Just like all the wonderful flavors of ice cream in the world, there are many choices to be had when printing BIG with large format graphics. In order to arrive at the “look” you envisioned for your space, its best to know what all your options are. Knowledge and understanding of the flavors to choose from, leads you to optimal results. This blog was written  to show you the menu of large format graphics. Intensity of color, sharpness, surface texture are some of the characteristics that determine your image’s final presentation. Here are the basic flavors:

• If your main focus is vibrant color saturation, then may I recommend dye sublimation fabric prints? They have gained in popularity in part because of the beautiful rich color they provide. Fabric graphics give a warm feeling to any space, has ease of installation, has greener options, and a good indoor shelf life with durability. Fabric graphics can be frontlit or backlit. A semi-sheer layer over a bold printed image creates a dimensional-look. Fabrics come in a variety of weights and textures, ranging from sheer to heavy canvas, and all else in-between. Because polyester fibers are more receptive to opening and accepting the ink, a polyester blend is most often used. There is even a peelable fabric print referred to as ‘repositional fabric print’ or decal. Repositional fabric is used when you are looking to go frameless, and desire to maintain the integrity of the supporting wall to remain unaffected. This flavor, once referred to as ‘soft signage’ provides instant visual zest to any space.
• If you are needing to print on a variety of unusual substrates such as wood, glass, metal, acrylic and a host of different paper or plastic boards, then uv printing is the solution! If you have a campaign to print on a variety of surfaces, while maintaining the look of the image, then uv printing is your flavor of choice. With uv printing, often there is a ‘white ink option.’ This is a base undercoating of white ink, which then makes consistency achievable. If you are looking for a nail tough printed surface that requires no lamination nor protective glass, then uv printing is the solution. When cutting diverse shapes from these printed boards, the typical complementary tool is a CNC router. Cutting unconventional shapes and layering is a great way to create a dimensional logo.
• If you are craving uber sharp images, may I recommend Lightjet photo prints? The image is created with lasers on photo paper, giving an apparent resolution of 4000 DPI. You’ll need to locate a printer or sign maker who still maintains a Lightjet or Durst imagesetter, as this device is no longer in production. Print operators with this tool, recognize it offers the sharpest reflective or transparent (duratrans) prints available to date. And while we’re talking sharp, might I suggest starting acquiring a high resolution file of your artwork with the best digital file scanner, the BetterLight? This scan back is used when you require tack sharp results, and this one provides an impressive 6000 x 8000 pixels digital file.
• For a smooth sleek-looking solution made to last in the outdoors, then vinyl prints is your flavor. Inkjet printers can provide water-based or solvent-based prints. Water-based or aqueous inks are used with the fabric transfer process. Solvent-based inkjets are used when you are looking for custom printed vinyl murals, wall paper, banners, and flags made for the outdoors. Solvent vinyl is also used for vehicle wraps and other outdoor signage. The process is saturate and sharp-looking, and is popularly used for point-of-purchase and outdoor banners and fences.
• Now, if you are in the field of fine art; and are looking for fine art reproduction quality prints, then the Giclee print is your flavor. This service is one which manipulates both the digital file and the final print together, until you acquire a nearly perfect match to the original. Often the final print is also available on canvas or watercolor surfaces. I recommend you use a print shop that has a BetterLight scan back to create a high res digital file of your artwork. If you already possess an excellent high res digital file, then you will want to work with a meticulous printer with tight color profiles and who is a master at meticulously adjusting for the final print.
• And finally, if are needing custom architectural flavors for wayfaring signage and ADA braille signs, then you’ll want a sign maker who makes use of the uv printer in order to accomodate a fully custom-look.