In the fast-paced world of education, it’s easy to overlook the importance of a school’s learning environment and physical spaces. The look and feel of elementary, middle and high school facilities can have a significant impact on student learning, morale and engagement with the community.
Grand Haven Christian School has been in the local community for 70 years and educates students from preschool all the way through 8th grade. With renovations creating a refreshed learning environment for the 2023-24 school year, the school was looking to add life to its blank office walls, specifically the 11’ x 9’ wall located right behind the front desk.
Producing Grapics for School Signage
To fill the blank wall, we printed a 5’ x 5’ contour-cut vinyl of the school’s logo. The dimensions of the vinyl were large enough to make an impactful statement without overwhelming the space. We used a high-tack removable adhesive vinyl wall covering media for this project as it could be removed at a later date without damaging the wall. The print started as two vinyl sheets, about 5’ wide and 2.5’ tall, printed on from edge to edge with the school’s signature teal color, then contour cut in the shape of the school’s logo. The last part of the production process involved weeding and masking the contour-cut vinyl.
Weeding in vinyl printing refers to the process of removing excess material around the cut lines. With the intricate shapes of the small letters, this process required specialized tools and a steady hand to remove the negative areas of the vinyl without damaging the vinyl. After the negative areas of the vinyl were removed, the clear masking tape was placed on the front side of the graphic and smoothed out to fully adhere to the vinyl using a squeegee. Masking tape is required for the installation of contour-cut graphics.
Installing Wall Vinyl for Schools
Installation took a team of two professionals about an hour and a half to prep the surface, align the vinyl and adhere it to the wall. Because the graphic was divided into two separate panels, installation required additional precision to ensure the proper alignment of the panels and wall placement. First, the wall was cleaned to prepare the surface, removing any surface dirt and dust. The vinyl was then taped to the wall with the transfer tape and liner backing still attached to find the perfect placement, marking the location of the graphic. The liner backing was then slowly removed to expose the sticky side of the vinyl, which was adhered to the wall using a squeegee. Lastly, the clear masking tape was removed from the vinyl to complete the installation and then the process was repeated for the top panel. The final result was more than just a logo on a wall, it was a great example of how signage in schools can make a learning environment feel complete and represent the school’s values.
The Importance of Great School Signage Design
Beyond this specific project, it’s worth noting the broader importance of school signage. Schools recognize the significance of signage for school buildings to create a strong sense of community, identity and spirit. This is especially important in today’s visually-driven world. High-quality, well-placed signage can:
Foster School Spirit: A proudly displayed school logo or mascot can instill a sense of pride and belonging among students, staff and visitors.
Enrich Learning: Educational signage can also serve as a learning aid. Maps, historical timelines and other informative signs can turn the school itself into a learning environment.
Boost Community Engagement: When the local community sees a school that takes pride in its appearance, it often translates to increased engagement, from higher attendance at school events to more active PTA groups.
Next Steps to Improve Your School Wall Graphics
Our project with Grand Haven Christian School was not just about putting a logo on a wall; it was about creating an environment that fosters learning and school spirit. It was about taking a blank wall and turning it into a work of art. At 40 VISUALS, we believe in the transformative power of well-designed, high-quality signage and our team of school signage printing and graphics experts is ready to help you take your educational space to the next level.
Contact Us
Transforming spaces into visual stories is our expertise. Let us revamp your school environment with signage designed for schools, creating an elevated learning environment for students and staff. Connect with our signage experts today to get started!
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