Layered Look

Direct-to-substrate printing is often used as a component of a larger project to add dimension and visual stimuli to flat displays. Cushing, a printing and display graphics company out of Chicago, did just that for a recent project for the new corporate headquarters of McShane Construction. 

Cushing was tasked with adding visual appeal and branding to the blank walls throughout the office. The focal point is a 25-foot-wide wall mural that was crafted with backdrop graphics printed on 3M Controltac IJ180 vinyl with 3M 8520 Matte Laminate using Cushing’s HP Latex 365 printer. The vinyl was then mounted to DiBond. 

McShane’s past projects are highlighted on direct printed ¼-inch acrylic – imaged by an Océ Arizona 550 GT flatbed – and mounted to the vinyl-covered wall with 1-inch stainless-steel standoffs. “For the acrylic pieces, they’re actually printed on both sides. The main image is printed second surface with a flood of white ink, and the text element is printed on the face to add some drama,” says Julia Kaufman, Cushing’s color production supervisor. 

“The application of this project was an interesting one because it emphasized multiple textures and layering. The drama of this was key to their new office branding,” Kaufman adds.