says, adding: “Our role goes far beyond supplying materials. We help customers select the right film, understand surface compatibility, plan installations, and avoid costly mistakes before they happen.” With this, Parkin advises those plotting a move into the market, or seeking to improve their current offering, to focus less on the tools and more on the materials, training, and mindset required to succeed. “Most signage and graphics businesses already have many of the core skills needed,” she says, adding: “The opportunity is often about refining and adapting those skills rather than learning something completely new. “The key difference is that architectural finishes are expected to perform for many years and are often installed with manufacturer-backed warranties in mind. Unlike some graphics applications, there is far less room for error, and the devil is in the detail. That’s why material selection, substrate knowledge, and surface preparation are so important.” Lucrative New Income Stream The final expert to comment is John Davies, UK managing director of FASTSIGNS, who says the efficiency and simplicity of architectural wrapping are two of the main reasons we are currently seeing such a boom with these applications. “The use of architectural wrapping will only continue to grow across the sector,” Davies says, continuing: “It’s a lucrative new income stream for sign-makers that delivers higher profit margins. It’s also an important way of diversifying the services that a company offers the services you offer to the clients you already have. What I particularly like about architectural wrapping is that it moves the conversation beyond signage and into wider refurbishment and interior transformation projects. That can lead to larger project values, stronger client relationships, and attractive diversification opportunities.” Going into detail on the type of work in this market, Parkin agrees with Drytac’s Payne that surface preparation is probably one of the most important parts of the project. She says Space has seen many installations where the film gets the blame, when the issue started long before the material came out of the box. “Space Architectural Interiors was created to provide specialist expertise within the architectural finishes market and is backed by the resources and technical support of All Print Supplies,” she and leisure for faster, more sustainable, and more cost-effective alternatives to traditional refurbishment is rising. “Architectural films allow existing assets to be refreshed rather than replaced, reducing waste, controlling costs, and minimising downtime,” Parkin says, adding: “For the sign and graphics industry, architectural wrapping has been a natural progression. Many installers already possess the core skills required, including working with selfadhesive materials, surface preparation, and precision application. “As competition has increased in traditional graphics markets, architectural finishes have created an opportunity to diversify into higher-value refurbishment projects; using expertise many businesses already have.” On this, Parkin says one of the biggest misconceptions is that signage companies will need a completely new customer base, whereas in reality, many sign-makers are already working with clients who could benefit from architectural wrapping. “If you’re producing wayfinding signage for a hotel, there may be opportunities to wrap bedroom doors, furniture, and reception desks,” Parkin explains, continuing: “If you are supplying graphics into offices, you could help refresh doors, desks, and tea points. The same applies across retail, healthcare, education, and leisure. “The opportunity isn’t always about winning new clients. Often it’s about expanding 72 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 266 - August | September ▼Space Architectural Interiors has flagged rising demand across hospitality, retail, offices, and leisure The percentage of UK buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built 80% 3Mnotes a continuing demand for premium textures, specialty effects, andunique colour change finishes in personal customisation Our role goes far beyond supplying materials. We help customers select the right film, understand surface compatibility, plan installations, and avoid costly mistakes ARCHITECTURAL WRAPPING | ROB FLETCHER
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