Quality Media Blog

Smart Strategies for Soft Signage

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Soft signage has quietly become one of the most requested solutions in the sign industry... and one of the easiest to underestimate.

On the surface, fabric graphics check all the boxes: lightweight, visually striking, and easy to ship and install. But behind the scenes, they introduce a different set of demands that don’t always show up in rigid production. Fabric requires more planning, tighter control, and clearer communication across sales, prepress, and finishing.

The shops seeing the best results aren’t chasing every fabric job that comes through the door. They’re building repeatable processes, setting smarter expectations, and treating soft signage as its own category, not a substitute for rigid prints.

With the right approach, fabric graphics can be both efficient and profitable. The following strategies focus on practical ways to reduce friction, improve consistency, and make soft signage work better for your operation.

1. Choose the Right Product for the Application

Not every soft signage job has the same requirements, and using a one-size-fits-all fabric can create unnecessary challenges in production and finishing.

Start by matching the product to the application — whether it’s SEG frames, event backdrops, retail displays, flags, or wall coverings. Factors like fabric weight, stretch, opacity, flame retardancy, and intended use all affect print quality, handling, and final performance.

Selecting purpose-built materials upfront reduces reprints, simplifies finishing, and improves consistency across repeat orders. When the right product is chosen from the start, workflows run smoother and soft signage becomes easier to scale profitably.

Fabric Choice Matters

The fabric you choose has a direct impact on print consistency, finishing efficiency, and overall workflow.

Berger Textiles offers a wide range of digitally printable fabrics designed for soft signage applications like SEG, backdrops, displays, and flags. Their materials are built for reliable print performance and predictable finishing, making it easier for sign shops to standardize processes and reduce production variables.

2. Optimize Printer Scheduling and Workflow

Take a close look at how your wide-format printers are being used. Track uptime, changeovers, and job patterns over a few weeks.

Grouping jobs that use the same fabric types or color profiles can reduce calibration time and material waste. Realigning your schedule to minimize machine idle time and avoid unnecessary setups not only boosts efficiency, it also opens capacity for rush jobs that often command premium pricing.

3. Make Finishing Faster and More Consistent

Fabric signage often requires sewing, trimming, and frame finishing, steps that can slow production when they’re manual or inconsistent.

To reduce finishing time and variability, many shops are looking for alternatives that simplify attachment and assembly.

Adhesive-backed keder, like the option from Berger Textiles USA, eliminates the need for sewing while delivering clean, consistent edge finishes for SEG applications.

Combined with improved cutting tools, semi-automated finishing stations, and standardized procedures, solutions like adhesive-backed keder help reduce hands-on labor and speed up turnaround. Faster, more predictable finishing improves margins and makes your output more attractive to larger, repeat customers who rely on consistent quality.

4. Set Clear Expectations Before Jobs Hit Production

Many production issues with fabric graphics start long before printing begins.

Establish clear guidelines for artwork setup, color expectations, and sizing tolerances specific to fabric. Sharing these standards early — through artwork checklists or preflight notes — reduces revisions, prevents reprints, and keeps projects moving smoothly through production.

Clear expectations also build trust with customers who appreciate transparency and consistency.

5. Develop a Versatile, Well-Documented Team

Cross-training your staff pays dividends. Teach operators to work across multiple machines and finishing tasks so production isn’t dependent on a single individual.

At the same time, document key workflows, including color profiles, fabric handling best practices, and common troubleshooting steps, so your team can consistently reproduce quality results. A versatile, well-informed staff makes your operation more resilient during demand spikes and helps maintain fast turnarounds without adding headcount.

Here's the bottom line...

By simplifying your product mix, tightening production workflows, improving finishing efficiency, targeting the right buyers, and building a flexible team, you can turn growing soft signage demand into reliable, profitable growth. These strategic shifts help lower costs, increase capacity, and position your business as a dependable partner for high-impact visual solutions.

Looking for more ways to improve efficiency and profitability?

You can also shop our soft signage here: Our Products | Quality Media and Laminating Solutions

Why Winter Installs Fail (and How to Prevent Them)

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Winter installations can be deceptively tricky. We see it every year: graphics that don’t stick, edges lifting, or jobs that look perfect one day and fail the next. More often than not, these failures aren’t caused by defective products — they’re caused by environmental conditions and small, easy-to-overlook process gaps.

Temperature Is More Important Than You Think

It’s easy to assume that if the room feels warm, the installation is safe. But surfaces tell a different story. Walls, panels, and glass often remain cold long after the air has warmed. Adhesives require the right surface temperature to bond properly. If the surface is too cold, even a seemingly perfect install can fail later.

Tips to prevent temperature-related failures:

Measure the surface temperature, not just the air temperature.
Let walls and panels warm naturally before installation.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended temperature range for adhesives and materials.

Moisture and Condensation Can Cause Hidden Failures

Cold weather often brings moisture problems that aren’t immediately visible. Rapid temperature changes — like turning on heat in a cold building — can create condensation on surfaces. Even a thin layer of moisture can compromise adhesion, leading to edges lifting or bubbles forming after installation.

What to watch for:

Overnight temperature swings
Cold exterior walls in heated spaces
Installing materials immediately after moving them indoors

Preventative steps:

Ensure surfaces are dry and clean before installation.
Allow the environment to stabilize before applying materials.
Avoid rushing installations when conditions are unpredictable.

Material Acclimation Is Critical

One of the biggest winter mistakes we see is skipping material acclimation. Materials stored in cold trucks or storage areas become stiffer, making them harder to handle and affecting adhesive performance. Installing before materials have adjusted to the room temperature is a common cause of winter failures.

Best practices for acclimation:

Bring materials inside well before installation.
Allow time for them to reach the installation space temperature.
Avoid “truck-to-wall” installs in cold weather.

Tools and Technique Matter Even More in Winter

Cold materials leave very little room for error. Inconsistent pressure, uneven application, or improper cutting techniques are magnified when materials are stiff or less forgiving. The right tools, applied carefully, reduce the risk of winter failures. Winter installation tips:

Use tools that provide consistent pressure.
Take extra time for clean, accurate cuts.
Don’t rush — small mistakes are harder to correct in cold conditions.

Planning Ahead Prevents Costly Mistakes

Winter failures aren’t inevitable. Success comes from awareness, preparation, and attention to detail. Taking the time to monitor environmental conditions, properly acclimate materials, and maintain consistent installation practices can prevent callbacks, reprints, and wasted time — even in the coldest months.

Cold weather can challenge any installation, but it doesn’t have to derail your projects. By understanding the environmental factors at play and adjusting your process accordingly, you can achieve reliable, professional results all winter long.

Check out Continental Grafix's Cold Weather Guide here:

Cold Weather Guide

'Tis the Season - Cold Weather Media That Delivers Every Time

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Get Ready for the Cold — and the Holidays

As winter rolls in, every installer and print provider feels the challenge: colder surfaces, tougher conditions, tighter deadlines — and a rush of seasonal projects that can’t wait for the weather to cooperate. But don't worry! These cold-weather and holiday-ready solutions keep your installs strong, your prints flawless, and your creativity flowing — no matter what the forecast says.

panoRama X-Treme

Durable self-adhesive vinyl built for extreme temperatures, with excellent print compatibility and clean removability. Perfect for outdoor signage, event graphics, and seasonal promotions.

Benefits:

Applies easily in extreme cold or heat
Easy removal within 6 months with no adhesive residue

Learn more!

Sihl WRAPIT & WRAPIT AQ

From bold brand packaging to custom holiday wrapping paper, Sihl WRAPIT and WRAPITAQ combine flexibility, durability, and stunning print results. You can create vibrant, high-impact designs that hold up beautifully through shipping, handling, and display — even in cooler conditions.

Benefits:

Water-resistant and tear-resistant for durability
Smooth handling and foldability for premium presentation
Exceptional print performance for seasonal designs

Learn more!

panoRama Innova Ice

A true cold-weather performer — this one-way-vision film applies down to +5°F without compromising adhesion or flexibility. Perfect for windows, vehicles, and building graphics all winter long.

Benefits:

Maintains adhesion in extreme cold
Ideal for outdoor and transit applications

Learn more!

Keep Projects Moving — and Spirits High — All Winter Long

Whether it’s an outdoor install in freezing temperatures or festive wrapping for the busy holiday season, these materials are made to perform when it matters most.

Place your order!

View other products

Introducing Bondi Sands - A New 20 oz. Vinyl Textured Wallcovering Product

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Bondi Sands is the latest addition to the wide selection of TYPE II, Class A Fire Rated 20 oz. Commercial Vinyl Wallcovering offered by DreamScape - the market leader in durable, long lasting wallcovering.

See picture below to see how Bondi Sands looks when compared with Suede and Matte.

DreamScape’s BONDI SANDS is a similar, if not an identical texture, to Abaco Beach. It is made in the USA, and along with all DreamScape vinyl-based wall substrates, it is “phthalate-free” and offers up to a 13% recycled content backing.

Please contact your Quality sales manager for pricing, samples, and all other inquiries.

A Guide to Quality’s Cast Adhesive Backed Vinyl and Laminating Films

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Below is a concise guide to selecting cast vinyl helpful for a variety of applications including rough wall surfaces for that “painted” look and vehicle wraps.

Step One – Selecting the Print Media

Painted walls | Painted brick and block walls

DuraVinyl 702 – 2 Mil Cast

Repositionable Adhesive
Air Flow Release Liner
Bubble Free
7 Year Outdoor Durability with Cast Laminate
Solvent | UV | Latex

Specs

Rough Surfaces | Unpainted brick or block walls | Building Wraps | Decals

DuraVinyl 704 – 2 Mil Cast

Permanent Hi-Tack Solvent Adhesive
10 Year Outdoor Durability with Cast Laminate
Solvent | UV | Latex

Specs

Vehicle Wraps | Fleet Graphics

DuraVinyl 706 – 2 Mil Cast

Gray, permanent repositionable adhesive
Easy to apply and position on vehicle.
7 Year Outdoor Durability with Cast Laminate
Vinyl+Laminate Bundled Pricing available
Solvent | UV | Latex

Specs

Step 2 - Selecting Cast Laminate

Our 2 mil, premium cast laminates are available in the following:

Matte (ultra matte)
Lustre
Gloss
Gloss Plus (optically clear)

Specs

Contact your Area Sales Manager for our competitive pricing.

Confused about what products are Earth-Friendly?

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 04:00:00 +0000

Quality offers a full line of sustainable or earth-friendly products with one or more of the following properties:

Photo : DreamScape Terralon Regatta - Wallcovering

1. Manufactured from PCW (Post-Consumer Waste)

There are typically questions regarding recycling media with ink on it, therefore we believe a product made of post-consumer waste is the most certain way to impact a sustainability effort.

2. Recyclable

Latex inks are considered “environmentally friendly” and media printed with latex inks should be able to be recyclable. Have a sample of your printed media tested by your recycling operator to verify if it is acceptable for recycling. These guidelines also apply to media printed with UV inks. Base media recycling codes are #1-Polyester-PET, 3#-Polyvinyl Chloride PVC #5-Polypropylene PP.

3. PVC-Free

PVC products emit harmful byproducts. Papers, Polyester and Polypropylene do not contain PVC elements. PVC is the most environmentally damaging plastic. The PVC lifecycle -- its production, use, and disposal -- results in the release of toxic, chlorine-based chemicals.

4. FSC Certified

These products meet the Forest Stewardship Council standards for sustainable and environmentally responsible forest management.

5. LEEDs Certified

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design organization certifies that the building materials used, meet a green building credit rating system. The more LEEDs credits, the higher the building efficiency.

Below are links to our products and an easy to follow guide that lists which sustainable property each product offers.

Windows | Wall | Floors

Adhesives | Laminates

Papers | Banners | Fabrics

Contact your Area Sales Manager for more information.

Looking for the longest lasting indoor floor graphic solution?

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

The key is using a thick, durable laminate like Jessup 23mil Heavy Duty Vinyl Overlam to protect the image.

Jessup 23mil Heavy Duty Vinyl Overlam

Applications

Indoor warehouse and factory safety signage
Retail and institutional directional signage

Benefits

Slip rated - UL 410
Protects the image's ink and eliminates image scuffing
Resists tears and rips much better than traditional 5mil overlaminates
Priced significantly less than other premium floor graphic laminates

Product Info

Pairing With Print Media

Choose the Proper Print Media for your Floor Surface and laminate with Jessup 23mil Heavy Duty Overlam

Wood Surfaces: DuraVinyl 252 - ultra removable
Smooth Tile Surfaces: DuraVinyl 253 - removable.
Smooth Concrete and Tight Pile Carpet: DuraVinyl 254 - hi tack
Tile with Grout Lines: Jessup TexWalk Smooth

Quality's Shorter Term Floor Graphic Solutions

(up to 180 days)

One Step Solutions

Print - Trim - Apply

DuraVinyl 187: dot adhesive for sensitive surfaces
DuraVinyl Single Step: Durable, 13mil thick, economical
Ultraflex AdventureScapes: 10mil polyester, non-PVC
Speed Vinyl 10mil PVC: nylon fabric reinforced backer

Economical Two Step Solutions

Print - Laminate - Trim - Apply

Floor Graphic Bundle for Tile Floors
Carpet Graphic Bundle for Carpets

Optically Clear Window Films, Adhesives & Laminates

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Do you have requirements for Optically Clear products?

Applications like Window Graphics or Perforated Window Film?

What makes these products “optically clear”?

It is their polyester liner which has absolutely no texture unlike even silicone coated paper liners.

Here is your go-to resource for Optically Clear printable films, adhesives and overlaminates:

Picture: Lintec - Digital Window Graphics - Optically Clear UV printable polyester

Window Films

PRODUCT	Indoor Use	Outdoor Use*	Eco-Solvent	UV Curable	Latex
Catalina Opti-Cling Clear Static Cling 8 mil Vinyl for retail, restaurant windows. Adheres to smooth surfaces Product Info	X		X	X	X
Quality EZ Cling Clear 4 Mil 4mil polyester film- non-PVC Ultra low tack adhesive for easy install/ removal Can be recycled- #1 Product Info	X	X		X	X
DuraVinyl 263-CL 3.5m vinyl- easier to apply than optically clear cast films Removable “wet apply” adhesive Inexpensive Product Info	X	X	X	X	X
Lintec E-1000 Eco Solvent Films 2mil coated polyester film- non-PVC Application- decorating windows with architectural graphics Permanent or removable adhesive Requires Protect Gloss laminate Product Info	X		X	X
Lintec E2000 UV Curable Films 2 mil polyester film- non-PVC Application- decorating windows with architectural graphics Available “scratch resistant” surface Available “UV protection” Permanent or removable adhesive Product Info	X			X
Lintec Eco Friendly UV Curable Film 80% recycled polyester- 2mil- non-PVC Application- decorating windows with architectural graphics Permanent adhesive Product Info	X			X

Non-Adhesive Films

Product	Indoor Use	Outdoor Use*	Eco Solvent	UV Curable	Latex
DuraJet Clear Film - 5, 7, 10 mil Non-PVC Can be front or back printed for backlit applications and in store presentations Product Info	X			X
Lintec 1100 Film for Eco Solvent Printers 2mil film with top coating Applications – overlays, hanging graphics Product Info	X		X

Product

Indoor Use

Outdoor Use*

Eco Solvent

UV Curable

Latex

DuraJet Clear Film - 5, 7, 10 mil

Non-PVC

Can be front or back printed for backlit

applications and in store presentations

Product Info

X

Lintec 1100 Film for Eco Solvent Printers

2mil film with top coating

Applications – overlays, hanging graphics

Product Info

X

Adhesive - Two Polyester Liners

Product	Indoor Use	Outdoor Use*
ViewBond / ViewBond XXL 2mil polyester film with flawless adhesive coatings Applications- fine art mounting Product Info	X	X
ViewBond R Permanent/ removable adhesive Same premium quality as Viewbond Applications- temporary window displays and plexiglass mounts Product Info	X
PromoBond Polyester film with permanent/ removable adhesive Applications - temporary window displays Product Info	X

Product

Indoor Use

Outdoor Use*

ViewBond / ViewBond XXL

2mil polyester film with

flawless adhesive coatings

Applications- fine art mounting

Product Info

X

ViewBond R

Permanent/ removable adhesive

Same premium quality as Viewbond

Applications- temporary window displays

and plexiglass mounts

Product Info

X

PromoBond

Polyester film with

permanent/ removable adhesive

Applications - temporary window displays

Product Info

X

Laminates - Pressure Sensitive

Product	Indoor Use	Outdoor Use*
Instashield 1.5 or 3mil Gloss Polyester Product Info	X	X
InstaShield 10 Mil Gloss Polyester Mimics an “acrylic” look Product Info	X	X
Quality Premium Cast Gloss Plus 2mil cast vinyl Product Info	X	X
Lintec Protect Gloss 2mil scratch resistant polyester Recommended for Lintec Wincos UV printable and solvent printable films Product Info	X

*Contact your Quality sales person for outdoor durability questions.

Fine Art, Giclee and Décor Art Papers

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Quality offers Fine Art, Giclee and Décor Art papers for Aqueous and Latex printers. These high quality, high resolution media options match or exceeds OEM paper standards. The following options are bound to fit your needs:

Premium Matte 230gsm

Coated, high resolution, acid free photo matte paper
Available in widths 44”, 60”, 64”, 72”

Semi-Matte DP- 10mil photo paper

Micro-porous coating provides darkest blacks for photographic and giclée reproductions
Available in widths from 24”,36”,44”,50” 60” x 100’

Photo Chrome Pearl – “Metallic” paper

Glossy, pearlescent photo/ proofing paper
Patented ceramic micro-porous coating adds longevity to image
Available widths 24”, 44”, 60”x 100’ rolls

Smooth Art Cotton White 315gsm

aka “photo rag” – 100% cotton, acid free paper, bright white
Matte coating for high quality photographic and giclée reproductions
Available widths 24”,44”,60” x 50’ rolls

Smooth Art Cotton Natural 315gsm

aka “photo rag” – 100% cotton, acid free paper
Surface has matte coating and very slight silky structure
Available widths 24”,44”,60” x 50’ rolls

Velvet Art Cotton-Natural 315gsm

100% cotton, acid free paper, slightly textured matte surface
aka “etching fine art paper/ William Turner”
Available widths 24”,36”,44”, 60” x50’ rolls

Velvet Art Natural 315gsm

Like Velvet Art Cotton Natural but paper based
aka “traditional etching fine art paper”
Available widths 24”,36”,44”, 60” x 50’ rolls

Velvet Art White 285gsm

25% cotton, acid free paper
slightly textured bright white surface
aka “etching paper”
Available widths 24”, 36”, 44”, 60” x 50’ rolls

Course Art Natural 315gsm Watercolour Paper

Natural white, rough textured surface
Equivalent to traditional high quality watercolour paper
24” 44”,54” 60” x 50’ rolls

Décor Watercolour Paper 245gsm

Acid free, rough texture
Bright white matte surface, economical
Available widths 24”,36”,44” 60”

Quality Poly Cotton Canvas

17mil/365gsm, bright, matte white, 35%/65%
Available widths 24”,36”,44”,60”

Additional Information:

Delivery 2-3 days
Samples available
Suggested print settings and custom profiles available upon request
Please contact you Quality salesperson for more product information

Graphics for Winter Applications

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 05:00:00 +0000

The winter season brings challenges when installing graphics outdoors on windows, sidewalks, and other surfaces. Most pressure sensitive films have a minimum application temperature of 50°F. Here are some solutions that could be a better fit as temperatures begin to drop:

Walls and Sidewalks

PanoRama Walk & Wall

Application temperature: 25°F

Specs

Exterior Windows

PanoRama X-Treme Film

Application temperature: 5°F

Specs

Exterior Window Perforated Film

PanoRama Innova Ice

Coming mid-February 2021
Application temperature: 5°F

Coming Soon!

The other option for perforated window films in the winter is to install an inside mounted product. Here are two products from Continental Grafix:

Windows - Interior Perforated Film

PanoRama Film and PanoRama Tape

Eco Solvent, Latex, and UV printable
Perfect for interior applications

Specs

PanoRama Innova Clear Perforated Film

UV printable
Perfect for interior applications

Specs

Quality Media Blog

Smart Strategies for Soft Signage

1. Choose the Right Product for the Application

Fabric Choice Matters

2. Optimize Printer Scheduling and Workflow

3. Make Finishing Faster and More Consistent

4. Set Clear Expectations Before Jobs Hit Production

5. Develop a Versatile, Well-Documented Team

Why Winter Installs Fail (and How to Prevent Them)

Temperature Is More Important Than You Think

Moisture and Condensation Can Cause Hidden Failures

Material Acclimation Is Critical

Tools and Technique Matter Even More in Winter

Planning Ahead Prevents Costly Mistakes

'Tis the Season - Cold Weather Media That Delivers Every Time

Get Ready for the Cold — and the Holidays

Keep Projects Moving — and Spirits High — All Winter Long

Introducing Bondi Sands - A New 20 oz. Vinyl Textured Wallcovering Product

A Guide to Quality’s Cast Adhesive Backed Vinyl and Laminating Films

Step One – Selecting the Print Media

Painted walls | Painted brick and block walls

DuraVinyl 702 – 2 Mil Cast

Rough Surfaces | Unpainted brick or block walls | Building Wraps | Decals

DuraVinyl 704 – 2 Mil Cast

Vehicle Wraps | Fleet Graphics

DuraVinyl 706 – 2 Mil Cast

Step 2 - Selecting Cast Laminate

Matte (ultra matte)

Lustre

Gloss

Gloss Plus (optically clear)

Confused about what products are Earth-Friendly?

Quality offers a full line of sustainable or earth-friendly products with one or more of the following properties:

1. Manufactured from PCW (Post-Consumer Waste)

There are typically questions regarding recycling media with ink on it, therefore we believe a product made of post-consumer waste is the most certain way to impact a sustainability effort.

2. Recyclable

3. PVC-Free

PVC products emit harmful byproducts. Papers, Polyester and Polypropylene do not contain PVC elements. PVC is the most environmentally damaging plastic. The PVC lifecycle -- its production, use, and disposal -- results in the release of toxic, chlorine-based chemicals.

4. FSC Certified

These products meet the Forest Stewardship Council standards for sustainable and environmentally responsible forest management.

5. LEEDs Certified

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design organization certifies that the building materials used, meet a green building credit rating system. The more LEEDs credits, the higher the building efficiency.

Looking for the longest lasting indoor floor graphic solution?

Jessup 23mil Heavy Duty Vinyl Overlam

Quality's Shorter Term Floor Graphic Solutions

One Step Solutions

Economical Two Step Solutions

Optically Clear Window Films, Adhesives & Laminates

Window Films

Catalina Opti-Cling Clear Static Cling

8 mil Vinyl for retail, restaurant windows. Adheres to smooth surfaces

X

X

X

X

Quality EZ Cling Clear 4 Mil

4mil polyester film- non-PVC

Ultra low tack adhesive for

easy install/ removal

Can be recycled- #1

X

X

X

X

DuraVinyl 263-CL

3.5m vinyl- easier to apply than

optically clear cast films

Removable “wet apply” adhesive

Inexpensive

X

X

X

X

X

Lintec E-1000 Eco Solvent Films

2mil coated polyester film- non-PVC

Application- decorating windows with

architectural graphics

Permanent or removable adhesive

Requires Protect Gloss laminate