A Quality-Focused Guide to Large Format Print

Large format print requires an attention to detail and comprehensive technical knowledge. Hence why having an experiences trade printing partner gives you a competitive advantage.

But it pays to also keep in mind a few elements that impact the quality of any signage, banners, trade show displays, or stickers you’re looking to create.

Let’s take a look at the elements that make the difference between an average result and an exceptional print quality.

Material Selection: The Foundation of Large Format Print

Material choice is one of the most critical decisions in large format print. Different materials not only affect the final appearance but also determine durability, application, and importantly, visual impact. At Mediapoint we offer an extensive range of options:

• Banner Vinyl: A versatile and durable material ideal for outdoor advertising, featuring weather resistance and excellent colour reproduction. Available in different weights and finishes, banner vinyl can withstand various environmental conditions while maintaining visual appeal.
• Self-Adhesive Stickers: Perfect for window displays, and floor graphics when completed in a large format. Our stickers come with different adhesive strengths and properties (like reverse adhesive application) allowing for both temporary and permanent applications with clean removal when needed.
• Fabric: Increasingly popular for retail displays and exhibition graphics, fabric mesh offer elegant draping properties and are lightweight for easy transportation. They also provide excellent color saturation and can be backlit for dramatic effect.
• Rigid Boards: Including materials like foam core, PVC, and aluminium composite panels, rigid boards offer stability and durability for permanent indoor and outdoor installations. These materials provide a professional finish and can be cut to precise shapes.

Print Resolution and Viewing Distance

There’s an intricate relationship between resolution and viewing distance in large format printing. It directly impacts both the final visual quality and production efficiency. However just because your resolution may be lower, that doesn’t mean you’re going to minimise visual impact. The viewing distance principle operates on a sliding scale – as viewing distance increases, the required resolution can decrease without compromising perceived quality.

You’ll find that large-scale signs (like billboards or building signage), that are meant to be read from longer distances, often look pretty ugly up close. Remember to keep application in mind when proofing and submitting designs. Luckily, Mediapoint provides clear specifications to ensuring you can easily provide artwork that will perfectly match the application.

Colour Management for Impact

Colour accuracy represents one of the most crucial aspects of professional large format print. Achieving consistent, vibrant colours requires sophisticated colour management systems and careful attention to detail throughout the printing process. A well-calibrated colour management system is essential for delivering professional results.

Advanced spectrophotometry and calibration tools ensure colours match exactly across different print runs and materials, which is essential for maintaining brand consistency. Different substrates can affect how colours appear, requiring specific colour profiles and adjustments to maintain consistency across various materials. Through professional colour management, the final printed piece accurately reflects the designer’s vision, with rich, saturated colours and precise detail reproduction.

This level of colour control isn’t just about looking good – it’s about delivering predictable, repeatable results that meet exacting brand standards and client expectations. Each project benefits from careful colour calibration and monitoring throughout the production process, ensuring that whether you’re printing one piece or thousands, the colours remain true to the original design

Finishing Options for Large Format Print

The application of appropriate finishing techniques can dramatically enhance the visual impact and durability of large format prints. Modern finishing options provide both protective and aesthetic benefits:

• Matte Lamination: Provides a sophisticated, non-reflective surface perfect for environments with bright lighting. This finish also offers protection against fingerprints and UV damage.
• Gloss Finishing: Creates a high-shine surface that makes colors appear more vibrant and saturated. Ideal for photographic reproductions and displays requiring maximum visual impact.
• UV Coating: Offers superior protection against sun damage and environmental factors, making it essential for outdoor applications where longevity is crucial.

Installation Considerations

There’s more to large format projects than just the printing itself. Actually installing and displaying the print takes some planning too. You need to factor in a few things to ensure optimal results from the outset:

• Surface Preparation Requirements: Different substrates require specific preparation methods, from cleaning and degreasing to primer application and temperature conditioning.
• Environmental Factors: Temperature, humidity, and exposure to elements must be considered when choosing materials and how you’re going to install
• Installation Method: Each material requires specific installation techniques and tools, from tension systems for banners to application fluids for vinyl graphics.

Keeping the above front of mind is key so as not to impact on the quality of your print or the intended audiences perception of your product / service.

Large Format Print Quality Control Standards

Professional large format printing requires comprehensive quality control measures throughout the production process:

• Pre-print File Checks: Thorough examination of artwork files for resolution, color space, and formatting ensures optimal print quality.
• Colour Calibration Verification: Regular testing and adjustment of printing equipment maintains colour accuracy and consistency.
• Material Inspection: Careful examination of substrates before printing prevents defects and ensures material compatibility.
• Post-print Quality Assessment: Detailed inspection of finished prints under proper lighting conditions confirms accurate colour reproduction and print quality.

Experience the best in large format print firsthand – create your trade account today and unlock exclusive pricing, instant quotes, and access to our complete range of large format solutions. Join the growing number of print professionals who trust us with their most demanding projects.