Large format printing and environmental graphics play a vital role in visual communication for businesses of all sizes. From capturing attention at trade shows and events to promoting products in retail environments, prints of all shapes and sizes have the power to make a lasting impression. When it comes to large-format printing, a wide range of materials are available, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. Selecting the suitable substrates for your project is crucial to achieving maximum effectiveness balanced with cost efficiency.
Paper
Paper, available in a diverse range of colors, weights, and textures, is a versatile solution for printing your message in a big way. It is available in sheets and rolls, which can impact shipping costs due to weight variations. Paper’s suitability as a printing medium depends on the resolution of the image or message, placement, and expected use. Its abundance of options makes it cost-effective for almost any indoor application or short-term outdoor use.
Applications: Posters, indoor signage, short-term promotions
Benefits: Wide variety of colors, weights, and textures; cost-effective
Considerations: Less durable for outdoor use, affected by weather conditions
Vinyl
Vinyl is a versatile, wide-format printing material sold by the roll. It can feature a removable or non-removable adhesive and application process. Vinyl is often used for large banners or wallpaper and can be easily cut and shaped for your application. Longevity of use, exposure to environmental elements, and the ability to be removed and replaced all should be considered when specifying options. Vinyl can also support full-color images and, though more expensive than paper, is a great low-cost alternative.
Applications: Banners, wallpapers, window graphics
Benefits: Durable, weather-resistant, supports full-color images
Considerations: More expensive than paper but still affordable
Canvas
Large-format canvas prints are often ideal for extremely high-resolution printing needs you want to showcase, such as art or photographic prints. Canvas is often also sold in rolls and tends to be more expensive than other rolled substrates.
Applications: Art prints, photographic prints
Benefits: High resolution, vivid colors, flexible
Considerations: More expensive, primarily for high-end applications
Textiles
Large-format printing on textiles is used to create clothing, accessories, signage, and more. Dye-based, acid printing, and dye sublimation are some examples of textile printing processes. Organic methods can be applied to meet client expectations.
Applications: Clothing, signage, home decor, art
Benefits: Versatile, portable, sustainable options available
Considerations: Not suitable for outdoor use
Foamcore
This substrate is a popular option for indoor signs and interior displays. This foam-centered board is cost-effective for many budgets and a good solution for advertising material. Depending on the surface treatment, it can produce extremely high-resolution images.
Applications: Indoor signage, lightweight displays
Benefits: Lightweight, cost-effective, easy to cut and shape
Considerations: Not suitable for outdoor use
PVC/Styrene
A rigid substrate, PVC, and styrene (a lighter form of PVC) can be used indoors or outdoors for inexpensive sign solutions in various thicknesses or stocks, depending on installation preferences.
Applications: Indoor/outdoor signage, various thicknesses available
Benefits: Versatile, durable, weather-resistant
Considerations: Can be heavier, depending on thickness
Corrugated Plastic Sheets
Known for durability and versatility, corrugated plastic sheets are lightweight, weather-resistant, and available in multiple sizes and thicknesses, making them a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor use. Their ease of cutting and shaping allows for customizable solutions tailored to specific needs.
Applications: Yard signs, temporary outdoor signage
Benefits: Lightweight, affordable, weather-resistant
Considerations: Exposed to weather, they may fade or deteriorate over time
Aluminum
Aluminum substrates can be made of 100% aluminum or a composite of other materials and are available in a few sheet sizes. Composites are available in various colors and finishes, though the overall cost of aluminum substrates is much higher than paper or vinyl.
Applications: High-end indoor/outdoor signage
Benefits: Extremely durable, long-lasting, weather-resistant
Considerations: Expensive, heavier
Acrylic
Acrylic is the “clear” substrate choice for high-end, permanent signage and other applications due to its ability to reproduce an expansive color gamut with extreme vividness and colorfastness and its natural longevity and durability.
Applications: Indoor displays, high-end signage
Benefits: Vivid colors, depth, durability
Considerations: Expensive, primarily for indoor use
Choosing the right material for your large-format printing needs can ensure your graphics are not only visually appealing but also durable and cost-effective. By understanding each material’s properties and best uses, you can make informed decisions that align with your business objectives.
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Cheat Sheet: Common Materials for Environmental and Large Format Graphics
- Paper: Posters, temporary indoor signs
- Vinyl: Banners, wall graphics, window graphics
- Canvas: Art prints, high-quality photo prints
- Textiles: Clothing, signage, home decor, art
- Foamcore: Indoor signage, lightweight displays
- PVC/Styrene: Durable indoor/outdoor signs
- Corrugated Plastic: Yard signs, temporary outdoor signage
- Aluminum: High-end indoor/outdoor signage
- Acrylic: Vivid, durable indoor displays
Inspirational Applications for Large Format Printing
- Banners: Eye-catching promotional tools for events and advertising.
- Wall Graphics: Transform blank walls into engaging visual displays.
- Floor Graphics: Guide customers or create impactful marketing messages.
- Window Graphics: Enhance storefronts and promote products.
- Yard Signs: Affordable and effective for real estate and political campaigns.
- Building Wraps: Massive advertising space on building facades.
- Vehicle Wraps: Turn vehicles into mobile billboards.
- Advertising Flags: Attract attention at events and storefronts.
- Barricades: Informative and branding opportunities at construction sites.
- POP/POS Stands: Boost sales with point-of-purchase displays.
- Billboards: High-visibility advertising along highways and busy roads.