Question install cut vinyl on elevator door

[bigben]

Hi, I've got a project that require cut vinyl to be installed on a wall and there is a partial part that go on an elevator door. The pieces are two ''L'' 36in high X 20in long on the top part of the door. Is there any upcoming problem with the doors open and close that could catch the vinyl? Does anyone have experience with this?

Thanks.

 

[GaSouthpaw]

I would think you won't have a problem- the doors usually have a gap for clearance where they slide into the walls.

 

[ams]

I am pretty sure the Fire Dept will give them a violation for having it on the doors.

EDIT: Maybe not, don't know. I've just never seen anything on an elevator exterior door. My fire chief friend said he isn't sure. It's worth asking about before printing.

 

[GaSouthpaw]

I am pretty sure the Fire Dept will give them a violation for having it on the doors.

EDIT: Maybe not, don't know. I've just never seen anything on an elevator exterior door. My fire chief friend said he isn't sure. It's worth asking about before printing.

You see decorated doors in parking decks all the time. But, I'd agree about asking before hand!

 

[bigben]

I am pretty sure the Fire Dept will give them a violation for having it on the doors.

EDIT: Maybe not, don't know. I've just never seen anything on an elevator exterior door. My fire chief friend said he isn't sure. It's worth asking about before printing.

I've just called the urbanism service at the city hall and there is no problem as long it doesn't interfere with the door mechanism. So that is one good news. Now is there anyone that actually did cut vinyl to have a real world experience?

 

[ikarasu]

I don't think you'll find the answer you're looking for. Every elevator is different... There could be enough clearance, or there could not be. I'd say 90% of the time there should be... I've seen paper signs, even cardboard signs taped to them and work. Never vinyl.. but vinyl should also work.

But as I said.. every elevator is different. grab a piece of vinyl, put it on the door, open it a few times... and you'll have your answer. Doors shift as they age and the building settles. There should always be enough clearance, otherwise the doors would be scratching themselves. I've seen an old apartment building that wasnt maintained, and the elevator scraped everytime it opened. But that was a really extreme case. if they did proper maintenance / following the code, you shouldn't have a problem.

The only issue I forsee is if you use cheap vinyl, (Not saying you do!) and it starts to lift at the corners, then it'll likely get caught onto something while opening and peel off.

 

[bigben]

I don't think you'll find the answer you're looking for. Every elevator is different... There could be enough clearance, or there could not be. I'd say 90% of the time there should be... I've seen paper signs, even cardboard signs taped to them and work. Never vinyl.. but vinyl should also work.

But as I said.. every elevator is different. grab a piece of vinyl, put it on the door, open it a few times... and you'll have your answer. Doors shift as they age and the building settles. There should always be enough clearance, otherwise the doors would be scratching themselves. I've seen an old apartment building that wasnt maintained, and the elevator scraped everytime it opened. But that was a really extreme case. if they did proper maintenance / following the code, you shouldn't have a problem.

The only issue I forsee is if you use cheap vinyl, (Not saying you do!) and it starts to lift at the corners, then it'll likely get caught onto something while opening and peel off.

Great, thanks for the feedback. The hole building is brand new. Like you've suggested, I will place a piece of vinyl and make some test.

Thank you.

 

[d fleming]

have used phototex on many elevator doors.

 

[bannertime]

We've used Orajet 3268 on elevators. The only thing I hated was the wind blowing through the cracks and making it a tad bit harder to lay.

 

[Paul Taylor]

Hi, I've got a project that require cut vinyl to be installed on a wall and there is a partial part that go on an elevator door. The pieces are two ''L'' 36in high X 20in long on the top part of the door. Is there any upcoming problem with the doors open and close that could catch the vinyl? Does anyone have experience with this?

Thanks.

Hey Bigben,
We have done it a few times and once on a dimpled surface which was a tough install. All of the elevators we have done have had plenty of clearance. We trimmed back 5mm all around from edges which stopped any lifting when people handled the doors so we had no catch points. We found the "bubblefree" vinyl laminated in matt looked best and didnt get hand prints etc on them. Im surprised more people dont use this big blank space more often, the lift doors nearly always have a captive audience staring at them every hour of the day. As far as fire goes, in the unfortunate event there is one the lift is the last place to go. I would do it & beg forgiveness later

 

[IslandSignWorks]

I am pretty sure the Fire Dept will give them a violation for having it on the doors.

EDIT: Maybe not, don't know. I've just never seen anything on an elevator exterior door. My fire chief friend said he isn't sure. It's worth asking about before printing.

I was an architect in a previous career (17 years designing hospitals and working in house as a hospital planner). The elevator companies will flip if you put any kind of stickers or graphics in on or around their doors. We had to get permission from the elevator company to renovate a cab and never was anything allowed on either side of the doors unless they approved it. The issue is that sometimes the doors go askew and can rub against the glides and rollers in the door cavity. If there's stickers all over the doors, they could come off and fetch up the rollers or guides.

 

[Gino]

I've been in lotsa elevators in my many years on this earth and long before vinyl and such, the doors were being decorated. Perhaps someone will give ya some hassle about it, but instead of you, I'd think they'll complain to the hotel, hospital or casino where it's located..... rather than you.

The more dire question would be of all the people picking at it and trying to spell new words. You might be better off with a print, then individual die-cut letters.

 

[Split76]

we do whole elevators, walls, doors, roof, with 3M dinoc.

 

[PhotoTex Group Inc.]

Photo Tex has been used on many many elevator doors over the year! Always happy to send a free sample walterjr@phototexgroup.com

 

[iARTthere4iam]

I've done loads of elevators with full prints and cut vinyl. Vandalism means lots of repeat business. only problem with install is getting elevator put on service so you can work.