Large Format
About Large Format:
Our large format printers are used for printing all our stickers, banners and display items up to 3m wide.
The large format printer is a digital printing machine and makes use of solvent based inks which are long lasting and waterproof (enabling outdoor use). The printer prints onto rolls of the specific media, such as vinyl or PVC, in a full colour (CMYK) method similar to that of a home inkjet printer. Each machine has a Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black ink which it uses to print with.
Once the media is printed the print is then allowed to dry completely before being cut. Any finishing required now takes place. As the printing is digital, it is possible to do single units and small quantities.
Large Format Items:
‣ PVC Banners
‣ Pull Ups / Roll Ups
‣ Posters
‣ X-Frame Banners
‣ A-Frame Banners
‣ Telescopic/Extreme Flags
‣ Pop Ups
‣ Vehicle Magnets
‣ Chromadeck Boards
‣ Sandwich Boards
‣ Stickers
‣ Correx Boards
Types of Media:
We use standard eco-max solvent based inks on on large format machine to print onto a variety of medias.
Our standard Gloss Vinyl is a leading brand of 3-5 yrs white vinyl which is used for most stickers and applications to boards and magnets. The vinyl is smooth so it produces a great print finish and the glue is solvent based so water will not affect it which means it can be used outdoors.
For our roll up and x-frame banners we use non-curl PVC so that the print stays flat and does not curl around the edges after some use. The normal freestanding PVC banners and A-frames use a PVC with a black backing which allows a good opaque backing to the print without letting light through. Banners are finished around the edges stopping the print from curling and include eyelets/ropes for hanging.
Popups and flags are printed onto a lightweight polyester fabric which is printed and sewn into the item required. It is soft and breathable thus making it ideal for flags. As the fabric is slightly transparent, only one side is printable so on single sided items the print will read reverse on the back. Double sided extreme/banner flags are available but this includes sewing two printed panels back to back with an opaque inner to achieve a print reading correct from both sides.
Our posters are printed onto gloss poster paper which allows for high resolution quality prints if the right artwork is used. The gloss paper produces a vibrant and smooth finish.
Lead Time:
Large Format Printing is fairly quick due to the digital nature of the printing. Our standard lead time is approx. 3-5 working days from artwork approval. Certain items with finishing - such as banners or roll ups - may require an additional 2-3 days for the finnishing over and above printing.
Always allow additional time for artwork, proofing and any unforseen circumstances (such as power cuts). If you need sooner let us know when you place your order and we’ll do our best to achieve this.
Large Format Printing FAQ:
What kinds of banners and flags do you offer?
We offer all the standard banners from free standing PVC banners with ropes and eyelets, to X-frame banners, Roll up banners, A-frames, Pop ups and Extreme and Telescopic flags.
Can I put my banners / vinyl out in the sun?
Yes. Our inks are UV resistant for 2-3 years. Some items - such as roll ups - are made for indoor use only and are not recommended for outdoor use.
How long will my banners last?
Banners are designed to last for roughly 2 years, but if you take care of it they can last longer.
How many colours can I use on my artwork?
We print in full colour so you can use as many colours as you want. It can even include photos and logos.
Can I get a custom sized banner?
Yes. Our price list contains our standard sizes but we can make one to any size required. Just let us know what size you need and we will send you a quote.
Can you produce artwork for me?
Yes, we offer a full range of design and artwork services. Give us the details of what you want and we will be happy to quote.
Can I supply my own ‘print-ready’ artwork?
Yes you are more than welcome to provide your own ‘print-ready’ artwork provided it follows our artwork requirements. Please visit our website to see how to supply your artwork, there are templates for download too.
How will you check my job for any errors?
We check all supplied artwork to the best of our ability. We always send a digital proof before print when we have produced the artwork for you.
If I supply my artwork in Word, Excel or Powerpoint, why do I have to pay artwork re-setting fees?
Unfortunately we cannot print from any of the Microsoft office products due to the way in which they create the file as it is not compatible with our printing methods. We will have to re-create your artwork in an industry standard design programme such as Corel draw, Photoshop etc…
What does the artwork fee include?
The artwork fee is the fee for our time to create the layout for your printing. It includes the initial layout and proof along with a set of revisions and a second proof thereafter.
When will I receive my proof?
Once we receive the information you require for your printing we will create your artwork and email a proof to you. Please allow 24 - 48 hours for the initial proof and roughly 12 hours for any changes thereafter.
Can I use an image off my website on my printing?
In most cases, No. The resolution of artwork for large format printing should be at least 150dpi to create high quality printing. Most website images are less than 72dpi and will print “fuzzy”. If supplying your own artwork, please ensure a minimum of 150dpi at full size. If small text is used, we recommend using a vector program such as corel draw for the text.
I am not satisfied with the quality of my print job, will you reprint my job?
Please return your print job so we can find out if something went wrong. If we deem the problem a manufacturing defect (ie a fault on our side) we will be more than happy to reprint your job. However Pic a Shirt/Chameleon Graphics will not be responsible for design flaws on jobs not designed by us. Including but not limited to colour issues, typos, resolution issues or not enough bleed for cutting etc...
What about privacy and security?
No information we collect for order processing is shared with any other company or website. Your information is only used to contact you when necessary...