This stunning elevator wrap for Fenix Marine, one of the largest container terminals at the Port of Los Angeles, was photographed, designed, printed and installed by Iconography Studios. The result is nothing short of breathtaking, with perhaps a little bit of vertigo.
This elevator wrap began with a concept by our clients at Fenix Marine – they wanted the inside of an elevator at their office buildings to look as though you were riding inside one of the container cranes. What is a container crane, you ask? A port crane, also known as a container crane, is a large, heavy-duty crane used in ports and maritime terminals to efficiently load and unload containers and other bulky goods to and from ships and other vehicles. These cranes feature a long boom and a spreader that attaches to containers, allowing for precise, controlled movement and high-speed operations essential for modern, high-volume cargo handling.
How We Designed The Elevator Wrap
To do this, we started by sending our lead designer up into a crane to get some great shots. We then brought those photos into our design studio and fit them into the carefully-measured templates we had created in order to size and print the wrap material to fit the insides of the elevator.
We have wrapped many elevator doors on the exterior, which is a fairly straightforward process as the doors are typically flat and space is limited. To extend one visual theme throughout the inside of an elevator takes a next level of design work. To wrap the inside of an elevator, you first need to professionally assess the surfaces, then thoroughly clean and repair any imperfections.
Next, measure the surfaces to create a custom template for the architectural vinyl wrap. In this case, the image being used was to extend across all of the interior walls. Once printed, laminated and trimmed to size, the vinyl wrap is then applied using special tools to smooth out air bubbles, ensuring a solid and durable finish that can transform the elevator’s appearance with various textures, colors, and patterns.
Here are the basic steps to wrapping the elevator:
- Site Survey & Assessment
Professional Assessment: Before any work begins, a professional will inspect the elevator’s surfaces to ensure they are suitable for wrapping.
Surface Condition: Some surfaces may require special treatment before wrapping, and vintage elevators might have unique requirements. - Preparation
Clean the Surfaces: Thoroughly clean the elevator’s interior to remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the wrap’s adhesion.
Repair & Patch: Patch any dents or imperfections on the walls and doors to create a smooth, uniform surface for the vinyl to adhere to.
Remove Fixtures: Remove any handles, mirrors, or other fixtures to allow for a complete and proper wrap installation. - Measurement & Customization
Measure & Template: Take precise measurements of the elevator’s interior surfaces.
Create a Template: A custom template is created based on these measurements to ensure the vinyl wrap fits perfectly.
Select Your Wrap: Choose from a wide range of architectural vinyl wraps, which come in various textures (like wood, stone, or fabric), colors, and finishes (gloss, matte, metallic). - Installation
Apply the Vinyl: Carefully apply the self-adhesive vinyl wrap to the prepared surfaces.
Use a Squeegee: Use tools like a squeegee or a window tint application tool to press out air bubbles and ensure the wrap adheres firmly to the surface.
Ensure Proper Adhesion: Make sure the entire wrap is sticking solidly to the surface without any lifting or peeling. - Final Touches
Reinstall Fixtures: Once the wrap is fully applied, reinstall any removed handles, mirrors, or other fixtures.
Enjoy Your New Look: The process leaves you with a durable, modern, and stylish elevator cab that is easy to clean.
