Signs Express Belfast uses Drytac SpotOn White M50 for rapid-turnaround rink graphics for the Belfast Giants
Signs Express Belfast recently completed a high-specification branding project for the Belfast Giants ice hockey team, using Drytac’s SpotOn White M50 monomeric PVC film. The project required the production and installation of “dasher board” graphics at the SSE Arena in Belfast for use during the Champions Hockey League, a pan-European club competition.
The technical challenge for Signs Express Belfast involved the temporary nature of the branding. The arena features permanent sponsor graphics for the regular Elite Ice Hockey League season; however, Champions Hockey League regulations necessitate specific tournament branding. The team required a solution that could be overlaid onto existing signage and removed after the event without leaving adhesive residue or causing surface damage.
Cathy Johnston, who has led Signs Express Belfast since 2006, oversaw the project which covered over 165 linear metres (540 ft) of graphics. Johnston said, “This involved flipping the full rink side dasher. We had two turnaround installations to complete approximately five to six weeks apart at the end of August & start of October. The Giants have local sponsor graphics permanently in place throughout the regular season, so it was crucial that their season signage remained undamaged when removing the Champions League overlays.”
The company selected Drytac SpotOn White M50, purchased from exclusive Irish stockist Premier GPMI. The material features a dot-pattern adhesive designed for easy application and clean removal. Its increased opacity, of up to 50% higher than standard SpotOn White, ensures that underlying graphics do not show through, a critical requirement for televised events.
The graphics were produced in-house using an Epson SureColor S80600 printer. Johnston reported that the combination of the Epson hardware and Drytac media ensured high colour fidelity for the various tournament sponsors, which was essential for the live broadcast on Sky Television.
The installation efficiency was a key performance indicator for the arena’s management. Johnston said, “James Glover, Operations Manager for the Giants, was absolutely delighted with the end product, especially with how quickly we could install the full arena, which we now have down to just under three hours. He was happy with how easy it was to remove after the games too as the arena is used for much more than just ice hockey and is constantly being flipped for events. It meant less downtime as the operations team at the arena could remove everything themselves and didn’t need any specialist training to do so.”
Signs Express Belfast has a 25-year history with the Belfast Giants, dating back to the team’s inception. Reflecting on the materials used, Johnston said, “Having been in the industry for more than 25 years, I am constantly impressed with the brilliant solutions that Drytac keeps innovating and bringing to market. I am a devotee of the Drytac brand and would thoroughly recommend Drytac products to anyone looking for products that solve real-world application problems, especially in the event and retail spaces.”
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