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By Dan Farley, Sales Manager, Wallace Print
There is a real sense of pride in watching a blank wall or an empty window come alive with vibrant graphics, especially when you know the care and planning that went into it. Seeing a project through, safely and successfully, is what it is all about.
My name is Dan Farley, and as Sales Manager at Wallace Print, I have coordinated countless projects from the initial client brief through to the final installation. Whether it is for a bustling shopping centre or a complex multi storey car park, our focus is always on precision, diligence, and delivering a finish that makes our client’s message impossible to ignore.
Just last autumn, we were tasked with installing a multi panel hoarding for a city centre construction site. The conditions were challenging; the rain was lashing sideways, access was tight, and the site was shared with three other contractors, all racing against their own deadlines. Instead of pushing on, our installation team made the call to pause and retire to their vans for a pre-install meeting, walking through every step of the plan one last time.
They did this because, as any experienced fitter knows, the biggest risks arise when you are tempted to think, “We will just get it done quickly.” That job, completed on time and without a single accident, reinforced the values we uphold every day. Safe, effective installations do not happen by chance.
They are the result of meticulous planning, continuous training, and open communication, from the first site survey to the final sign off.
Below, I will take you behind the scenes of how Wallace Print approaches every installation, sharing practical insights and real examples, with added perspectives from our Client Services Manager John Lidbury and Managing Director Gary Wallace, whose experience has shaped our exacting standards from day one.
Every successful installation, without exception, begins with a proper site survey. This is not just a box-ticking exercise; it is our critical opportunity to identify risks and challenges that would not be apparent from a desk or a digital map. A survey is where the real planning begins.
John Lidbury, our Client Services Manager, explains the importance of this stage:
“From a client perspective, the site survey is where we translate their vision into practical reality. We’re not just measuring walls and checking access routes; we’re identifying every potential challenge that could affect timeline, budget, or safety. It’s during this phase that we build client confidence by demonstrating our thorough approach.”
For example, a stadium wrap we delivered last year was complicated by newly installed CCTV cables and some temporary fencing that wasn’t on the original plans. Without our pre-install survey, the team would have arrived with the wrong fixings and wasted a day. For our clients, that can mean a lost opportunity or even significant fines for missed deadlines. We see the survey as the foundation upon which both safety and efficiency are built.
Our standard pre-install checklist covers:
Whether we’re installing printed hoarding graphics for construction sites or printed window graphics for retail spaces, this survey phase ensures we understand exactly what we’re walking into.
Once the site survey is complete, we make the critical decisions about personnel and equipment. There is simply no room for improvisation when it comes to keeping people safe on site.
Certain installations, like high-level banners or graphics in awkward interior spaces, require IPAF or PASMA-certified fitters. These technicians are not only qualified to operate lifts or scaffold towers but are also experienced in navigating tight spaces or busy public environments. At Wallace Print, our teams complete regular safety refreshers and toolbox talks. This ensures everyone, from a junior installer to the crew chief, understands not just how each step is performed, but why it matters.
This commitment to standards comes from the very top. As Gary Wallace notes:
“We’ve always believed that you’re only as good as your last job. A client remembers the quality of the finish and the professionalism of the team long after they’ve forgotten the price. Cutting corners on safety or equipment is a false economy. It exposes our people and our clients to risk, and that’s a line we will never cross.”
This philosophy extends to the materials we use. We carefully select adhesives, substrates, and graphic finishes that are fully compatible with the environment, taking into account temperature, humidity, and the client’s desired longevity. Our extensive range of print materials includes everything from foamex sheet for internal signage to mesh PVC for windy outdoor locations.
When the installation day arrives, the work begins with a team briefing, never just a “show up and go” approach. We review the latest RAMS, assign clear roles, and clarify the communication lines for the duration of the job.
A principle we constantly emphasise is that installation sites are seldom fully controlled environments. Pedestrians, vehicles, and other contractors create a dynamic set of variables, so we establish clear work zones marked with appropriate signage and barriers. We also liaise directly with facility managers, ready to respond to changes in site conditions or unforeseen hazards. For certain jobs, such as applying retail graphics during trading hours, this often means working overnight or using mobile work platforms designed to minimise public disruption.
Our experience with printed floor graphics installations in busy shopping centres has taught us that timing and coordination with centre management is absolutely crucial. We’ve developed protocols that allow us to work efficiently during off-peak hours whilst maintaining the highest safety standards.
The hands-on phase of the job is as much about patience as it is about technical skill. Whether our team is aligning delicate printed window vinyl or installing large-scale printed wall graphics across multiple panels, the final quality comes from methodical, careful work.
We use laser levels and measuring tapes constantly to avoid the dreaded “wonky panel.” The fitters will regularly step back to check their work from the client’s perspective, not just from the top of a ladder. For large, multi-panel installations, dry fitting is a key step before final adhesion. This small step can spare a great deal of time and material if any adjustments are needed.
John Lidbury adds his perspective on client communication during installation:
“As the client-facing contact, I’m often the bridge between what’s happening on site and what the client needs to know. Clear, proactive communication during the install phase prevents surprises and builds confidence. If there’s a delay due to weather or an unexpected complication, clients appreciate being told immediately rather than discovering it later.”
Installing under pressure, for instance at a busy shopping centre with a looming launch event, requires the kind of experience that maintains focus without skipping crucial steps. If you have to undo your work, you have lost twice as much time as if you had just done it right the first time.
The complexity varies significantly between different installation types. Banner installation on building facades requires different skills and equipment compared to precision printed POS installations in retail environments. Each demands its own set of best practices and safety considerations.
An installation is only truly complete when we have inspected every inch of the new graphic, cleared the site of all tools and materials, and confirmed with the client that the result meets their expectations. We provide clear aftercare instructions, advising on how best to clean or maintain the graphics. In some cases, we will schedule follow-up visits for sites that have particularly high exposure or footfall. This final step is essential for building trust and ensuring the work lasts. Our relationship with a client does not end when the last panel goes up. We believe every project is a reflection of our personal and professional standards, and that is why clients return to us.
For specialised installations like construction site hoardings or printed exhibition graphics, we often provide additional documentation and maintenance schedules to ensure maximum longevity and impact throughout the campaign period.
If you have a graphic installation project on the horizon, whether it is a single feature wall or a city-wide rollout, trust the team at Wallace Print for a safer, smoother, and more reliable result. Our experience means we handle all the details, so you can focus on the impact your message will achieve.
Get in touch with us today through our contact us page for a quote or expert advice on your next print installation project.
Dan Farley Sales Manager, Wallace Print
With extensive experience in managing complex print projects from conception to completion, Dan works closely with clients to ensure their vision becomes reality. His deep understanding of the installation process, combined with his focus on client relationships, ensures every project is delivered safely, on time, and to the highest standards.
With insight from John Lidbury (Client Services Manager) and Gary Wallace (Managing Director).
For more information about large format print and to discuss your next project, please contact us on 01634 724 772 or email us at sales@wallaceprint.com
Get in touch via our contact form to find out more about how Wallace Print can help you transform your print project. Our expert account managers are on hand to provide advice, quotes, and assistance – however, and wherever you need it.
Get in touch via our contact form to find out more about how Wallace Print can help you transform your print project.
