The most common mistake in large format printing is choosing the material on price. The same artwork calls for completely different substrates on glass, on a concrete façade and on scaffolding exposed to wind. A wrong choice rarely shows up as poor print quality; it shows up months later as tearing, bubbling or fading.
Materials and where they belong
| Material | Where it is used | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| PVC banner | Outdoor posters, panel wraps, opening announcements | Edge welding and eyelet spacing determine its life |
| Mesh banner | Large building façades, scaffold wraps | Lets wind through; far safer than solid banner |
| Self-adhesive vinyl | Flat façades, composite panels, vehicles, glass | Will not bond to a dusty or damp surface |
| One-way vision | Shop windows | Keeps the view out while showing artwork outside |
| Backlit film | Lightboxes and illuminated cabinets | Standard vinyl used as backlit looks washed out |
What resolution do you actually need?
In large format, "higher is better" is not true. Resolution follows viewing distance. A window graphic examined from arm's length and a building façade read from 30 metres do not need the same file. On the latter, excess resolution only inflates file size and processing time.
- Artwork should be prepared at actual size, with proportions checked before printing.
- Type should be vector; enlarged pixel type breaks up along the edges.
- Trim and hem allowances belong in the design from the start.
- Brand colours should be matched to the print profile, not to a screen.
Lamination and finishing
Adhesive prints staying outdoors should never be applied unlaminated. With banners the finishing lives at the edges: a properly welded hem and eyelets at sensible spacing are what stop a banner tearing in the wind. Widening eyelet spacing saves labour today and costs a reprint after the first storm.
Royal Reklam prints in house and selects the material for the location the work will hang in. We confirm dimensions and the installation method before printing — because a well-printed job that is badly installed is just as short-lived.