Bringing in a Barracuda

When JaxWraps of Jacksonville, FL, became official graphics sponsor to the Jacksonville Barracudas ice-hockey team, which plays in the Southern Professional Hockey League, one of the first tasks the company took on was to wrap the exterior of the team”?s 43-ft team bus.

The bus would be adorned with pictures of players, the team mascot, and the Ice Girls cheerleaders. The graphics would not only enliven the bus itself, but also enhance team spirit and, importantly, promote the team on its way to games and community-outreach events. “We had the opportunity to make the investment in a bus that will not only carry the players on road trips, but will also be used as a marketing tool, says Gilles Richard, Jacksonville Barracudas general manager.

Production

JaxWraps created the background in Adobe Photoshop, then incorporated the team-provided photos of the players, mascot, and cheerleaders into the design.

Using its Vutek UltraVu 3360ECS superwide solvent printer in conjunction with a ColorBurst RIP and Triangle solvent inks, the shop then imaged the file onto 3M Controltac white vinyl in two 55 x 495-in. sections. To finish, it added a 3M 8519 Scotchcal Luster Overlaminate with its Seal 62 Pro laminator.

Also for the project, JaxWraps produced see-through window graphics for the bus, for which it again utilized its Vutek UltraVu 3360ECS, this time imaging onto 3M”?s IJ 8171 Perforated Window Film. Printing and finishing of the project took a total of 1 “? days.

Prior to installation, however, JaxWraps had to resolve some body issues with the bus, which was manufactured in 1991. Mild sanding was used to even out the bus texture, and a special tape used by heating and cooling companies was applied over the top of the “infected”? area, which allowed for a smooth surface for application of the vinyl. This phase of the project involved three to four installers.

Comment

“Vinyl was applied horizontally to reduce seams. Pieces were approximately 40-ft long and difficult to handle, but worth the superior look of the final product,”? says Jim Burns, president of JaxWraps.

Client

Jacksonville Barracudas ice-hockey team, Jacksonville, FL.

The Players

JaxWraps, Jacksonville, FL (www.jaxwraps.com)

Tools & Supplies

Vutek UltraVu 3360ECS, Triangle solvent inks, 3M IJ 180C Controltac white vinyl, 3M 8519 Scotchcal Luster Overlaminate, 3M IJ 8171 Perforated Window Film.