised equipment and expertise. We used our wide format printers to produce the huge graphic in 3 metre wide by 6 metre long sections ready for our fitting team to apply.
Key factors we ensure during the printing stage:
High-Resolution Printing: Ensure that the graphics are printed at a high resolution to avoid any pixelation, especially when viewed up close.
UV Inks: UV-resistant inks are a must for outdoor events to ensure that colours do not fade over time, especially if exposed to direct sunlight.
Finishing Options: Discuss finishing options like grommets, UHB taped edges, reinforced seams, or pole pockets to ensure the graphics can be
securely mounted.
Step 4: Supplying & Logistics
Once the graphics had been printed, it was time to deliver them to the site. Given the large size of these prints, transportation needed to be carefully managed
the graphics were rolled onto cores to ensure they arrived without creases or damage.
Step 5: Fitting & Installation
Fitting large-scale graphics onto a marquee can be a logistical challenge, but with the right expertise, it can be accomplished smoothly. Our professional
installation team is familiar with the unique structural properties of marquees and how to safely secure graphics.
Key considerations for this installation:
Weather Conditions: Particularly for outdoor events, installing graphics in windy or rainy conditions can be challenging. Our installers need to ensure
that the graphics are secure and won’t be damaged by the elements.
Safety First: Large graphics often require working at height, so safety is paramount. Our installation teams are equipped with the necessary rigging,
scaffolding, or access equipment to safely fit the graphics.
Seamless Application: For large murals or full marquee wraps, ensuring a seamless application is critical. Our installers need to carefully align the
graphics so that there are no gaps, wrinkles, or visible seams.
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