Will it hold in the cold? Selecting ideal print media for frigid climates

It is essential to use materials that can withstand the elements in areas where there are colder temperatures. Drytac

Dennis Leblanc

Every type of graphic or print application is going to present challenges. The material you use to print the graphic or how it is placed can cause problems.

Although these problems are more prevalent with external graphics applications, a core problem many companies face is the cold weather. It is difficult to ensure that an application does not fall apart in countries like Canada, which can experience very harsh winters.

You must first ensure that you use materials that can withstand freezing temperatures. You don’t want the graphic to go out of date, either partially or completely. This will mean that you have to print the entire image again and apply it again. You will lose valuable time, resources and money. This could also result in customers not repeating business.

There is also the matter of print quality and colour. As with how long sun exposure can negatively impact print quality, severe cold temperatures can also have an impact on the appearance and quality of exterior applications. These conditions are ideal for print services providers. They should look to use materials, consumables and hardware that provide superior performance.

You must also ensure graphics are removed from surfaces without causing them to freeze. This could cause annoyance with the customer and potentially leave them with an unwanted cleaning bill to remove this residue—resulting in an all-around loss.

Make your decision

Pressure-sensitive media is limited to graphic installation only in cool climates. It is therefore important that you choose a media with a temperature suitable for your environment when selecting a printing medium. The success of cold-weather applications projects depends on the combination of adhesive, film and laminate.

Creative Silhouettes designed an attractive application for a busy intersection of Toronto. This was chosen because of its extreme resistance to cold. Photo courtesy Creative Silhouettes

Action with materials

In September 2022, Toronto-based large-format print company Creative Silhouettes used Drytac’s Polar Grip white polymeric self-adhesive vinyl to create an eye-catching application at a busy intersection in the city.

Brookfield Properties and the city of Toronto approached Brookfield Properties for a piece to brighten up an outdoor area. This project had two main goals: to add colour and life to the otherwise bland, beige-colored building spaces, rather than promote a particular brand.

Creative Silhouettes carefully considered the performance of the material in extreme cold conditions like those Toronto has. High-bond adhesive allows for permanent graphics on any surface such as metals, bricks, plastics, wood, glass and other materials.

You can print this particular material using either eco-solvent (UV), latex, or latex printers. For the final print, 18.2m (60ft) high by 10.6m (35.5ft), was produced using an HP Latex R1000 printer. Now, it towers proudly over Toronto’s passersby and will continue to do this throughout the cold winter months.

“We have been using this material for the past three years in a wide range of applications,” said Giovani Pereira, project and business development manager at Creative Silhouettes. “The customers were incredibly happy with the look of the final project, as are we as a team.”