Tameside College’s Wall Graphics
Tameside College, a further education college, is committed to providing a vibrant and stimulating learning environment for its students. The college places a strong emphasis on innovation and creativity in its approach to education. Signs Express Sheffield and Rotherham had the privilege of working on an exciting project within the college, led by Paul Slater, also known as #FabricLenny, an artist who has been instrumental in bringing creative projects to life at the college.
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Objectives and Challenges
The primary objective of the project was to encourage students, teachers, and visitors to opt for the stairs over the lift by creating engaging and motivational wall graphics in the stairwells across four floors of the college. The aim was not only to promote physical activity but also to infuse the college environment with creativity and inspiration.
This project presented a unique set of challenges. Given the scale of the project, budgeting became a crucial factor. The students, eager and full of innovative ideas, had initially envisioned a large volume of graphics without fully understanding the associated costs. This necessitated a compromise between their creative vision and the financial constraints of the project.
Each floor of the stairwell was to have a distinct colour theme, adding a layer of complexity to the design process. Ensuring that the graphics were impactful, cohesive, and stayed within budget required careful planning and collaboration.
Solution
Each floor’s unique colour theme was carefully integrated into the design of the wall graphics. We selected materials that provided vibrant colours and durability, ensuring that the graphics would withstand the high-traffic environment of the college stairwells. Our team utilised high-quality vinyl with a matte finish to reduce glare and maintain the integrity of the artwork over time.
To meet the budgetary requirements, we advised on scaling back certain elements while enhancing others, ensuring that the overall aesthetic and message of the project were preserved. This collaborative approach allowed us to maximise the impact of the graphics while staying within financial constraints.
Execution
The execution of this project was a testament to effective teamwork. Our design team translated the students' ideas into digital mock-ups, which were then reviewed and refined through several iterations. Once the designs were finalised, the production team got to work, meticulously printing and cutting the vinyl graphics to match the exact specifications required for each floor.
Installation was carried out during off-peak hours to minimise disruption to college activities. Our experienced installers ensured that each graphic was perfectly aligned and securely applied, taking special care to maintain the integrity of the design across the varying textures and surfaces of the stairwell walls.
Results
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The completed wall graphics at Tameside College have been a resounding success. The stairwells are now vibrant spaces that not only encourage physical activity but also serve as daily sources of inspiration for students and staff alike. The project has been well-received by the college community.
Wall Graphics FAQ
- Q. Which Wall Graphic should I choose for my business?Collapse
Depending on budget and the length of your campaign this will help determine the right solution for your organisation. You may just want one product type, or you may benefit from a variety products; wayfinding signage is a great example of using a mix of materials. Read our Complete Guide to Directional Signage Here.
A further consideration is the type of surface and where the wall graphic will be fitted. The surface can determine which material is required, and we’ll help you with the specification for this.
Some graphics have a low grab adhesive making them ideal for short term applications such as events or promotions as they can be removed with little or no damage to the paint. Others have a much more aggressive adhesive and are designed to stay in place for years, so let us know what purpose you want the graphics to serve, and we can recommend the appropriate type.
- Q. How to prepare walls for Wall Graphics?Expand
There are certain points to consider when you want to install Wall Graphics in your organisation. Generally, walls must be smooth, dry, grease and dirt free, although there are products designed to stick to bricks, so let us know what type of wall you have, and we will recommend the best solution for you.
A recently painted wall must be allowed to dry fully, we recommend at least a month or more; should the area be cool or damp we would suggest longer. To allow for the best results follow manufacturer guidelines. Many paints can cause issues with adhesion of self-adhesive vinyl graphics, especially ‘dirt shedding’ or ‘easy clean’ finishes, so we would always recommend adhesion tests to help identify the correct vinyl to use. The use of manufacturer specified primers and surface cleaners will help aid vinyl adhesion. If adhesion issues are a concern pastable papers typically have far less adhesion issues than self-adhesive vinyl but can be limiting with some designs as it typically isn’t contour cut to shape.
Potential problem areas for wall graphics can be above radiators, and other heat sources (like photocopiers), by air conditioning units, plus external walls, so extra care needs to be taken in these places.
- Q. What surfaces can be covered with a wall graphic?Expand
Wall graphics are an excellent way to transform any space with vibrant, custom designs. Commonly applied indoors, we pride ourselves on offering wall graphics that can be applied to a variety of surfaces.
- Internal walls
- External walls
- Windows
- Ceilings
- Floors
- Doors
- Steps
If you would like us to conduct a site visit, we can recommend the most suitable materials for your surface. Our high-quality, durable options are ideal for high-traffic areas seen in Schools, Shops, Offices, Hospitality and Leisure environments.
- Q. How to Remove a Wall Graphic?Expand
Removing a vinyl wall graphic can be done carefully to protect the surface underneath, especially paint. Here's how:
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Warm the Graphic: Use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to gently warm the vinyl. This softens the adhesive, making it easier to peel off without pulling paint.
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Peel Slowly: Start at one corner and slowly peel the graphic off the wall at a 45-degree angle. Take your time to avoid pulling any paint along with the vinyl.
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Remove Residue: If any adhesive residue remains, gently rub it off with a cloth and a small amount of soapy water or adhesive remover.
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Avoid Scraping: Never use sharp tools to remove the vinyl, as this can scratch or damage the surface.
By following these steps, you can safely remove your vinyl wall graphic without harming the surface underneath.
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