Signal Controllers and Electric Transfomers Art
Signal Controllers and Electrical Transformers Art
A convergence of beauty, art, and purpose; box artwork discourages graffiti and vandalism and
promotes street art by local artisans for the enjoyment of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists
alike. Hand painting of boxes often appears in neighborhoods and smaller cities, while printed
vinyl wraps are preferred by more urban downtown centers. The vinyl wrap is special because it
is not affected by vandalism‐ It is resistant to spray paint and markers and the damage of
adhesives. It is possible to wrap: utility boxes, traffic boxes, interior and exterior
walls, glass, dumpsters, cement, and brick surfaces.
Hand painting has a slight edge on durability, but both can last up to five years depending
on the quality of the paints, inks and UV protection. Wraps are rated for only 3 years.
Design for pedestrian viewing seems to be prioritized over bold graphic images for
automobiles.
On average the vendor’s cost is $15 per square foot for the wrap. This does not include
artist or outside graphic design fees or permit costs.
Examples of cities with box art installations:
Boston, MA (hand‐painted)
Cleveland, OH
Sioux Falls, SD
Bozeman, MT (wraps)
Yellowstone National Park
Anaheim, CA
Sacramento, CA
San Diego, CA
Seattle, WA
Great Falls, MT (wraps)
Minneapolis, MN (wraps)
Portland, OR (wraps)
Chicago, IL (wraps)
Wraps
Quality control as most artists are not experienced painting on metal.
Artists working in most media can use photographic images of the original artwork.
Children, students and amateurs arts can be incorporated by professional graphic designers.
Removal of graffiti paint and markers is simple. Some stickers and ballpoint pens can be
impossible without damaging the vinyl.
Must be installed so the vinyl does not interfere with open the cabinet doors.
Apparently, the wraps like warm weather.
Requires a graphic designer to complete the final layout.
Solves insurance issues as the sign company carries the proper insurance.
Hint: Ask for a replacement wrap in the original bid.
Hand Painting
Good durability in all climates with UV protection
In the project budget, very high percentage goes directly to the artists.
The act of painting in the street becomes an event.
Better recognition by the general public as art and not advertising.
Can result in poor quality with painting by students or some artists without experience
painting on metal.
Need to resolve insurance for multiple artists painting in the streets.
With expensive anti‐graffiti coating, paint and markers can be removed