As the USA begins to reopen, floor graphics may be more important than ever before. States and municipalities are snapping back at different speeds. Industries ranging from essential workers to manufacturing to entertainment and food service have their own safety requirements. Signs for social distancing, masks, and temperature checks will become as common as a “No Shirt No Shoes No Service” signage. And one of the best ways to accomplish this is to share the message with floor graphics.
Share the Message with Floor Graphics
Whether they’re used in a warehouse, restaurant, or office, floor graphics can be used to inform people of the proper social distancing.
Social Distancing
“Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:
- Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
- Do not gather in groups
- Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings”–CDC — What is Social Distancing?
Masks and Gloves
Combined with window graphics floor graphics are an excellent way to remind people to put on their masks and pull up their gloves. It’s not much different than seeing a “Hardhat Required” or “No Open Toed Shoes”.
“Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask. Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks. To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.” — WHO — Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use masks
Hand Washing
Floor graphics used as wayfinders can direct people to temperature check stations, hand washing, and sanitizer areas, similar to a “Restrooms” sign with an arrow pointing the direction.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, you should also clean hands:
- After you have been in a public place and touched an item or surface that may be frequently touched by other people, such as door handles, tables, gas pumps, shopping carts, or electronic cashier registers/screens, etc.
- Before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth because that’s how germs enter our bodies.” —CDC — When and How to Wash Your Hands
What may be the biggest advantage to using floor graphics for reopening purposes is the’re quick to print, fairly easy to install, and affordable. Besides, they do the job. It’s difficult to not follow social distancing when it’s marked out on the floor.
As America comes back to life, don’t forget floor graphic for uses beyond COVID-19 because floor graphics are versatile. They complement other signage for marketing, promotions, and compliance. They’re a practical alternative to many types of traditional signage. The impact of floor signage is easy to miss if you’re only looking up. People don’t consider floor graphics as part of their signage plan because:
- Floor graphics aren’t part of the conversation.
- Clients are concerned about wear and tear. Modern adhesive vinyl floor graphic material is designed to withstand foot traffic.
- People think other types of signage make more of an impact.
Floor Graphics for Great Dane Trailers
How to use Floor Graphics
Wayfinder and Directional Signage
They’re ideal for showing the way and directing visitors to where they need to be.
Safety
They can be used in almost any way that traditional signage can be used to promote safety by sharing warnings, procedures, and hazards.
Social Media
I saw a bowling alley with a floor graphic of a strike with pins flying and next to it was a call to action for bowlers to share an Instagram image of their feet kicking the pins at such and such Bowling Alley.
Organization
They’re perfect for organizing work areas such as warehouses.
Advertising
Temporary floor graphics can be used to promote new products, sales, and services.
Building Brand
When graphics share corporate logos, colors, taglines, and fonts they become part of the brand building process and promote brand awareness.
Decorating
Why not use temporary floor graphics to decorate for the holidays? Doesn’t that sound like fun?
Promoting Events
At TKO we used floor graphics to help us build brand as well as direct visitors at an open house.
Directing Foot Traffic
It seems my local grocery store resets weekly. That’s where they move products to new areas of the store. The idea is to get customers out of their habits and introduce them to new parts of the store. Rather than constantly resetting couldn’t floor graphics redirect foot traffic?
Having Fun!
A few years ago TKO Graphix produced and installed a set of tire tracks leading to an IndyCar for an event presented at Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art). The tracks began in the parking lot, traveled up a staircase, and across several substrates leading to the race car.
Floor graphics add dimension, style, and flare to events, retail spaces, and work spaces. Floor graphics promote, direct, and inform. The tire tracks did all of the above, and they were fun.
I love this fun idea. Folgers coffee covered a manhole cover in NYC with a coffee cup creating a steaming cup of coffee!
Where Can You Use Floor Graphics?
“Floor graphics adhere to a variety of surfaces including tile, carpet, and masonry. Manufacturing facilities use them as safety signs; stores use floor graphics to direct the flow of foot traffic. You’ll find floor graphics on sporting floors, pool bottoms, and carpeted stairwells where they’re used to identify brands, decorate surfaces, advertise new products, and highlight special promotions.” — Fun with Floor Graphics
Don’t Forget Your Floor
Whether it’s to direct foot traffic, advertise a product, or promote a safe work environment, floor graphics should be part of your signage plan. There are times and places that floor graphics are the best way to deliver your message. So, don’t forget to share the message with floor graphics.
How to Install Floor Graphics
1. Prepare the area – Use a broom to sweep, then clean the area with a rag. Use cleaning fluid as needed. Be sure the area is clean and dry before applying the decal.
2. Position the decal – Center, measure, and make target marks for the installation.
3. Remove the backing – Once the floor graphic is properly positioned remove the backer beginning at the two outside corners.
4. Squeegee the vinyl – We recommend using 3M squeegees designed to remove all air between the floor and the material for a smooth trouble free installation.
Properly installed, floor graphics can add a new dimension to your office, replace or add to wayfinder and warehouse signage, and bring another level of professionalism to your organization.
Here’s a two-minute video about How to install floor graphics. If you’d like to discuss ideas for your organization Contact Us, we’ve got our feet on the ground.
