
INSTALLATION SERVICES
GRAPHIC INSTALLATION SERVICES
Our team installs...
Cushing offers professional graphic installation services for projects of all sizes, ensuring your large-format graphics are expertly installed for maximum impact. Whether you need union or non-union labor, Cushing’s experienced team can handle everything from environmental branding to construction site signage. They provide custom quotes, site surveys, and quality control to meet your project needs. With years of experience across diverse industries, Cushing ensures a seamless installation process, making them a trusted partner for graphic installations in Chicago.
Our services to keep your project on-time and exceed expectations. Read below for details on union versus non-union installation, and other frequently asked questions we receive.
Installation FAQs
Whether your project calls for large-scale wall graphics, intricate ADA signage, or eye-catching dimensional letters, our team installs signage with precision and care. We work across industries—corporate, healthcare, education, retail, and more.
We schedule installations only after final design proofs are approved by the client—this ensures accuracy and alignment before production begins. The timing of your install depends on our production schedule and project complexity.
To streamline the process, we’ll need a few key details:
• Installation location
• Site access information
• On-site contact person
• Preferred dates and availability
Please note: For exterior graphic installations, weather can impact scheduling—we’ll work closely with you to choose an optimal day.
Weather plays an important role in exterior vinyl and signage installations. For safety and quality reasons, we are unable to install outdoor vinyl graphics or film in rainy conditions.
In colder weather, installation is typically not possible when temperatures fall below 50°F. Adhesives used for outdoor signage require mild temperatures to bond properly—installing in the cold can compromise both appearance and longevity.
We’ll monitor the forecast closely and work with you to find the best window for your installation.

Customer Requests
Clients don’t always know when union installation is a requirement.
Many times, customers call us for environmental branding & construction site signage without realizing their project scope requires union installation. Actually, almost every large format request! We break out some differences below, with some frequently asked questions below.
Time-Lapse Installation
How do you know if your project requires union installation?
Any building over 80,000K square feet is required to be completed by union labor. It’s why the first question we’ll ask for any graphics installations request is: How big is your building?
Not sure of the square footage? Ask your landlord: it is the simplest and quickest way to determine if you will need union versus non–union installation. It’s all building based.
Quality ControL
non-union does not mean lower quality.
These installers may not be interested in larger projects and can just be a better fit for smaller buildings. Non-union tends to be used outside of the city of Chicago. If you are the builder owner and your square footage falls under 80,000 square feet, you are probably safe to hire non-union installers..


Cost Considerations
Does union installation require extra investment?
Yes, this does require additional investment. Your account manager will assist with a custom project quote. There are too many variables to list here to provide ballpark pricing. We’re just being transparent and always happy to help you walk through pricing specifics.
Affecting the Timeline
Does union installation require additional time for project completion?
The only thing that could affect the schedule is if the installation crew is already busy. There would be no reason for a union installation to take more time than non-union. It is supply and demand.

Special Requirements
Are there special steps that need to followed prior to union installation?
No, there are no special requirements. Please keep in mind Cushing can still complete a site survey and take measurements on your job or work site, WITHOUT being union labor. You don’t need union labor to visit a site prior to installation and make recommendations.
It comes down to this: Once a hammer or drill is picked up, or graphics are being installed on a job site that is 80,000K square feet or above, you need union labor.
