A Smarter, Sustainable Alternative to Aluminium SEG Systems
When planning an exhibition stand, many exhibitors default to aluminium frames with silicone edge graphics (SEG). They look great — but they can be expensive, size-sensitive and restrictive.
At Graphic Warehouse, we offer a more flexible and sustainable solution:
Fabric graphics stretched onto reusable timber frames.
Using dye sublimation or UV printing onto black back display polyester, we create seamless backwalls that deliver the same visual impact — without the hardware cost and measurement risk of aluminium systems.
💧 How the System Works...
We construct a timber framework similar to a stud wall. This creates a rigid, reusable structure that can be:
Built to any custom size
Reconfigured for future exhibitions
Easily repaired or modified
Your printed fabric graphic is then tensioned and fixed neatly to the frame using staples, creating a smooth, professional finish.
The result is a clean, crease-free exhibition backwall with excellent colour density and opacity.
Print Options: Dye Sublimation or UV
We print onto premium black back display polyester to eliminate show-through and maintain colour depth under exhibition lighting.
Dye Sublimation
Ink infused into the fibres
Exceptional colour vibrancy
Soft, tension-friendly finish
Ideal for fabric exhibition walls
UV Printing
Ink cured onto the surface
Strong opacity
Durable and scuff resistant
Great for higher-wear environments
Both methods produce high-resolution exhibition graphics suitable for trade shows, retail displays and conference environments.
Environmental Benefits
Sustainability is no longer optional in exhibition design.
1. Reusable Timber Frames
Unlike bespoke aluminium extrusion systems, timber frames can be:
Reused across multiple events
Adjusted to suit new layouts
Repaired rather than replaced
This significantly reduces material waste.
2. Replaceable & Recyclable Graphics
When messaging changes, you simply replace the fabric — not the structure.
Polyester fabric can be recycled (subject to local recycling facilities), helping reduce landfill waste compared to rigid boards or composite materials.
3. Lower Embodied Carbon Than Aluminium Systems
Aluminium extrusion systems:
Require precision manufacturing
Carry higher embodied carbon
Often need complete replacement if sizing changes
Timber-framed fabric walls are lighter, adaptable and practical — especially for brands working towards Net Zero targets.
Given your own Net Zero journey at Graphic Warehouse, this is a strong positioning angle for environmentally conscious clients.
Why Not Just Use Aluminium SEG Frames?
Fabric graphics are particularly effective for shell scheme systems such as Octanorm
We can stitch Velcro to the reverse of the fabric, allowing it to attach directly to standard shell scheme panels. This means:
No drilling
No custom aluminium framing
Quick installation
Clean removal
For exhibitors attending multiple events each year, this gives maximum flexibility with minimal hardware cost.
Black Back Polyester: Why It Matters
We use black back display polyester because it:
Prevents light bleed
Stops wall colours affecting your design
Improves colour density
Delivers a premium finish
In exhibition environments where lighting varies, this makes a visible difference.
Applications
Fabric stretched timber backwalls are ideal for:
Trade show stands
Shell scheme graphics
Media walls
Product launches
Retail pop-ups
Internal showroom branding
They provide a seamless branded surface at a fraction of the long-term cost of modular aluminium systems.
A Practical, Sustainable Exhibition Solution
If you want:
A reusable structure
Replaceable graphics
Lower material waste
Reduced hardware investment
Flexibility across multiple events
Fabric stretched onto timber frames is an intelligent exhibition solution.
If you’re planning an upcoming exhibition, speak to our team about sizing, artwork setup and installation guidance.
We’ll help you build a backwall that works — commercially and environmentally.
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