Project Spotlight - Eye Mall Media

National Shopping Mall Kiosk Refinishing Project
Austin, Texas

Challenge

Eye Mall Media maintains hundreds of freestanding kiosks in malls throughout America, many of which are used to display advertising while others feature maps of store locations.

Constructed with compressed particle board borders and installed in the 1990s and early 2000s, the units were beginning to show their age. Over time, the laminated wood sheeting had dried out, often revealing sharp edges that could cut kiosk viewers while also causing an uninviting, dilapidated appearance.

Could someone update the kiosks to reduce the risk of users to injury—and the potential to Eye Mall for costly related lawsuits? Of course, any effort to modernize the units would also enhance their appearance and appeal within upscale malls.

Solution

In meeting the client’s qualification for a resource capable of handling a major project across many sites, Alliance Global Graphics accepted the challenge. Our teams began by visiting shopping malls in in Annapolis, Maryland and Phoenix, Arizona to survey the aging kiosks and devise a refinishing solution.

We started by scraping off the old particle laminate borders and cleaning them down to the bare metal, which enabled us to apply a 3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finish. Cut in 4” strips to frame a new border on the kiosks, the 8-mil thick material is not only attractive but also resistant to fading, cracking and peeling. As an extra measure of quality, we applied 3M™ Tape Primer 94 around all edges to ensure optimum adhesion.

After new borders were applied, our installers took a new X-Acto® blade and cut the vinyl material at a 45° angle to improve peel-resistance and ensure a longer, more attractive application.

The effort by Alliance Global Graphics met Eye Mall’s objectives on every count. By refinishing the kiosks, we reduced potential liabilities for the media company and improved each unit’s overall aesthetics—enhancing their appeal to shoppers, mall tenants and potential advertisers alike.