FLOOR DECALS

Let’s face it, advertising within your own store or business can be a challenge. You don’t want to overload your customers with marketing, as it may make them feel unwelcome. Traditional signs like a-frames and wall-mounted graphics can take up a lot of space and make your business look cluttered. Certain types of signs can have limited uses and design options. If three-dimensional signage won’t cut it for your needs, floor advertising decals are an excellent choice.

As your customers check their phones, they are already looking down.

Floor decals for businesses look great on their own or to complement posters or signs you already have. They’re suitable for indoor and outdoor use, completely customizable and cost-efficient. Vinyl graphics will allow you to improve displays, create a better shopping environment and make use of open floor space.

WHAT ARE FLOOR DECALS?

When most businesses consider how they want to advertise their brand or a product, they don’t immediately think to use the floor. They may not even think to use it at all. But adding advertising to the floor is an excellent use of space. Placing graphics on the ground in strategic places is creative, original and connects with the consumer’s shopping experience.

Floor decals like large stickers. They are made of printed vinyl, which consists of three main layers. The base layer is a flexible substrate, which holds the printed design you want. On top of that, there is an anti-skid laminate coating, also referred to as a matte mask. It provides a non-slip surface and added durability, keeping your design from getting scratched, scraped and discolored. The third layer is the strong adhesive that attaches the graphic to your floor surface.

The rest depends on your branding. You can customize floor decals with any shape, color, text, image or graphic, making your options limitless. Placement should be based on your design choices and intent for the decals. You can create lines for the customer to follow, put some added attention into a display or scatter them throughout your business. They’re also perfect for showing off logos, mission statements, business values and any other kind of public relations media.

TYPES OF FLOOR DECALS

Floor decals are one of the most customizable types of signage. You can choose any size, shape, color or print you want, making them versatile and applicable to many uses. However, there are different types of vinyl for indoor and outdoor uses. They adhere to different kinds of flooring, and you’ll typically be working with several varieties of surfaces, especially if you decide to place any outside.

Here are the differences between the two varieties of custom vinyl floor decals:

1. INDOOR

Indoor vinyl graphics are the more common form of decal. They adhere to many different types of flooring, making them applicable almost anywhere.

Before you can apply a vinyl floor decal, you have to make sure the surface is prepared properly. The area needs to be clean, dry and free from any recent treatments. If your maintenance crews polish or wax your floors before applying the decal, it may not affix correctly. While you should clean the floors, refrain from applying any treatments for at least 24 to 48 hours before affixing the graphic.

Ideally, your surface should be as smooth and even as possible. The best bases for indoor floor decals are vinyl, tile and hardwood. You can also apply concrete floor stickers, although it may be slightly more difficult. Here are a few steps to help with the application:

• Choose your placement carefully: There are a few different ideal placements for each flooring type. If you’re laying wood floor decals, pay close attention to the end joints, as applying the vinyl over joints can result in puckering and a bumpy graphic. Vinyl and tile have similar issues. When laying a decal, be sure to leave at least half an inch of distance from the edges of tiles and grout lines. These spaces can create air bubbles under the vinyl and reduce the longevity of the decal.
• Use the right tools: Squeegees are essential tools for laying vinyl graphics. Trying to smooth out a decal with your hands or the wrong tool will result in trapped air bubbles. Using a squeegee to press the decal down will provide the even pressure necessary for proper application and push out any air.
• Let it set: Every type of vinyl graphic needs time to set before you can walk on it or clean the floor. You need to leave it undisturbed for at least eight hours for small and 24 hours for large floor decals. This will ensure it’s completely affixed and won’t move around.

2. OUTDOOR

Decals meant for the outdoors need to be more durable enough to stand up to various elements. From exposure to the weather to heavy foot traffic, outdoor graphics are meant to last, even with natural wear and tear.

The two most common outdoor graphics are floor decals for concrete and asphalt. They apply well on sidewalks outside of storefronts and in parking lots. Similar to the indoor variety, you need to prepare the surface before trying to adhere the vinyl to it. Inspect the ground for any major bumps, cracks or unevenness. If you find any in your intended application surface, you should shift the decal elsewhere or fill in the gaps. Placing vinyl over open cracks will prevent it from adhering properly and cause it to peel.

When you’re applying an outdoor floor decal, remember to:

• Choose the right laminate: Without the proper laminate, vinyl can create a slick surface, especially outdoors. Rain or snow can make graphics in doorways, parking lots and on sidewalks particularly dangerous. All outdoor decals in places bound to have foot traffic should have an anti-slip, skid-resistant laminate layer. For added assurance, you can also opt for matte laminate. A matte layer will help create a safer surface as well as bolster the strength of your graphic in the elements.
• Check for moisture spots: Cracks, holes and any other kinds of gaps in your outdoor surface will collect condensation. Applying a graphic over any gaps will ruin the adhesive and cause the vinyl to peel relatively quickly. If you’re set on an area that has observable cracks or holes, fill them in and allow your patches to dry. Once the filler sets, you can lay your decal without worrying about moisture.
• Keep temperature changes in mind: Most newer sidewalks and driveways have relief channels for temperature fluctuation. These features are essential to long-lasting concrete and asphalt surfaces. They prevent cracking and shifting as the seasons and temperatures change. When you’re placing a vinyl graphic, be mindful of these channels. Be sure not to place a decal over them, as obstruction can cause the surface to crack or move.

THE BENEFITS OF CUSTOM FLOOR DECALS

Consumers see ads everywhere they go. With the amount of marketing media people are exposed to daily, customers are used to the typical forms of advertising. Their eyes might even skip right over the traditional wall signs, especially if they’re unoriginal or don’t demand their attention. Floor decals, however, occupy a more surprising space that’s always in the customer’s line of vision. The more creative they are, the more they’ll catch the eye.

If you use them in a smart way, floor decals can be an effective form of advertising for your business. But beyond their attention-grabbing nature, vinyl floor graphics have several other advantages to consider, including:

1. FLEXIBLE DESIGN

Whether you want something fun and colorful or professional and brand cohesive, floor graphics are completely customizable. You can create a design that best fits your needs, including the shape, size, color and printed text, graphics and images. Unite their look to your existing branding with:

• Mascots or branding figures: Adding your business mascot will make the decals cohesive with your brand and remind the customer of the image associated with your products. It’s especially helpful in stores geared towards children, as they’ll be attracted to a friendly, recognizable face. Using your mascot can also pique a potential customer’s interest if you use the decal outside your business or in a trade show setting.
• Patterns or interesting shapes: While the placement on the floor is already enough to pique a customer’s interest, you can create an even more noticeable decal by designing it with patterns and shapes. Geometric patterns can make it look stylish or futuristic. Include shapes that match your products, such as dog bones for a pet supplies store. You can make the entire shape of the decal relevant as well, rather than using the typical formats like circles or squares.
• Printed textures: If you want a more classic look, you can add the textures of flooring materials to the printed graphic. You can make the decals look like marble, brick, masonry, wood grain or many other options. Adding the appearance of a particular texture is also an excellent way to accentuate your products. For example, if you run a sporting goods store, you can make the decals look like the texture of a basketball or football.
• Logos, slogans and taglines: Floor logo decals are a great way to remind customers of your company’s style and values. Using text and images that customers already associate with your business will help reinforce your branding. However, customers should be able to read the text or recognize the logo as they’re walking, so keep size and clarity in mind. If a customer gets the point quickly, they’re more likely to respond to the decal.
• Product images: By adding images of specific products to your floor decals, you can grab the customer’s interest. In a store setting, the images will help point customers to the item itself. If you place the decal outside your business or on the floor of a trade show, it lets the potential consumer know what your business involves before they even reach your front doors or exhibit.

The design of a floor graphic is completely customizable for your uses, and you can create different graphics for special events. Temporary floor decals allow you to customize a space for a shorter amount of time, so you can advertise a sale or event. You can also change them with the seasons, giving your business a new decor and appealing to the customer.

2. EFFECTIVE BRANDING

Branding your space is an essential part of connecting with your customers. Every open wall or floor of your business is an opportunity to incorporate branding and marketing. But you shouldn’t be focused solely on selling merchandise and pushing services. You have to appeal to the customer as a person, and that’s where your company’s brand design comes in.

Floor decals are a part of the current movement in marketing and interior style called experiential design. Companies use experiential design to create engaging spaces for customers. It involves merging technology, visual arts and psychology to connect an environment to individuals. It also means using all the available physical space to create a cohesive ambiance. The more connected your customers feel to your brand, the more comfortable they’ll be.

To make the most of your space, you can place vinyl decals:

• In your building’s lobby or entryway
• Throughout hallways and rooms with heavy foot traffic
• In aisles or display areas
• In lines to direct customers to a specific product or service
• Outside your building’s doors to draw customers in

They’re also helpful additions to trade show display booths. You can place them outside of your exhibit to lead customers to you or inside the booth to create an engaging environment. Either way, you’re making the most of empty space and using branding to your advantage.

3. COST AND SPACIAL EFFICIENCY

As far as signs and marketing materials go, there is a broad variation in price. Depending on the size, materials and design you choose, signs can take up a significant portion of your budget. Floor decals are an excellent alternative to more expensive signage or a cost-efficient addition to a preexisting setup.

Vinyl floor graphics are relatively inexpensive and will last a long time if you apply them correctly. They require no maintenance — just clean the floors as you did before applying the decals. Their low cost makes them perfect for permanent and temporary uses. Whether you intend to leave them on until they peel or just need additional decor for a special sale or season, floor decals can save you money.

They’ll also help you save space. There’s no need to clutter your walls and ceilings with signs. Floors are huge blank canvasses for advertising, and since vinyl lays completely flat, it doesn’t need specific placement like three-dimensional signs would. They won’t cause any obstructions or get in your customers’ way, but still provide a method of advertising that stays within their line of vision. With the design versatility of vinyl, you can create decals as large or as numerous as you want without taking up any space.

4. WAYFINDING

Floor decals can serve as more than decoration or branding. You can also use them to provide customers with directions or draw them towards certain parts of your business. Strategically placing graphics along floors and walkways can help create traffic control and prevent obstructions in busy areas.

Wayfinding floor decals are great for many kinds of businesses, including:

• Retail stores: Traffic control is important in retail stores, as it helps keep walking lanes clear of blockages as customers move about. It can also keep crowds from forming in popular areas of the store and ensure your checkout area operates smoothly.
• Malls and outlets: In buildings that house many retail stores close together, you can place outdoor floor graphics in front of your doors. It’ll help customers quickly identify your shop, even if they’re walking too close to see a storefront sign. An interesting decal can also make your business stand out in a busy mall, where the fronts of most stores appear similar.
• Supermarkets: Grocery stores are filled with aisles, all densely packed with products. For those who aren’t familiar with a certain store, signs are essential for finding items quickly and without confusion. While many stores opt for hanging signs, you can complement or completely replace them with directional floor decals. They’ll help keep shoppers moving, avoiding backups in aisles and walkways. They’re also easier to see than high hanging signs.
• Offices: Some offices can be challenging to navigate, particularly for visitors or those new to the building. Using floor decals to mark significant rooms or give directions is a great way to make guests and employees more welcome.
• Warehouses: Navigating around a warehouse can be a challenge, especially if you’re operating heavy machinery or lift vehicles. In many cases, providing marked lanes designated for vehicles is essential for safety. Floor decals are perfect for creating visible lanes, allowing equipment operators plenty of space while warning others to watch their step.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR VINYL FLOOR DECALS WITH SPEEDPRO

Using vinyl floor decals will help you save money while allowing you to get the exact design you want. But you also need to be sure you choose a trustworthy sign company to help. SpeedPro’s professional team will assist you through the process, from the beginning design steps to the application. We provide fast turnaround times on vinyl graphics, so you can enjoy their benefits faster.

With our nationwide network of studios, we can tackle any project, even in time-sensitive situations. We’ll even match your company’s colors, style, designs and logos to your decals to ensure cohesive branding throughout your store. Our team is attentive to every detail, providing you with the best possible design while meeting your specifications.

At SpeedPro, our team approaches every job and every client with a sense of urgency, working diligently to learn about client needs and produce a display graphic product that matches those requirements. To learn more about our products or request a free quote for your custom floor decals, contact us today.