Brick wall wrap project - need advice...

[FatCat]

Have a project where I need to wrap a mural on a brick wall of a Pizza shop downtown. Not quite sure on the final size - but will probably be a couple hundred square feet.

Anyway, the particulars are;
- the wrap is only permitted for 90 days - but I don't want to risk using junk and have to mess with it for 3 months to keep it stuck.
- the brick is very rough with rough mortar joints - not bad brick, just the type of brick our town uses for most of the buildings.
- I haven't installed a brick wall yet, so do I really need the 3M foam tools, or can I make do without or using something else instead? (rollepro)
- Lastly, do I need to laminate to aid in install - I figure the solvent ink won't fade in 90 days...

Would appreciate feedback from those who have done this on best materials and install tips.

Thank you!

 

[SqueeGee]

I've never done one for a client but got the opportunity to do several while going through 3M's training in St. Paul two weeks ago. You've got to have a heat gun that runs at 1,000 degrees. With that said, my sense is that the 3M rollers are designed to handle high heat.

 

[petepaz]

i have installed arlon PDF8000 on cinder block wall with no problems. not as big as what you are planing and probably not as rough a surface. shouldn't be a problem sticking. i just used a felt squeegee for my install but i would imagine the 3M tools would work better. i would laminate for two reasons one usually laminated vinyl is easier to handle and work with (for me at least) and two because it will strengthen the vinyl (less chance of ripping or tearing while installing)

 

[FatCat]

I appreciate the responses so far.

*Squeegee - I tried to message you but your inbox is totally full...


In short, I just don't want to do something half assed, or risk messing up because this will be at the main intersection in town and will be seen by hundreds of people every day. Also, I want to make sure when it comes time to remove, that it comes up without damaging the brick.

The Arlon DPF 8000 looks pretty good for the money. The 3M and Mactac RoughRap materials are pretty pricey in comparison. Anyone ever seen any discoloration or damage caused by removing one of these wrap murals on a brick wall? Again, just trying to cover all my bases...

 

[MikePro]

arlon DPF 8000 will stick great, but it won't conform to the mortar lines.

 

[petepaz]

arlon DPF 8000 will stick great, but it won't conform to the mortar lines.

it worked ok on the cinder block mortar line but probably not as deep as on the brick.

how soon do you have to do the job? maybe you should get a sample from arlon and do some tests of your on in the area you will have to put the graphic or someplace with a similar structure.

 

[eahicks]

I've used the 8624 without Lam and worked fine, for a temporary job as well. Heat and rollers.

 

[Jacob]

Make sure you use the correct lam. I wrapped a wall and used a laminate that the supplier assured me was correct. long story shot the material would not stay in the mortar joints.

As for the wrap tools we found that a cloth glove works the best.

 

[ProColorGraphics]

You'll definitely at least want the ~6" wide roller tool. A Rolle Pro would take forever! Heating it is just a slow process.

 

[Mr. Sign Pro]

I did a few brick/block wraps last year. Here is the thread just for reference.

http://www.signs101.com/forums/showthread.php?103531-Brick-Wall-Mural/page2

I ended up using 3M 480Cv3. We laminated it with the matching lam as well. It worked perfectly. Its pretty expensive material but is super easy to install. It would not doubt last the timeframe you are needing. I would definitely suggest buying a heat/roller tool. I bit the bullet before my installs and bought the 3M TSA-4 which was about $350 from Lowen. It is totally overpriced but does make a huge difference during installation. The key to the roller tools is that the heat softens the material right before the roller goes over to set the vinyl into the texture of the brick. Attached are 2 pictures. Once picture is of the 3M cradle roller. The other is a roller tool that GeekWraps offers. If I were buying again I would buy the GeekWraps tool. It looks a lot nicer and more substantial. It also looks like it covers a much wider swath than the 3M tool which would substantially cut down install time.

 

[Christian @ 2CT Media]

If you can print it I'd recommend 3M 480cv3 as others have mentioned follow closely by the new alumigraphics smooth.

The Alumigraphics is a aluminum based material that is highly conformable and very durable for exterior use.

Also the conformable version of ARLON DPF8000 is the DPF6700 cast, it's the same adhesive just in a cast form.

 

[knucklehead]

This may be dumb question, but if it's only going to be temp. for 90 days, why would one want it to conform to the brick and mortar lines? Other than the astectics?, why not just make sure it has good adhesion on the perimeter, and stretched taught? Unless, the 90 days, is going to turn into two years, or something.

 

[thesignexpert]

3M 480cv3 and DEFINITELY laminate it. I have a couple sets of the nice 3M roller handle tools with the mega hot heat guns if you want to borrow one. Just buzz me at the shop.

 

[mnapuran]

Look at AlumiGraphics.... Impressive stuff, and WAY easier to install -- www.alumigraphics.com

 

[GaSouthpaw]

Not sure of the manufacturer, but there's a product one of my suppliers has that doesn't require lamination and (they say) will come off clean with a pressure washer. If you'd like me to check the info Monday when I'm back in the office, send me a message and I'll let you know what it is.

 

[Desert_Signs]

Look at AlumiGraphics.... Impressive stuff, and WAY easier to install -- www.alumigraphics.com

Alumagraphics is great stuff. However, the removal might be difficult for such a short term project. It's not like vinyl in that you can heat it and "stretch" it off.