Design notes
Substrate Check
A practical wall-art note on checking wall surfaces and print materials before production starts.
Every surface tells you something before the first bracket or adhesive strip goes on. Fresh paint, rough plaster, brick, drywall and glass each need a different approach. Substrate Check explains what to confirm before wall art is produced or installed.
Substrate Check is written for teams who need the wall condition verified before print output is approved. We note paint cure time, surface texture, dust levels and whether the area is exposed to steam, direct sun or frequent cleaning.
Surface points checked first
- Wall type and room use recorded
- Close photo of cracks, texture or peeling paint
- Artwork method matched to the actual substrate
- Installer, designer or client contact named clearly
Pair this note with the relevant material page before artwork is approved for print. One explains how painted plaster, brick, glass or drywall should be assessed, while the other sets out the media, finish and fixing method suited to that surface. Used together, they help the team avoid poor adhesion, visible wall defects and mismatched installation hardware.
How substrate checks shape wallpaper and vinyl prep
Substrate Check covers the wall surfaces and print materials that should be reviewed before production starts. It helps the team match the artwork method to the site conditions, fixing approach and final finish.
Begin with the basics on site: painted plaster, face brick, drywall, glass or timber cladding. Freshly painted walls can reject adhesive, rough surfaces can telegraph through vinyl, and damp coastal rooms need different material choices from dry inland interiors. We see these issues in homes, retail fit-outs, offices and hospitality spaces across Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
Say what the wall is made of and what state it is in. Mention corners, trims, power points and any existing graphics so scale and fixing limits can be judged properly. Those notes help when the file is revisited for a reprint or a second branch installation.
What this check should produce
The outcome should be a wall-art direction tied to the actual substrate, not a generic spec. That means the note identifies the printable material, likely fixing method, surface prep required and any risk areas near windows, basins or high-touch zones. Clear substrate findings keep the artwork brief grounded in the room that will carry it.
Review Substrate Check before expanding a concept across multiple rooms or sites. Confirm the wall condition again after final paint, then compare the approved artwork size against the measured area and access constraints. Share a photo of the space and the print finish you like, and the studio will plan the piece.
- Material choice suited to the measured wall
- Condition documented before printing starts
- Related: Software routes, Substrates checks, Design notes for wall prep
- Named contact for site access queries
Site conditions across South Africa
Substrate decisions change with the building stock and climate around the country. Older Gauteng interiors may have patched plaster and legacy paint layers, while coastal sites in Durban and Cape Town often need closer attention to moisture, salt air and cleaning routines. Distribution timing around OR Tambo and regional delivery routes also matters when panels or framed items must travel after packing.
Environmental factors can change both print selection and installation method. Heat on west-facing glass, dust on busy retail walls and power interruptions during production all affect planning. Sample viewing is useful when finish or glare is in question, but the wall condition still needs its own check.
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Notes to capture on site
A practical wall-art note on checking wall surfaces and print materials before production starts.
Complete the substrate record while measurements, photos and wall condition are current. Keep it with the artwork reference, approval trail and room details so the buyer, designer and installer are reading the same surface information. That file becomes especially useful when one design is adapted for another branch or unit.