How many times do you have to tell a child not to touch something? If it’s an average kid, several dozen … or hundred. But LAgraphico (Burbank, CA) knew what it was up against when it created the graphics for the Ralph M. Parsons Discovery Center in the Los Angeles Natural History Museum.
“The application had to be kid-friendly, allowing children the opportunity to touch, feel and interact without damaging the graphics,” LAgraphico’s Keith Dias said. After all, when the Discovery Center boasts tactile treasures like a live iguana and Burmese python, could you really expect kids not to touch the graphics as well?
Consequently, fabricators used a GBC Sand overlaminate for scratch resistance. The life-like graphics were printed with a Durst Rho 350R, equipped with VOC-free UV inks, onto 3M IJ180-10 permanent vinyl.
LAgraphico used a Zund cutter to electronically cut the graphics’ nearly 900-sq.-ft. organic curves. The images were applied to drywall and 1-in.-thick glass with the adhesive back on the 3M vinyl.
The Discovery Center relocated from its previous space in the museum, which prompted a need for graphics to lead visitors to its new location.