What is a Graphic Overlay?

A graphic overlay is a decorative and informative design printed on a thin sheet of material attached to the surface of a product. There are two main uses for a graphic overlay.

  • Graphic overlays are used as a decorative veneer that displays graphic artwork, the product name, or your company's brand logo. This communicates to the user important information about the product.
  • Graphic overlays can also be functional. Graphic overlays are used as the uppermost layer of a printed user interface or membrane switch. This communicates to the user where to press and what to expect from that action.
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Other names for a graphic overlay:

  • Nameplates
  • Faceplates
  • Stickers
  • Labels
  • Decals
  • Device Overlay

Designing and don’t know where to start?

Check out our design guide. A powerful tool for beginners and seasoned veterans.

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Materials

The material selection is the key first step to building a beautiful and long-lasting graphic overlay. Polycarbonate and Polyester are the most common material choices, but we can use many other materials, like vinyl, acrylic, PVC, etc. When picking the ideal material, there are many factors to consider.

Chemical Resistance

Chemical Resistance

Graphic overlays often are used on products that get exposed to harsh or corrosive chemicals like gasoline, bleach, ammonia, etc. and different materials and finishes can be used to handle these chemicals.

UV Resistance

UV Resistance

Many products are designed to live outside in the sun and which means the materials need to last under constant exposure to UV.

Durability

Durability

Many of these overlays need to handle repeated use and abuse. Especially in industrial applications.

Selective Texturing

Selective Texturing

Texturing can be used to give users feedback on which areas have buttons or important information. Also can help applications in wet or slick environments.

Adhesive

Adhesive

With the wide variety of applications, there are a variety of adhesive needs. Picking the right one means your graphic overlay sticks when it needs to and comes off if it’s supposed to.

Download the Material Selection Chart to get started on your project

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Uses

Because a graphic overlay is versatile, it has various use cases. Here are just a few:

  • Membrane Switches
  • Product Labels
  • Warning Labels
  • Dial Faces
  • Gauge Faces
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Where to start

With all the different customization options and use cases, it might seem overwhelming.

Contact our expert team today and take the pressure off yourself.