Stuart Whipps If Wishes Were Thrushes, Beggars Would Eat Birds. Matt black exhibition vinyl text on wall. Installation at Dundee Contemporary Arts. Typesetting by Valerie Norris.
Introductory text displayed at the beginning of an exhibition space primes visitors for content they’re soon to see. The first impression should reflect the delivery of the exhibition.
Similarly, the execution of descriptive text presenting objects and artworks, in addition to signs guiding visitors through displays are vital for fusing the exhibition together.
With extensive experience of cutting and applying exhibition vinyl text, I ensure production is accurate.
Text size and font weights have limitations in cut vinyl. My knowledge saves galleries time and expense.
From upwards of 4mm in height, I regularly produce and install large volumes of cut vinyl text. From short term display graphics to permanent architectural refurbishments, I provide a multitude of colours and finishes.
Eve Fowler Patriarchal Poetry 2018. Digitally printed vinyl with matt laminate, cut to shape. Installation at Dundee Contemporary Arts. Photograph by Ruth Clark.
Regularly, I’m in contact with artists, designers, curators and technicians long before exhibitions open. We coordinate lead times, access equipment, and installation methods. Often, I provide samples of vinyl graphics and text.
I can also advise how to prepare digital artwork files for large format reproduction. This stage ensures your artwork is created as you envisage, practically and efficiently.
V&A Museum of Design Dundee. Christopher Kane installation. High performance vinyl on textured wall. Project curator: Kirsty Hassard.
Cut vinyl text is applied on surfaces using tacky paper. Poor paint adhesion on the surface (usually due to insufficient surface preparation or curing times), may cause the paint to peel off when the tacky paper is removed.
It’s also common for matt finish interior paints containing low VOC (volatile organic compounds) to repel matt finish adhesive vinyls – especially on plasterboard. Therefore, it’s wise to test adhesive strength of vinyl on rough or textured walls and newly painted surfaces before confirming your order.
Specialty vinyl text and graphics can be applied to stone surfaces like concrete. A heat tool is used to bond this category of vinyl onto rough, uneven, and porous surfaces. Wet primer coatings are occasionally applied to increase the vinyl’s bond.
Caution is recommended when choosing ultra high bond vinyl films for temporary installations, as well as applications on or around sensitive surfaces.
V&A Museum of Design Dundee: Scottish Design Relay exhibition. Fluorescent and matt grey vinyl on plasterboard wall and varnished birch plywood.
Project curator: Dr. Mhairi Maxwell. Design consultants: the design kollektiv Graphic designer: Kirsten Ambrogi.
Matt finish cut vinyl is most common for exhibition graphics as it helps diffuse reflection of light. Matt finish also appears more subtle (and arguably, more legible) than high gloss vinyl.
Digitally printed images are also common. Graphics can be cut to shape or tiled for large displays. An ever increasing range of vinyl is available. Understanding their properties is essential for their success, duration, and removal.
I can advise which material is suitable for your project and provide technical specifications for fire ratings, floor graphics slip ratings and exterior longevity.
Hand lettering is occasionally sought after for exhibitions too. You can read about hand lettering here and contact me for more information.
Cut out letters and shapes are also available in a variety of substrates such as acrylic, alloys, and wood. These options increase the choice of colours and finishes, as well as add dimension to your display.
Philip Colbert: The Death of Marat and the Birth of the Lobster. Digitally printed vinyl wall coverings. Installation at Wardlaw Museum, St Andrews. Curator: Claire Robinson.
Large format graphics will change the appearance of gallery spaces with every new show. Walls, floors and temporary partitions can be altered and integrated into each new exhibition.
Upon removal of the graphics, the surface is ready for replacements or a surface re-paint if necessary.
Johanna Basford Wonderlands. Matt black vinyl on wall. Installation at Dundee Contemporary Arts.
Thinking of your next exhibition? Get in touch to discuss.