Large Format Printing – Getting Acquainted With Materials And Uses By Carla San Gaspar At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Large Format Printing as its name indicates specializes in large prints. You can choose a size from 11x17 inch posters to as big as floor to ceiling installations. Almost all sizes in between are possible in different materials.

As it can use either digital or offset printing, your orders can range from 1-99 (digital short run orders) to as much as several thousand pieces (offset). The cost of print becomes more expensive as the size gets bigger, but the cost per unit diminishes as the volume goes higher (wholesale printing.)

It also gives you the option to print on a variety of materials, making it appropriate for either indoor or outdoor use. The following are the common materials used in Large Format Printing:

•Artist Canvas – This is the same cloth material used in oil paintings and murals. Because of the texture of the material, the prints come out with deep colors, and dull finish, closely resembling oil paintings. Provided with high resolution images, this provides photographic quality output. Artist Canvas can be used for either indoor or outdoor advertising as the material does not rip easily, and is water resistant.

Uses: portraits, murals, posters, and banners

• Gloss text – This is paper material similar to the pages of the magazines. It has a smooth finish and a light gloss. It also prints photographic quality output with an even sheen. The material is best used indoors. This material is also best used for printing large quantity indoor posters inexpensively.

Uses: Indoor posters, pin-ups, disposable placemats, and flyers,

• Semi Gloss and High Gloss – These stocks, semi gloss and high gloss, can be printed up to as big as 58” x 100”. These are also often used as material for posters and depending on the finish or coating, can be used either for indoors or outdoors. High Gloss posters are durable and gives off an unmistakably sheen to your prints while the Semi Gloss adds just enough to make posters look more professional.

Uses: outdoor posters, instructional flip charts, presentation boards, displays for tradeshows, etc.

• Vinyl Banners – This is a very durable synthetic material. It can be UV-coated for additional gloss and protection. But unlike the other materials mentioned, the print is grainy and occasionally pixilated. When viewed away from close scrutiny, it has a near photographic quality, making it best suited for large prints that will be viewed from a distance. It is water proof, crease resistant, tear-resistant, and when used with archival ink, can last several years.

Uses: Billboards, banners, posters, floor-to-ceiling installations, etc.

• Adhesives: Sticker. All the materials mentioned have the option of being used with an adhesive back. It retains the properties of the materials, and its option to be coated or not, but adds a layer of sticky substance. Adhesives are used for easier mounting, as it can stick to almost any surface.

Uses: Window signs, moving advertisement at the sides of the trucks, cars, menu boards, trade show exhibits, custom wall paper, etc.

Although there are standard specifications for large format printing, it also has customizable options. Custom sizes are a default option for digital printing, but entails customization (and additional cost for offset).
Die-cut shapes may be requested from the printer, and spot color or ordering a unique color is available.

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