Materials for display walls: a complete guide
Materials for display walls: a complete guide
Modern display walls have moved away from heavy PVC panels to light, flexible polyester fabrics. Fabric looks better and is much easier to transport. The substrate you choose determines how evenly the graphic tensions and how saturated the colours are, and that shows in your brand image.
Materials: Display Stretch or Blackout?
In most fabric systems the standard is Display Stretch (230-260 g/m²). It is a very elastic fabric. Stretched over an aluminium frame it becomes smooth, and creases from transport disappear.
When the graphic must not let light through, fabrics of the following type are used: Blackout (Blackback). They have a black layer on the inside that completely blocks light passing through the graphic. This is essential when the wall stands with its back to a window or strong trade show spotlights.
Stand structure: straight and curved walls
The shape of the wall determines the layout of the space. Straight walls can be combined into long advertising runs, while curved walls create a sense of depth and naturally define a meeting area on the stand.
| Feature | Straight wall | Curved wall |
|---|---|---|
| Advantages | Saves space, easy to join into long walls, classic look. | 3D effect, high inherent stability, modern, dynamic look. |
| Disadvantages | Needs stabilising feet at large sizes. | The curve radius takes up more depth on the stand. |
| Mounting | Intuitive, snap-together tubes, quick tensioning. | Needs precise tensioning of the fabric over the curved frame. |
Technology and safety: dye sublimation and B1 certification
The most durable method of printing graphics on fabric is dye-sublimation print. The process involves the dye chemically penetrating the polyester structure under high temperature, which makes the print odourless, eco-friendly and abrasion-resistant. Professional fabrics have B1 flame-retardant certification, which most European exhibition halls require.
Use and care: how do you look after the print?
- Assembly: Always fit the graphic on a clean surface. Tension the fabric evenly, starting from the top corners of the frame.
- Washing: Polyester fabrics can be washed at up to 20°C with mild detergents. Don't use bleach or strong stain removers.
- Ironing: Most creases disappear on their own once stretched over the frame. Remove stubborn wrinkles with a hand steamer.
- Storage: Never fold damp material. Store the graphic print side in, in a dry, dark place, ideally in a transport bag.
Modularity and cost-effectiveness
A big advantage of fabric systems is their modularity. An aluminium frame, once bought, can serve for years, and refreshing a campaign only costs a new print. It's a cheaper and more eco-friendly solution: less waste and a smaller carbon footprint than transporting heavy structures.
Fabric walls from Maxi Expo
See the professional display systems available from Maxi Expo and choose a solution that fits your needs.
Straight fabric walls
Curved fabric walls
