Silicone Edge Graphics—often simply referred to as SEG—are found everywhere on the trade show floor. They’ve been widely adopted as the go-to portable and modular trade show display.
The ability to create back walls, towers, counters, and even back-lit displays, all while being portable and easy to set up, has made exhibitors’ lives much easier and saved them tons of money on shipping and drayage.
But with all that being said, attaching the graphics can be tricky for first-timers! For one, it uses a silicone strip that is stitched into the perimeter of the fabric graphic—the silicone in SEG—and this strip fits into a groove in the frame. But without some basic techniques and knowing where to start, it can be frustrating to put on.
So here are our top tips for attaching SEG graphics:
#1 Start at the Top
Once your frame is set up properly, it’s time to attach the graphics. For SEG back walls in particular, make sure to start at the top. Have a ladder ready if need be and carefully start at one end on the top. Fit the graphic in the groove until the fabric is inserted across the entire top before moving onto the sides and then finally the bottom.
Keep a close eye on the top until the rest of the graphic is installed. In some situations, the top may become loose and fall out, requiring you to start over again. If this happens to you, don’t worry, as this is completely normal. But it may require a second person to hold the top while the sides and bottom are being worked on.
#2 Make Sure the Silicone Edge Is Oriented Properly
This is a step that most people get tripped up on, especially if this is the first time to set up their SEG display. It’s a difference of half of a turn.
While it seems logical to put the bare silicone edge into the groove, it really needs a half turn so that the fabric goes in front. This not only ensures that it fits properly but also gives it a nice clean finish when complete.
The following pictures will help properly demonstrate this method.
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#3 Use Cotton Gloves
Now that we’ve covered the proper attachment method, here is another helpful tip when handling the graphic—use white cotton gloves.
Having these gloves will help when running your hand/finger along the edge when installing and saves you from getting road rash from the friction.
Having gloves will also keep the graphics nice and clean—protected from any grime or grease that may be on your hands from putting the frame together. This is especially necessary if your fabric graphics have a lot of white in them.
Pro Tip! – Another helpful tool is a hand roller. These are especially helpful when you reach the bottom corners where the SEG graphics start to get really tight and hard to complete. Let the handheld roller do the hard pushing.
#4 Leave Plenty of Time When Reordering Replacement Graphics
If/when the time comes when you want to update your SEG graphics and have new ones printed, make sure you order the replacement graphics in plenty of time. This will give you extra days/weeks before you need to use them at your next show and allow for time to test-fit and make sure they work okay.
Chances are they will fit just fine, but on the off chance the new one is too tight or too loose, you’ll be happy you gave yourself enough time to have it corrected before your trade show.
Having this peace of mind will be worth it, especially if your SEG displays are custom-built or custom sized.
Hopefully, this information helps make your next show go a little smoother. SEG graphics are a great way to build out your booth space, no matter the size, and look great. I promise, the second time you set up your display, it will be a cinch but knowing these basic techniques should help with your initial setup!