Tent graphics made easy

By Sigrid Tornquist

While tent graphics have been an option for several years, advances in printing technology and applications—plummeting price points—are making graphics a viable option for more than just large corporate tented events. “With the emergence of digital printing over the last decade, there is more and more capacity for printing on tent materials than ever before,” says Alex Kouzmanoff, vice president of Aztec Tents, Torrance, Calif. “The technology change has allowed for faster turnaround time for pre-press, actual printing time and drying time. The combination of faster service and an abundance of digital printing machines in most markets have driven down pricing and increased demand for these services.”

Corporate branding is still the most widely used application for tent graphics, says Fred Tracy, owner of Fred’s Tents and Canopies Inc., Stillwater, N.Y., but affordability has made graphics an option for individuals as well. “An exciting new twist to graphics is our ability to put any image or logo on aluminum and/or steel piping,” he says. “We can put anything from water drops to wood grain, to company logos on new or used pipes of any size.”

Printed graphics on removable decals is also an affordable option. “With the advent of adhesives that leave little to no residue when removed, it has made it possible to logo and brand more often at a greatly reduced rate,” says Dan Nolan III, president of Tents Unlimited Inc., Marietta, Ga. “We used to have the logo painted by a sign shop. Now we just order it, stick it on and pull it off. The client doesn’t have to buy the fabric and we are able to meet their expectations easily.”

Sigrid Tornquist is a freelance author and editor based in St. Paul, Minn. She is also the associate editor of InTents magazine, a publication of the Industrial Fabrics Association International.