Innovation in Floor Graphics
How Plastics Enable Innovation in Graphics and Printing Applications
Walk into a grocery store, a stadium, or even an airport, and there’s a good chance you’re walking right over a message — literally. Floor graphics are popping up everywhere, and it’s not just about cool designs anymore. The secret behind those bold visuals that stick to the floor (and stay there) is plastic. But not just any plastic — carefully chosen materials that are designed to handle heavy foot traffic, spills, cleaning, and even weather.
What Are Floor Graphics?
Floor graphics are large, printed designs applied directly to the ground. Think social distancing decals, promotional floor ads, trade show booth flooring, or navigational arrows in stores. They’re printed with specialty inks on pressure-sensitive materials — often plastics — that are designed to hold up without peeling or smudging.
Why Plastic Matters in Printing
Paper and cardboard just don’t cut it when you need durability. Plastic materials like PVC and polyolefin blends step in to solve that problem. These materials resist wear and tear, hold color beautifully, and are flexible enough to conform to textured surfaces like concrete or asphalt.
Which Laird Plastics Materials Work Best for Floor Graphics?
Laird Plastics offers a range of high-performance materials built specifically for floor graphics. Here are the top performers:
AlumiGraphics Grip
- Aluminum foil base with heavy-duty adhesive
- Slip-resistant, conforms to rough outdoor surfaces
- Works great on concrete, asphalt, and brick
- No overlaminate needed and clean removal
AlumiGraphics Smooth
- Ideal for wall-to-floor transitions and textured vertical surfaces
- Printable without heat; recyclable aluminum foil base
- Eco-friendly alternative to PVC
Jessup CatWalk®
- White textured vinyl with ASTM-certified slip resistance
- No laminate needed, direct print with UV, latex, or eco-solvent
- Long-lasting indoors (up to 3 years)
Walk&Wall®
- Matte PVC backed with fabric — repositionable and easy to install
- Great for tile, concrete, carpet, or stone
- Peels off cleanly after short-term use
3M Floor Graphic Films
- Engineered for high-quality printing and visual impact
- Slip-resistant and durable under foot traffic
- Pair with 3M overlaminates for extended life and protection
- Trusted brand for both indoor and short-term outdoor signage
Qualitex Floor Graphic Vinyl
- Economical solution for temporary retail promotions
- Compatible with solvent, eco-solvent, and UV printers
- Slip-resistant and easy to apply
- Available in various finishes and adhesive types
Compare Laird's Floor Graphic Materials
| Material | Best Surface | Slip Resistance | Indoor/Outdoor | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlumiGraphics Grip | Concrete, Asphalt | High | Both | Up to 24 months |
| AlumiGraphics Smooth | Walls, Uneven surfaces | Medium | Both | Up to 2 years |
| Jessup CatWalk® | Smooth indoor floors | ASTM Certified | Indoor | Up to 3 years |
| Walk&Wall® | Retail floors, tile, carpet | Moderate | Indoor | Up to 3 years |
| 3M Floor Graphics | Indoor smooth surfaces | High | Both | Short to medium term |
| Qualitex Floor Vinyl | Retail floors, smooth surfaces | Moderate | Indoor | Short term |
FAQs About Floor Graphics
What are floor graphics made of?
Most floor graphics use vinyl or aluminum-backed materials like those mentioned above. They include adhesive and slip-resistant layers for safety and durability.
Can floor graphics be used outdoors?
Yes — especially when made with materials like AlumiGraphics Grip or 3M overlaminate systems.
How long do floor graphics last?
It depends on the material and environment. Laird’s solutions range from a few months for temporary displays to 2–3 years for long-term use.
Are floor graphics safe to walk on?
Absolutely. Most of Laird’s recommended materials include built-in slip resistance or are certified to meet industry standards.
Can I print floor graphics myself?
If you have access to the right wide-format printer and inks, yes. Laird’s products are compatible with UV, latex, and solvent printing systems.
The Bottom Line
Plastic-based materials are driving serious innovation in graphics and printing. Laird Plastics offers a full range of print-ready materials that are tough, safe, and built for real-world conditions. Whether you need a bold floor ad for a trade show or a long-lasting walkway graphic for a stadium, we’ve got a material that fits.
Got a graphics challenge? Let’s find the right solution together. Explore our product lineup or contact our team for recommendations.