PERMALIGHT® Printable Substrates – Part 1

This article is the first of a five-part series that introduces you to the features and benefits of American PERMALIGHT® Photoluminescent Printable Substrates.

What Are PERMALIGHT® Printable Substrates?

PERMALIGHT® photoluminescent printable substrates absorb light and their luminance becomes visible, once the ambient lighting is less than the emitted luminance. The PERMALIGHT® Photoluminescent Printable Substrates (available in both flexible and rigid sheets, in self-adhesive and non-adhesive varieties, and in various levels of luminance) are the best solution for the production of building code-compliant photoluminescent safety signs.  

See the Difference

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PERMALIGHT® Flexible Photoluminescent Substrate Rolls (SKU: 81-2566)
PERMALIGHT® Rigid Photoluminescent PVC Substrate Sheets (SKU: 81-1066)

Who Uses Our PERMALIGHT® Photoluminescent Printable Substrates?

Our high-quality glow substrates are typically used by Signmakers who produce Div. 10 interior signage. Signmakers prefer our high-quality glow material because:

1. PERMALIGHT® Photoluminescent Printable Substrates are easy to work with
2. Our substrates are affordably priced for the quality
3. Once installed, its durability prevents any warping 

What Do Signmakers Typically Produce with PERMALIGHT® Photoluminescent Printable Substrates?

The nationwide building codes require UL1994-listed photoluminescent Stairway identification signs in high-rise occupancies (such as hotels, motels, hospitals, offices, and educational facilities) on each floor inside the emergency staircases. 

Signmakers that typically bid Div. 10 Interior Signage can easily expand their project work by additionally winning the photoluminescent signage portion on a high-rise job. These code-enforced stairway identification sign projects are a great opportunity for interior signage producers to earn more business on the projects they are already familiar with.

There is quite a range of other enforcements for photoluminescent signs:

• Emergency signage for Passenger Trains
• Maritime signs for Passenger Ships in international waters
• Apartment unit door frame signage in New York City
• …and other City, State, or Country-required photoluminescent signage

Photoluminescent (also known as “glow-in-the-dark”) signs also provide lifesaving support in industrial facilities, parking structures, onboard airplanes, in underground mining, and even onboard the ISS – International Space Station.

Which print and conversion processes do Signmakers use on PERMALIGHT Photoluminescent Printable Substrates?

Signmakers usually digitally print with solvent and eco solvent-based inks directly onto PERMALIGHT® substrates (which come in the form of films, rigid PVC, and aluminum) with standard opaque, dark inks. The nationwide building-code enforced Stairway Identification Signs have a changed text message on each sign, therefore, digital print or black plotter-cut text applied to the photoluminescent surface are the most efficient ways to produce these floor id signs.

Signmakers produce ADA-compliant signage by adding raised floor levels and by inserting braille beads for the visually impaired.

For large production runs, screenprinting works well to mass-produce EXIT, NO EXIT, Tornado Safe Room, Fire Extinguisher, and other photoluminescent safety signs.  

Do you know we have ready-made Floor Identification Signs/Stair ID Signs?

What are the Top 5 Issues Signmakers Experience and What solutions does American PERMALIGHT® Provide?

Problem You Typically Experience	The PERMALIGHT® Solution
A vendor makes you buy a 50-yard long roll, even if you only have a small project	PERMALIGHT® film is sold in 1-yard increments, or you can purchase the entire roll. PERMALIGHT® Rigid PVC and Aluminum is just a 1-sheet minimum
I’m unsure of which PERMALIGHT® Substrate to use for my project	Contact our team of experts to guide you to the best material for your project
You have heard about glow-in-the-dark films	PERMALIGHT® offers you a wide range of glow durations from basic, entry-level (standard glow) to top-of-the-line (brightest glow), as rolled goods of film, and stiff sheets of rigid PVC and Aluminum
Project specification reads confusing	We can consult you and help determine which material fits your project specs
How do I make those Stairway ID Signs?	Follow our ‘How to Make ADA-compliant Signage’ production instructions

Can Anyone Other Than Signmakers Use PERMALIGHT® Printable Substrates?

YES! Over the years we have had many customers establish creative uses for our PERMALIGHT® glow substrates to make their life safety and novelty products better. Add the additional “glow feature” to your existing product and make it easier to locate … your push button, your fire extinguisher… your merchandise that can benefit from being found in pitch darkness. Check out our social media channels and blog for more ideas on what you can do in your next creative project.

Coming Soon

Visit our blog in the future to read the rest of our articles in this series.  

• Part Two: Plotter Cutting PERMALIGHT® Printable Substrates
• Part Three: Digital Printing PERMALIGHT® Printable Substrates
• Part Four: Screen Printing PERMALIGHT® Printable Substrates
• Part Five: Become a Certified Installer Partner to win Div. 10 4500 Photoluminescent Egress Path Marking projects