Frequently Asked Questions

WHY DO I NEED BIG POSTERS?

Large format printing is used primarily for: Trade Show Displays, Retail Signs, Photo Enlargement, Banners (Indoor & Outdoor), Medical & Scientific Charts, Presentations, Courtroom Demonstrations, Backdrops, Vehicle Graphics, Light Box Displays and many other uses.

HOW GOOD IS THE OUTPUT?

Our large format equipment can produce high resolution color output at sizes up to 72'' wide by any length. The output is consistent, producing smooth blends and skin tones, vibrant solid colors, and sharp text. We are always cleaning and maintaining our equipment to avoid streaky solids and ink blotches. We will not send out anything which we feel is sub standard. Our staff is focused on providing the best quality output for our customers.

WHAT KIND OF PAPERS AND MEDIA CAN YOU PRINT ON?

Focusing on new products and developments in the industry is one of our main priorities. New and exciting papers and media are always coming out and we stay on top of it. Currently, we stock:

Low Gloss Paper

(For most needs, low glare, high quality vibrant colors - can be used with our normal inks and UV pigmented inks)

High Gloss Paper

(For those who want glossy, vibrant, eye-catching output - can be used with our normal inks and UV pigmented inks))

Heavy Bond

(Vibrant colors, no glare at all, can be used with imaging ink as well as UV ink)

Self Adhesive Vinyl

(Matte finish, Great for outdoors, vibrant color, waterproof, can be adheared to most clean flat surfaces (can be used w/UV ink)

Tyvek

(Tear resistant material, used as banners, output is good (can be used with UV ink)

16 mil Scrim Banner Vinyl

(Our heaviest vinyl, great quality, used with regular ink or UV ink, most durable)

Canvas

(We have gloss, matte, and water resistant canvas - Great for artwork, fine art, output resembles a real painting). Also good for indoor banners.

Backlit Film

(Brilliant color, vibrant film used for backlit applications, sign boxes, very popular for retail & trade shows) We have a water resistant backlit film as well as our standrad ultrabright backlit film.

Poly Gloss Film

(A synthetic film, produces vibrant output similar to our gloss paper, yet will not tear as easily as paper - it will stretch before ripping)

Waterproof Poly Film

(A water resistant film with a matte finish, good for signage that may get wet - no need for lamination)

Polyester Silk

(A very nice silky material, waterproof - produces a see-through effect)

Cotton/Cotton Twill

(Tight weave, great color output, most opaque out of the fabrics) Good for banners, flags, upholstery, tapestries and whatever comes to mind.

Polyester Fabric

(More porous than cotton and less translucent than the silk), output it good. Strong fabric. Water resistant. Good for banners, flags, and many other uses.

One Way/View-Thru Film

(Used primarily on vehicle and storefront windows) Viewed from outside the image appears. When viewed from inside out, window looks tinted. Great for promotions and dressing up storefronts. Add lamination and UV ink for greater longevity 2-5 years.

Other fabrics are available and can be stocked by request.

If you do not see the type of material you need, please call us - we will get what you want.

WHAT IS UV INK AND IS IT NECESSARY?

There are two types of ink: Imaging Ink and UV Resistant Ink. Imaging ink is used for most print jobs. The imaging inks are more accurate than UV inks, however our UV inks are very close to our imaging inks (some other manufacturers have UV inks that are very dull). The only time we recommend UV inks are if your project is for going to be in direct sunlight for long periods of time (ie. outdoor banners or storefront signs) According to the ink manufacturer, they claim an unlaminated vinyl sign will last up to 3-6 months outdoors in direct sunlight. We have banners that lasted over 6 months outdoors before noticing any fading. We also have had indoor paper signs, unlaminated in the store windows that have lasted 2 years. We also offer a combination of lamination and special material by HP & 3M that is guaranteed for 24 months (Ask for custom pricing on this)

WHY ARE YOU SO MUCH LESS EXPENSIVE THAN OTHER OUTPUT PROVIDERS?

BigPosters.com already produces thousands of posters weekly for major retailers and tradeshow companies all over the world. With our already enormous volume, large staff & facility, we are capable of offering this service to other agencies, graphic designers and end users at a discounted price.

HOW DO I KNOW THAT YOUR QUALITY IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME?

We understand that you need to be confident about your purchase, that is why we send out a sample kit with actual color prints on various materials. You need to have it in your hands to see and feel the quality. Please ask for a sample kit, we are proud to send it.

WHAT TYPES OF MEDIA DO YOU ACCEPT?

We have zip, jaz, syquest, bernoulli and cd rom drives. We also have an FTP site for you to send files through the internet.

WHAT KIND OF TURNAROUND CAN I EXPECT?

We generally ship digital poster jobs and short run digital printing within 2-3 days from it's receipt (files and order form). We can ship next day or second day, depending on your needs. Offset and screen printing jobs usually takes 10-14 days after approval of color proof. If a faster turnaround is needed, please call ahead and let us know. We try our best to turn jobs around as fast as possible without charging a rush charge when possible, but 24 hour & 48 hour turnaround jobs may be subject to a surcharge. Please call for more information on rush orders.