Silicone edge graphics are everywhere. You’ll spot them in retail stores, trade shows, events, airports and even in home decor. These fabric displays have changed the way brands present visuals, making signage large, impactful and easy to update.
SEG fabric is a popular choice for its smooth, frameless appearance and easy installation. It is paired with SEG fabric frames and lightboxes, a type of tension fabric display frame, giving brands a clean and modern look with minimal hassle. Better yet, the graphics are interchangeable, making it simple to refresh your look without replacing the entire setup.
In this blog, we’ll break down how to take care of your SEG fabric graphics, including how to wash, store and install them correctly.
Image 1: SEG fabric lightbox installed in front entryway of The North Face retail store. Image 2: Custom circular-shaped wall-mounted SEG fabric lightboxes installed at a biology lab.
What Is SEG Fabric?
SEG stands for silicone edge graphics. It’s a type of fabric print with a thin silicone strip sewn around the edge. That strip tucks neatly into the groove of an SEG fabric frame or lightbox, pulling the fabric tight to create a smooth, upscale-looking display.
There are two main types of SEG fabric displays: non-lit and backlit. Non-lit SEG displays use an SEG frame, or a type of tension fabric display frame, with no backlighting. These are great for spaces that already have good lighting or where a subtle look is preferred. Backlit SEG fabric displays, on the other hand, use an SEG lightbox. These have LED lights behind the SEG backlit fabric, making colors pop and creating attention-grabbing retail store signage.
When it comes to printing on SEG fabric, you’ll typically see two methods: dye-sublimation and UV printing. Dye-sublimation uses heat to transfer ink into the fabric, resulting in soft, washable graphics. UV printing sits on top of the fabric, which is can be better for more detailed prints, depending on the application. Learn more about dye-sublimation vs. UV printing here.
Can You Wash SEG Fabric?
Yes! Dye-sublimated SEG fabric can be machine washed, while UV printed fabric can only be spot cleaned. For dye-sublimated prints, you can machine wash the fabric on a delicate cycle with cold water. Use a gentle detergent, such as Woolite. After washing, tumble dry on low heat using the delicate setting. If needed, dry cleaning is also an option.
Once installed, most wrinkles will disappear within a day as the fabric is stretched across the frame. You can also use a fabric steamer to release any stubborn wrinkles. Do NOT iron SEG fabric.
UV printed SEG fabric can’t be machine-washed. Instead, use a damp cloth and a small amount of clear mild soap to spot clean gently. Avoid scrubbing or soaking the fabric.
How to Store SEG Fabric Graphics
To take the graphic out of the frame or lightbox, start by pulling the tab usually found in the bottom right corner. If there’s no tab, pop one of the corners out from the back or loosen a corner and work your way around. Once removed, roll the graphic loosely to prevent deep wrinkles. For larger graphics that won’t roll easily, fold them gently and avoid sharp creases.
Installing SEG Graphics
Installing SEG fabric is a quick and easy process. Start by folding a corner edge so the silicone points down and the fabric wraps over. Insert the silicone strip into the frame’s corner groove. Then, move to the opposite diagonal corner and insert that one too. Repeat this for the other two corners.
Next, insert the silicone beading into the middle sections on all four sides. Finally, work from the midpoints toward the corners until the full edge is in. The last side will feel tighter, which is what creates the tension for a clean display. See our full visual guide here.
Image 1: Large non-lit SEG fabric graphics mounted on the wall of University of Texas sports facility. Image 2: SEG lightboxes complete Beautyrest’s product display.
Taking good care of your SEG fabric graphics helps them last longer and look better. Now you know the right way to wash, store and install them, whether you’re working with a simple tension fabric display frame or a fully lit SEG fabric lightbox. Need SEG fabric graphics for your next interchangeable signage update? Contact 40 VISUALS for high-quality retail store signage that’s built to impress.
