Have You Heard of Dry Transfers for Better Quality Museum Wall Labels?

Posted by Troy Everson on October 3rd, 2019

The world of visual arts is among the most sophisticated and that’s why wall labels for exhibits and shows need to be clear, elegant, easy-to-read. The best labels on walls add a discreet touch of elegance while never detracting from the art work itself. Custom dry transfers like the ones from Image Transfers in New York can produce some of the finest wall labels you can find. If you’re a curator or museum professional and haven’t yet heard about rub-on decals for this purpose, they are a time tested, high-quality method. Produced from your digital files, the rub-down transfers apply directly to the wall without any adhesive, solvent nor water needed. They really do look as if the words were printed directly on the wall – and the quality is exceptional. The process of making dry transfers involves a special lacquer ink that is backed with adhesive and delivered on transfer paper. Applications is as easy as pacing the decal in the desired spot and rubbing it on with a burnishing tool provided. Many who have not used the method before are amazed by its ease and quality.

If you’re tried other methods for wall labels, you’ve probably had complications. Laser printers can make decent quality, but are unable to produce anything that looks as though it is printed directly on the wall. Stick-on vinyl lettering is okay for some larger signs, but using it for smaller type fonts becomes problematic.  Even for small-size lettering, the clarity and readability. If your exhibition galleries have unforgiving light in a white cube interior, the rub-on decals up close will appear professional and clear. Because your digital files are the source, everything turns out exactly according to your design. If you’re applying them at the last minute, the no-surprises approach provides you with helpful peace of mind. Also, even though they are a small detail, the wall labels are visible throughout the exhibition and make an impact of people’s impressions. When they are elegant, easy-to-read, and concise, people will have a better impression overall. It’s a given that you’ve carefully considered the words to describe each artwork, and you want the visual appearance of the labels to live up to your high standards.

Compared to other methods of making wall labels, custom dry transfers stand alone as the only one where application doesn’t mar the wall. They are semi-permanent immediately upon application and don’t need time to dry or set. For high-contrast applications such as black lettering on a brightly lit white wall, they appear flawless. You’ll be delighted with the appearance and no extra steps are ever needed to bring exceptional results. If you’re curating a contemporary exhibit and desire some details that are unique, you also can order your wall labels in any color when you use dry transfers. As lone as it creates with contract with the application surface for easy readability, you’ll be good to go.

Troy Everson is the author of this article. For further detail about wall labels please visit the website.