Big, bold, and built to last—large format printers are changing the game for outdoor signage. Whether you're adding a sign in front of your building’s entrance, setting up event banners, guiding people with wayfinding signs, announcing an award at your manufacturing plant, or going big with billboards, today’s printing tech makes it easier than ever to create eye-catching visuals that hold up in any weather.
With vibrant colors, crisp graphics and materials made specifically for outdoor use, your message stays sharp and impactful—rain or shine. Large format printers aren’t just about printing large-sized projects, they’re about making a statement.
So, if you're looking to boost visibility, connect with your audience and make your brand pop in even the harshest environments, large format printing is your go-to. Ready to see how it’s raising the bar for outdoor signage? Let’s dive in.
When it comes to outdoor signage, size truly matters. The larger your sign, the more visibility it gets, making it easier for your message to stand out. Whether you're printing a billboard, a trade show banner or a mural, having a large format printer that can handle substantial dimensions is crucial. These types of printers can produce prints that are several feet wide and long, ensuring that your outdoor signs make a lasting impression from a distance. For more insights on maximizing the impact of your large-scale prints, check out our 10 Expert Large Format Printing Tips.
Additionally, the viewing distance plays a significant role in determining the print resolution. For instance, while a brochure viewed up close might need a resolution of 300 to 600 DPI. In contrast, large format prints typically use a resolution of 100 DPI. This is because outdoor signs are usually viewed from a greater distance, where the human eye perceives them as clear and sharp.
Outdoor signs need to withstand harsh weather conditions, from scorching sunlight to heavy rain and strong winds. Therefore, choosing the right printing material is essential for durability. Large format printers offer the flexibility to print on a range of materials such as vinyl, mesh and canvas. These materials are not only weather-resistant but also maintain their vibrancy over time.
Vinyl is a popular choice due to its durability and versatility. It can be used for banners, billboards and even vehicle wraps. Mesh, on the other hand, is excellent for windy areas as it allows air to pass through, reducing the risk of damage. Canvas provides a more artistic touch, ideal for high-end displays and murals. No matter the material, ensuring that your large format printer is compatible with these substrates will guarantee the longevity and effectiveness of your outdoor signs.
Color plays a vital role in the effectiveness of your outdoor signs. Vivid, eye-catching colors can attract attention and convey messages more effectively. Large format printers often use a four-color CMYK system (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) to produce a wide range of colors. However, some printers offer additional color channels such as white or neon pink for even greater color accuracy and depth.
When designing for print, it's crucial to convert your images from RGB (Red, Green, Blue) to CMYK, as RGB is optimized for screens and might not translate accurately to print. This conversion ensures that the colors in your design will appear as intended once printed.
Moreover, using vector images whenever possible will result in sharp and clear prints, regardless of the size. Remember, the right combination of colors can make your outdoor sign not just visible, but memorable.
And including calibration techniques such as G7 color management, will ensure consistent and predictable prints time-after-time.
Selecting the right large format printer for your needs can be daunting, given the variety of models available. However, focusing on your specific requirements can help narrow down your choices. For instance, the Canon ImagePROGRAF and Colorado M-series models are renowned for their high-resolution outputs and robust performance, making them ideal for professional-grade outdoor signs.
These printers come equipped with features such as automatic media loading, high-speed printing and advanced color management systems. Additionally, some models offer eco-solvent inks that are environmentally friendly and provide excellent durability against outdoor elements. Investing in a reliable and versatile large format printer will not only enhance your print quality but also streamline your production process, allowing you to meet tight deadlines and demanding projects with ease.
Searching for a large format printer geared toward expanding your in-house capabilities? Contact the experts at Gordon Flesch Company and we’ll show you the possibilities.
