Transforming School Spaces with Latex Printing | Create Vibrant Graphics for Hallways and Classrooms

In recent years, many schools have embraced latex printing technology to create immersive, vibrant environments within their campuses. These large-format prints allow schools to enhance their hallways, classrooms, and communal spaces with creative and educational graphics. The appeal of latex printing lies in its eco-friendly, durable, and vibrant qualities, making it a popular choice for transforming learning spaces into colorful and engaging environments.

One standout project showcasing the power of latex printing in schools is Sherman Elementary’s “Stairwell of Imagination.” This project, highlighted by Roland DGA, transformed a mundane stairwell into an inspiring journey of colors and shapes, using durable and eco-friendly prints to ignite students’ creativity and imagination.

Why Schools Are Choosing Latex Printing

Latex printing is not only environmentally conscious—thanks to water-based inks free of harsh chemicals—but also versatile and long-lasting. Latex prints are ideal for high-traffic areas like school hallways, as they resist wear and tear while maintaining vivid colors over time. They are also odorless and non-toxic, ensuring that students and staff are not exposed to harmful fumes often associated with other printing methods, making them perfect for schools.

Roland Device Options for Schools

Roland’s TrueVIS AP-640 latex printer is a leading choice for schools looking to bring printing in-house. With this device, educators and administrators can produce vibrant wall graphics, banners, posters, and more, all while staying within budget.

Key features of Roland devices that make them perfect for schools include:

1. High-Quality Output: The TrueVIS AP-640 delivers vivid color accuracy and deep saturation, ideal for educational murals, posters, and interactive graphics.
   
   
2. Eco-Friendly Latex Inks: Schools benefit from non-toxic, water-based inks that are safe for indoor use and contribute to a healthy learning environment.
   
   
3. Durability: These prints are made to last in busy school settings, where daily foot traffic and general wear are constant. With UV and scratch-resistant properties, latex prints ensure that designs remain fresh for years.
   
   

In addition to the TrueVIS AP-640, Roland offers a variety of printers suited for different educational applications:

• VersaUV LEF2 Series: These UV printers allow schools to print directly onto a variety of substrates, including trophies, awards, or custom art projects.
  
  
• CAMM-1 Vinyl Cutters: Create custom decals for school branding, sports teams, or personalized classroom materials.
  
  
• VersaSTUDIO BN-20: This compact printer is perfect for schools with limited space, enabling high-quality printing and cutting for stickers, banners, and classroom decor.

Internal Printing | Enhancing Creativity & Community

By investing in an in-house printing solution, schools unlock a range of creative possibilities. Internal printing gives schools full control over design and production, allowing for rapid customization of spaces, quick adjustments for seasonal decorations, and a direct connection between educators, students, and visual projects.

Teachers can incorporate student designs into the school’s décor, turning hallways into art galleries showcasing student creativity. This approach not only brightens up the learning environment but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership within the school community.

Moreover, students can be actively involved in the creation process, learning valuable skills in graphic design, print production, and project management. These experiences can align with curricula, offering hands-on lessons in art, technology, and marketing. This type of collaboration between students and teachers strengthens school identity and community.

Device Series	Creative Possibilities
TrueVIS AP-640 (Latex)	– Wall murals and wraps – Floor graphics – Window displays
VersaUV LEF2 (UV)	– Custom awards and trophies – Printing on student art projects (wood, metal, acrylic)
CAMM-1 Vinyl Cutter	– School logo decals – Custom stickers – Classroom labels and signage
VersaSTUDIO BN-20	– Banners and posters – Personalized stickers for laptops, bottles, and equipment

What is the Process of Creating Large Latex Prints?

Schools looking to integrate large-format graphics into their spaces can follow a simple, streamlined process with Roland printers. Here’s how it works:

1. Design: Teachers, students, or school staff can use popular design software such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or even Canva for simple designs. Roland’s printers are compatible with a wide range of design tools. Bring your classroom creations to life.
   
   
2. Color Proofing: Before printing, schools can utilize Roland’s VersaWorks software for color proofing and print management. This step ensures the final output matches the envisioned design, from vibrancy to scale.
   
   
3. Printing: The TrueVIS AP-640 latex printer can handle large prints up to 64 inches wide, ideal for creating floor-to-ceiling murals, custom wall wraps, or eye-catching window graphics.
   
   
4. Installation: Once printed, the material is applied using adhesives or mounted frames, depending on the substrate. Schools can also hire professionals for complex installations, although many Roland projects are designed to be simple enough for educators to manage themselves. This is also a great project for older students to learn more and embrace more trade oriented future opportunities.

Cost Considerations & Long-Term Value of Latex Printing

Setting up a latex printing solution requires an initial investment, but the long-term benefits for schools make it highly cost-effective. The Roland TrueVIS AP-640 latex printer, for example, retails at approximately $15,995, offering a professional-grade solution for schools needing high-volume, high-quality printing.

Ongoing costs include latex ink cartridges, which range between $100 and $300 depending on size and color, and print media like vinyl or paper. While this may seem expensive at first glance, the ability to produce custom prints in-house reduces the need for costly outsourcing. Over time, this can lead to significant savings, especially for schools frequently updating their visual displays or hosting multiple events throughout the year.

Additionally, the ability to produce creative educational materials on demand—whether it’s a new science display, a timeline for history class, or a motivational quote in the gym—can significantly enrich the learning environment without ongoing outsourcing fees.

Other Creative Applications for Roland Printers in Schools

In-house printing opens up a world of possibilities for schools. Beyond decorating hallways and classrooms, these devices can be used to:

• Create Custom Awards and Trophies: Using a device like the VersaUV LEF2, schools can print directly onto acrylic, wood, or metal to create custom plaques, trophies, and certificates.

• Print Custom Stickers and Decals: With CAMM-1 vinyl cutters, schools can print personalized stickers for student laptops, water bottles, or sports equipment, further enhancing school spirit, student council campaigns, dramatic presentations and more!

• Interactive Learning Tools: Schools can print floor graphics for interactive games like hopscotch, maps, or word searches, turning learning into a physical and engaging experience.

Empower Your Schools with Latex Printing

In-house latex printing is an innovative solution that allows schools to transform their environments creatively while fostering a sense of community and pride. Devices like Roland’s TrueVIS AP-640 give educators the freedom to produce vibrant, durable, and eco-friendly graphics on demand. Whether through classroom décor, custom signage, or interactive learning spaces, the potential for creativity is limitless.

By investing in these technologies, schools, like yours, can significantly enhance their educational environments and offer your students an inspiring, engaging, and personalized learning experience.