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Large format prints are a great way to make a bold statement that’s aimed at a larger group of people. These can take the form of anything as small as posters to much larger banners and murals. Done right by a trusted Denver printing company, and they can deliver striking detail with crisp colors and high-resolution imagery to get your message across. They’re great for marketing, and can be printed on a wide array of materials like paper, fabric, vinyl, and canvas – to name a few.
While these prints are known for their remarkable ability to get your message and imagery across, they’re commonly used outdoors. Thanks to their larger size, large format prints will be placed on buildings, over walking paths, or anywhere else they might reach that boasts a lot of foot traffic. They can be very durable, depending on the materials and printing techniques used.
Choose the Right Materials
The lifespan of your printed materials is important, because you want your message to last as long as possible in most cases. If you simply need the large format prints for a one-off project that might only be up for a short period of time, less durable material like paper might be good enough for you. However, if you want a banner or signage that needs to be put up and last a long time, there are other options that are likely better. Materials like vinyl, mesh, or polyester will be more durable in the long run, and are designed to hold up under some heartier conditions.
Vinyl is a very popular choice for outdoor signage and banners because of its durability and weather resistance. They’re typically waterproof and tear-resistant, and many are also resistant to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Mesh is designed specifically for outdoor banners where wind resistance is a serious concern. The perforated structure allows air to pass through, keeping the wind from damaging the material. Polyester is generally used in fabric banners, flags, or other displays thanks to its light weight and versatility. They may not be as durable as vinyl or mesh outdoors, but can be treated to enhance durability.
Ink Makes Difference
Printers can use a variety of different inks and toners for large format projects. When there are a concerns about how a particular print might hold up under certain conditions, the ink can play a big role. There are some inks that are UV-resistant or solvent-based, and those are commonly used to prevent outdoor prints from fading due to exposure to the sun and water damage. These inks adhere well to the common materials used in large format prints, giving a level of protection for longevity to the project.
Solvent-based inks contain pigments that are dissolved in a solvent, which evaporates during the printing process. This leaves a pigment behind on the material, making it very resistant to fading, water, and abrasion. UV-curable inks are cured using ultraviolet light immediately after print, allowing for fast drying and increased durability. They for a tough, scratch-resistant layer on the material that resists fading and weathering. There are plenty of other inks available, and different products will use different inks based on the material being printed on and environmental considerations. Be sure to discuss all options with a professional printer to make sure you’re getting the right ink with the right durability.
Consider Environmental Conditions
It’s important to take all of the environmental conditions of the place where the large format print will be displayed. Extreme heat, cold, humidity, or exposure to saltwater can have a serious impact on prints posted outdoors. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause colors to fade and materials to degrade over time. Prints exposed to rain, snow, or high humidity can cause some materials to warp, and wind can put a strain on the material – causing tearing, fraying, or detachment from where they’re mounted.
While Mother Nature can be unkind to the durability to outdoor prints, there are plenty of man-made environmental concerns to worry about, too. Airborne pollutants – like chemicals, dirt, and dust – can accumulate on outdoor prints. This can cause discoloration and staining, or it could deteriorate the material of the print. They may also be subject to physical wear and tear from contact with abrasive surfaces or vandalism, so be aware of where they’re hung or posted to avoid some of these issues.
Protect with Lamination
Applying a protective laminate can significantly increase the durability of large format prints, but it will generally come with an added cost. However, this cost is a sound investment for those who want their large format prints to be outdoors for a long period of time, or if they’re going to be in a place where there are heavy environmental concerns. This additional protective layer not only gives a bit more protection, but it can enhance the image quality, color saturation, contrast, and sharpness. This process can be done with a glossy or matte finish, which can also add depth and vibrancy to the image.
Lamination creates a waterproof barrier that prevents moisture from seeping into the printer. This is crucial for outdoor prints that might be exposed to rain or other precipitation. Laminating your large format print will also make it more resistant to chemical damage from pollutants and other contaminants in the environment. Many of the films used for laminate are designed with UV inhibitors to block the sun’s damaging rays, giving long-term preservation.
Proper Installation
Getting your large format print installed properly can play a large role not only in its impact on potential viewers, but also how it holds up over time. Making sure the print is securely adhered to its mounting surface is essential, as this will prevent the print from peeling or lifting – which can happen due to wind and other issues with weather. If you’re hanging materials like banner, be sure they’re pulled to their proper tension during installation. This will help keep the print taut and flat, minimizing the risk of sagging or flapping. This will also help to maintain the item’s visual appearance.
It’s also important to make sure that the large format print is properly aligned. This doesn’t simply mean it’s lined up visually, but also that it’s positioned correctly and uniformly on the surface. Misalignment on the surface can create weak points that make the print more susceptible to damage or deterioration. The large format print should also be installed in a way that allows for easy access for maintenance and repairs. This will make it easier for periodic cleaning and inspection, and will also make it easier to perform any necessary adjustments to the sign in the future.
Keep Up with Maintenance
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspections for damage, will help prolong the lifespan of outdoor prints. No matter where your large format print is posted outdoors, it’s going to come into contact with environmental factors – especially if it’s intended to stay there for a long time. Cleaning off dirt, debris, and other pollutants can prevent damage to the material and the print’s overall appearance. Accumulation of dirt, dust, and grime can degrade the quality of the image, making colors fade or looking dull.
Exposure to the elements like sunlight, rain, and wind can also lead to some damage and/or fading. Some materials might be more resistant to fading or physical damage than others, and applying protective coatings can also extend their lifespan. While it’s important to put the large format prints in a place that can minimize this exposure to the elements, sometimes that’s not possible. Your experienced Denver printing company may also be able to give maintenance guidelines based off the material it’s printed on.
Get the Right Advice
Working with the right printer can make all of the difference in the world in getting the most durable signage for your needs. When it comes to large format printing, the printing company should have plenty of experience with different materials, inks, and how it will hold up overall in various weather conditions. Customer service is paramount in these situations, as these large format prints typically have to be created within a budget. You may have some questions about durability for the printer, but hey should also be asking you questions about where the large format prints will be posted, duration expected, and other things.
There is a lot that goes into creating a visually striking large format print, and the print company wants it to remain long-lasting just as much as you do. Open communication during the creation process of the prints is also imperative, so that there will be no surprises when the final product gets delivered. While it’s important to work with a printer that can give top-notch quality, but will also go the extra mile to make sure the durability is there, too. For more information on the durability of large format prints, and how to get them to work for you, reach out to the experts at Cottrell Printing today.