While much of the marketing world clamours for digital advertising, one of the oldest and most effective ways to grab people’s attention is with large format printing. Posters, murals and signage have been a key marketing tool for years, and advances in digital technology have made them easier than ever to produce and install.
Essentially, large format printing — also known as wide-format printing — is any print that falls outside the typical range of commercial printers, often requiring custom equipment to create. The prints are typically created on substrates ranging from paper to vinyl, and the material chosen for a project will have a huge impact on the final product’s aesthetic and practicality. For example, retail graphics might utilise a less durable (and therefore more affordable) vinyl compared to outdoor hoarding or fleet/vehicle graphics, which will need to be able to withstand harsh weather and constant foot traffic.
With the right approach and the proper knowledge, it’s possible for digital and commercial printers to create high-impact, long-lasting large format products that can help businesses make the most of their marketing efforts. The key is to understand the various options and which ones are best suited to each use case, so it’s easy for designers and clients alike to select the correct materials and formats when creating their next large-scale project.
The most common type of large format printing is poster printing, which can be used for a wide range of purposes including advertising, branding and decorative reasons. For example, posters printed in A2 and A1 sizes are popular with local sporting clubs, schools and charities to promote events or registration days. The most commonly seen poster stock is photo satin, which gives a smooth, premium finish and is perfect for high-resolution images.
Mesh banners are another very popular and versatile type of large-format print. This style of banner can be used for both indoor and outdoor events, with the perforations making them more wind resistant than standard solid PVC banners. In high winds, your message can easily be lost as the banner flaps around, but mesh banners allow air to flow through, minimizing movement and helping your messaging stay visible.
Textile materials are a recent development in the world of large format printing, and are gaining popularity due to their attractive appearance and practicality. They can be used to create both free-standing or wall mounted fabric tension frame systems for exhibitions, and also textile banners that are ideal for use in retails displays, event booths or as promotional signs. The aesthetically pleasing fabrics are also extremely lightweight, which makes them an excellent choice for use in locations where wind gusts might cause other types of banner to move. Considering these factors, it’s no surprise that more and more marketers are turning to large-format printing for their next marketing campaign.
While some may assume that outsourcing large format printing to a professional printing company is expensive, it can be a cost-effective solution in the long run. Printing companies have economies of scale and can offer competitive pricing, especially for bulk orders. Additionally, they can guide you on optimizing print sizes, materials, and finishes to maximize cost efficiency without compromising quality. By partnering with a printing company in Salt Lake City, you can save on equipment costs, maintenance, and staff training, allowing you to allocate your resources strategically.