by Melissa Donovan
Print-for-pays, in-plant and reprographic houses, as well as the corporate enterprise are not common users of floor graphics, but there are floor graphic media options compatible with electrophotographic (EP)/liquid EP, toner, and inkjet equipment that targets the commercial print space.
One, Two Step
If choosing to offer narrow format digital floor graphics there are two options—one and two step.
“One- and two-step floor graphic options are both common in the industry. They each have their advantages and should be considered based on the area of use,” admits Scott Conrad, senior product manager, graphics & industrials, UPM Raflatac – Americas.
When referring to a one-step graphic, the material “has non-slip or non-skid functionality without the need for any additional treatment or layering after it is printed. These are generally textured materials that utilize special adhesives that will withstand the rigors of a floor graphic application,” explains Greg Kestler, narrow format digital product manager, General Formulations.
“The main benefits of a one-step option are cost and ease of printing. With a one-step option there is no need to purchase a separate anti-slip overlaminate. This will save in overall raw material and labor costs,” suggests Conrad. UPM Raflatac’s one-step option is Grafityp FLOORPRINT. It is a printable one-step floor graphic option with an R10 slip rating.
Conversely, two-step floor graphics include two separate pieces of media—a printable base film and a secondary laminate that both protects the print and provides that non-slip or non-skid rating.
“Two-step products tend to look better for longer as the print is encapsulated behind a laminate, where one-step products tend to scratch and discolor, and the ink is directly exposed to cleaning chemicals, abrasion, or weather,” says Kestler.
While either one- or two-step floor graphics are capable of being printed via narrow format, Kestler believes a two-step floor graphic combination is preferred.
General Formulations offers 13×19-inch and 20.5×29.5-inch stock sheets of its narrow format digital 210 Traffic Graffic 3.4-mil matte white removable floor vinyl, paired with narrow format digital 213 Traffic Graffic 3.75-mil Embossed Polypropylene Traffic Graffic Laminate in 12.75 inch by 500-foot roll format. This quick turn solution can also be used for countertop and table graphics for restaurants, retail, and learning spaces.
In Kestler’s opinion, toner and HP Indigo inks—which are commonly used in narrow format devices versus say a UV or latex ink—are not intended to stand up to the abuse of direct contact with foot traffic and should be protected with an approved floor laminate.
“A two-step option offers additional flexibility for the printers and customers. Two-step options also offer additional ink protection due to the overlaminate. This will increase the longevity of the floor graphic allowing it to maintain its image and color for a longer period,” adds Conrad.
Safety Concerns
When using media that ultimately will be adhered to the floor, specific features are non-negotiable to ensure safety. This means that not just any pressure-sensitive adhesive media can be used for a floor graphic.
“Floor graphic laminates are tested to ensure they don’t increase the risk of slip-and-fall injuries in floor applications. It’s the responsibility of print service providers to help minimize risk for end users, and selecting materials that are properly tested and certified not only supports a successful installation—it also offers important liability protection for both the print provider and the customer,” shares Kestler.
For safety reasons a floor graphic has to have an industry standard slip rating, therefore standard pressure-sensitive stock should not be used for floor graphics, according to Conrad. “The slip resistance of a floor graphic material is measured using the ‘R’ scale. This slip-resistance scale runs from R9 to R13. R9 is the lowest slip resistance and should only be used in dry areas, while R13 is the highest slip resistance and is recommended for wet and sloped areas.”
When thinking about using any random print and laminate media for a floor graphic, Kestler says that theory just doesn’t work. “These products are engineered for specific challenges, and not all materials are interchangeable. Choosing the right one is essential for performance, safety, and durability.”
Get Ready for Big Wins
If you are a commercial printer considering narrow format printed floor graphics, the benefits are paramount.
“Most floor graphics are smaller than poster size, short term, and produced in low volumes, making them a great fit for narrow format applications. You can simply feed the number of narrow format digital sheets needed into your digital press, print only what you need, and then laminate them using your narrow web laminator. From there, run them through your die cutter to complete the job. A single carton of sheets and a roll of laminate take up minimal space in your shop, offering an easy, high-margin add-on for your print customers,” states Kestler.
July2025, DPS Magazine
