7 ideal materials for silicone-edge fabric graphics
Beautiful fabric graphics for every setting
An attractive, eye-catching fabric graphic draws the attention of passers-by, potential customers and visitors. Silicone-edge fabric graphics are excellent promotional tools, widely used by businesses and organisations.
The fabric is easily tensioned into a frame, making it simple to replace. Ready for a new look in the office or launching a promotion? Just swap the fabric graphic. It is also an effective way to create the right atmosphere for a business or organisation, whether with a logo or brand on the wall or well-chosen images. Fabric graphics help define the character of a building and can make a real difference to your business too. Consider the intended use beforehand. Should the fabric transmit light or have a blockout function? Will it be used indoors or outdoors? This matters because some fabrics are suitable only for indoor use. With so many materials available, we explain the 7 options in more detail to help you make an informed choice for your application.
Benefits of window films
- An attractive promotional tool
- Foldable without loss of quality
- Washable
- Large print widths available in one piece
- Easy to change
Two printing techniques for fabric graphics
Silicone-edge fabric graphics are highly versatile and available in seven materials, with a suitable option for every application. There are a few important points to consider. Depending on the material, two printing techniques can be used: dye sublimation and UV printing. In dye sublimation, solid dyes turn into a gas that penetrates the fabric, allowing it to retain its distinctive texture after printing.
UV printing uses UV-curable inks. Exposing the ink to UV light immediately after application triggers a photochemical reaction that cures it very quickly and helps it adhere well to almost any surface.
Similarities and differences
Both printing techniques produce an attractive result and share many properties and benefits. The fabrics can be folded without affecting the print, making transport straightforward. The main difference is the maximum print width. UV printing is generally chosen for larger graphics because it allows wider prints without dividing the fabric into separate sections.
Dekostof and Decotex fabric graphics for interiors
Dekostof is the most popular material for silicone-edge fabric graphics. This polyester has a matt, bright white base. Dye-sublimation printing applies your chosen image, allowing the colours to penetrate the fibres. The fine texture also absorbs light, keeping the print clearly visible.
Dekostof (215 g/m2) is particularly easy to tension into a frame because the fabric has some stretch.
Accidentally got dirt on the fabric? Dekostof is light- and water-resistant and can be washed at a low temperature. It also has good crease recovery, so it is not easily wrinkled.
Looking for a large fabric graphic? Decotex is a suitable choice. Decotex (200 g/m2) resembles Dekostof in many ways: a supple polyester with a fine texture. However, while Dekostof has a maximum print width of 311 centimetres, Decotex can be UV printed up to 496 centimetres wide. Like Dekostof, it has a little stretch, making it easy to tension into a frame.
Structex: fabric graphics for outdoor use
Structex is also polyester, but at 250 g/m2 it is heavier than the two materials mentioned above. While Dekostof and Decotex are only suitable indoors, this textured fabric can be used both indoors and outdoors. Structex has an attractive, natural look and also offers a degree of sound absorption.
We can also make attractive decorative cushions from Structex. Printed with your brand, logo or atmospheric images, they are eye-catching additions to your interior. The cushions are dye-sublimation printed for a high-quality result.
Samba Backlit for illuminated indoor and outdoor graphics
Samba Backlit brings illuminated graphics to life. Its balance of price and quality makes it an excellent solution for illuminated displays. This polyester (195 g/m2), with its natural textile look, receives a 200% full-colour UV print. When the fabric is lit, it produces vivid colours that show your message to great effect.
The benefits do not stop there. Samba Backlit is crease-free, and its special lotus effect makes it dirt- and water-repellent, making it suitable for outdoor use too. Need an extra-large display? It can be printed in 1 piece up to 496 centimetres wide. Bring your large illuminated advertising to life with Samba Backlit fabric.
Blackback Soft and XL fabric graphics
Need to prevent any sunlight or artificial light from passing through your fabric graphic? Choose Blackback material. As the name suggests, this polyester has a black blockout reverse (PU coating) that blocks light. The front has a fine, matt texture with a natural appearance. Blackback Soft (260 g/m²) is dye-sublimation printed and can be printed in one piece up to 310 centimetres wide. For a larger light-blocking graphic, choose Blackback XL (260 g/m²), which is UV printed with a maximum print width of 496 centimetres. As well as fabric frames, Blackback can be used in fabric lightboxes where light must be blocked on one side.
Fire-retardant Theater fabric graphics for indoor and outdoor use
Finally, there is Theater fabric (290 g/m²). This 100% polyester fabric has an elegant, matt appearance and is opaque thanks to its black blockout middle layer. Unlike Blackback fabrics, its reverse is white. This dense, thick material is fire-retardant and suitable for indoor and outdoor use in public spaces.
Extra stabilisers are often used in XL fabric frames, but they should not show through the print. Theater fabric avoids this: the black blockout middle layer prevents the stabilisers from being visible on the printed side.
Making your choice
There is a wide choice of materials for your fabric graphic. We hope this blog has clarified the properties and benefits of all seven materials. Any questions? Please email us or call 0165-534026.
You can also find more information about the benefits of silicone-edge fabric graphics and fabric frames, along with our additional offer: