What is ClingZ? It sounds like a new rock band or dance club, when in actuality; it is a type of substrate/material that is gaining popularity to be printed on. The difference between ClingZ and any other type of substrate is that it is a charged film that can adhere to almost any surface. Amazingly, it uses no glue or adhesives.

“ClingZ can be used to hang on drywall, glass, wood and even brick,” according to ClingZ’s website. When it comes to using this material, advertising ventures are easy. Once printed, it is a cinch to hang because it is charged with a polypropylene film as opposed to other types of substrates that have glue or adhesive on them. This can help with large advertisements because the chances of bubbles or wrinkles are greatly reduced.

Recently, ClingZ was printed on for a mural for a college art show.  It was printed in strips and then attached to the wall easily. Another cool way ClingZ was used was for an interactive makeup tutorial that allowed you to remove the directions from the makeup book to attach it to the mirror for ease of use when it came to applying the makeup and looking at the directions. The possibilities are endless. Miles is a certified ClingZ printer and we would be happy to answer any questions or take on your next project!

Augmented reality might be a new term for most people. A lot of you might even be asking, what is augmented reality? Well, unlike virtual reality which completely replaces all layers of the real world, augmented reality or AR is a virtual layer and a real life environment placed all in one. But what does this have to do with print?

Like QR codes, augmented reality gives print a chance to come to life. Instead of scanning like you would with your QR code and being immediately taken to the internet, AR allows you to bring paper to life. For example, you are walking by a movie poster and it has an AR code on it, it might allow you to scan the photo with your phone, iPad, etc and watch the trailer embedded in the poster. It might make something on the poster move or come to life. AR can also revolutionize the way students learn. With codes inside textbooks, students will be able to scan it and see 3-D renderings of say the Earth or inside volcanoes. The possibilities are endless.

Sometimes print is thought of as a dying source but according to the Marsid M&M group, “AR is causing print to evolve.” The main thing with this new technology is that it allows print and computers/tablets to work together instead of being forced to use one or the other. These technologies are coming together which is rare. Although AR isn’t as mainstream as QR Codes it is definitely gaining momentum. What do you think of Augmented Reality? Leave your comments below.

It’s pretty obvious that when advertisers want to get consumers attention they look to billboards, magazine ads, and commercials to sell their products. Sometimes, they hit the right buttons with buyers and other times they go overboard and the point gets lost in translation. If you want to try a new direction, our suggestion is to look into shelf talkers.

Often called Shelf Screamers or Shelf Barkers this type of advertising is definitely gaining momentum. Shelf talkers are small signs attached to the edge of shelves at stores that advertise a product, a sale, or whatever else worth accenting. They are even a good idea to help advertise something eco-friendly or healthy. In the grand scheme of advertising, they are very small in looks but they definitely pack a punch when you would like to note something of importance.

They can be printed on many different types of substrates and Miles Printing is more than happy to meet your Shelf Talker needs! Let us know, we would be happy to help!