Sign Board Printing Information
Sign Board Printing Info
Board printing is a service used by many industries. From marketing materials to event signage, board printing produces durable, high quality displays for indoor and outdoor use. Whether you need large format posters or custom shaped boards, modern printing techniques produce vibrant colours and long life.
One of the great things about board printing is the customisation options. Clients can choose from display board materials like Correx, Dibond, Foamex and more, each with different thickness and finishes. If you need unique displays, services include cutting rigid boards to custom shapes, laminations in matte or gloss and drilled holes for easy mounting.
Printing resolutions have come a long way, producing sharp, high res prints of your artwork. With UV resistant inks these printed display boards can withstand the elements, perfect for promotional and informational displays anywhere.
Key Points
- Display Board printing has durable and high quality options for all uses.
- Customisation includes materials, finishes and shapes.
- Modern printing techniques produce vibrant long life prints.
Materials and Durability
When looking at board printing you need to understand the characteristics and benefits of each material. This section covers the different types of rigid boards and optional finishes to help you choose the right options for your signage.
Foamex Boards
Foamex is a PVC based material known for its durability and flexibility. It comes in 3mm, 5mm and 10mm thickness. It’s strong, lightweight and easy to cut, perfect for custom sign printing and displays.
Foamex boards are water and fade resistant especially when printed with UV stable inks. They can be used indoor and outdoor. Their smooth surface makes it easy to print on and produce high quality graphics. They are commonly used for lightweight signs like exhibition panels, display pieces, signs to direct foot traffic and advertising posters.
Correx Boards
Correx boards are made from corrugated plastic and is another option for temporary and cost effective signage. This material is commonly used for estate agents “For Sale” signs, festival signage and event wayfinding.
Correx is lightweight and easy to transport, perfect for signs that need to be moved around. Not as durable as other materials but suitable for short term use and the affordability is a big plus. The corrugated structure provides decent strength but not ideal for long term installations or areas with harsh weather conditions.
Dibond Boards
Dibond boards are made of two aluminium sheets with a solid polyethylene core. This combination produces a material that is very durable and bend resistant. Dibond is perfect for outdoor signage as it’s sturdy and can withstand all weather conditions.
The rigid nature of Dibond makes it suitable for permanent signage solutions like road signs, shop signs, architectural signs and information boards. It’s also ideal for high traffic areas where the signs may be subject to physical impact. These boards produce high quality prints, vibrant long life graphics that are water and fade resistant.
Optional Lamination Finishes
Lamination can add durability and style to printed boards. Gloss lamination gives a shiny finish that makes colours pop, perfect for high visibility areas.
Matt lamination provides a non reflective finish good for reading up close without glare. This finish gives a premium look to the signage, perfect for high end environments or professional settings.
Lamination also adds an extra layer of protection against scratches, spills and weather conditions, extends the life of the printed boards. Whether you choose gloss or matt, lamination is a must have to maximise the durability and look of your signage.
Printing Techniques and Resolution
Printing techniques and resolution is important for high quality prints with vibrant colours. This section will talk about the importance of using the right colour profiles and optimal resolution for best image quality.
Colour Profiles and CMYK
Colour profiles manage how colours appear on different devices. For printing CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is the standard colour model. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is used for screens. CMYK ensures colour accuracy in print.
When preparing images for print, it’s essential to convert files to CMYK. This step will maintain colour fidelity so the printed output matches the digital design. For best results use professional design software that supports colour management like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
Resolution and Image Quality
Resolution affects the sharpness and detail of printed images. Measured in DPI (dots per inch) or PPI (pixels per inch) the higher the resolution the better. 300 DPI is the industry standard for most print projects. This will give you clear and crisp images without pixelation.
For text heavy prints 400 DPI is recommended to make text more legible. Always check the image file properties before printing to make sure it meets these resolution standards. Using high resolution images from reputable sources like professional stock photo sites will give you the best print quality.
Customisation Options
Board printing offers many customisation options to suit your needs. These options include sizing, thickness, cutting and mounting so each board serves its purpose.
Sizing and Thickness
Users can choose from standard sizes and thicknesses or custom dimensions to meet your requirements. For example Foamex boards are available in 3mm, 5mm and 10mm thicknesses to suit the level of durability needed.
Sizes range from small A3 boards to large A0 sizes for small and big displays. Custom sizes are also available to fit any space. Personalisation ensures the board works best in its environment.
Cutting and Mounting
Cutting options include custom shapes and precise measurements. Boards can be cut to shape for unique designs. They can also have special cuts like rounded corners for aesthetics and safety.
Mounting options add flexibility for display methods. Drilled holes can be added for easy hanging or mounting. Other options like adhesive backing or stand supports give you different ways to display the boards securely. These options will make the board look good and functional.
Practical Applications
Board printing is used for many purposes. Main applications are indoor and outdoor signage, exhibitions and trade shows, and retail and business advertising.
Indoor and Outdoor Signage
Printed boards are used for both indoor and outdoor signage. They are a durable and cost effective way to display information. Indoor signs are used in lobbies, conference rooms and hallways. They can include directories, company logos and motivational posters. The material used for indoor boards doesn’t need weatherproofing so it’s more economical and lighter.
Outdoor signs need to withstand the elements so they are made with more robust material. These signs are found in storefronts, bus stations and roadways. They can have company names, promotional messages or directional information. Weather resistance and visibility is key for outdoor boards to stay intact and readable over time.
Exhibitions and Trade Shows
Exhibitions and trade shows use printed boards to create display boards. These events have limited setup and takedown time so portable and lightweight printing material is preferred. Customisation is important to tailor each board to specific branding or messaging needs. Companies use these boards to showcase products, highlight features and provide contact information.
Double sided printing and pop up designs are common to make the most of space and impact. Interactive elements like QR codes can be added to engage the visitors further. Ease of transport and quick setup is a big plus so exhibitors can focus more on interaction and less on logistics.
Retail and Business Advertising
In retail, printed boards are used for advertising and branding. They are used in storefronts to attract customers and inside stores to promote sales and special offers. Point of sale displays and promotional stands often use eye catching board prints to highlight featured products.
For businesses, these boards are tools for branding and messaging. In offices, they are used for announcements, motivational quotes and directional signage. Materials need to be versatile to allow for frequent updates and changes. High quality printing will make the visuals look professional and attractive.
Board printing is used for many purposes, from guiding customers to branding at events and in retail spaces.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance of board printing equipment is important to ensure durability and print quality. This means regular cleaning, safe storage and protection from the elements.
Cleaning and Storage
Regular cleaning is important. Dust can accumulate on parts and affect performance. Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust and debris. Gently wipe down surfaces with a slightly damp, lint free cloth.
Pay attention to the print head and other moving parts as these can get clogged with dust. Keeping these areas clean will ensure smooth operation and better print quality. Store the printer in a clean dry area to avoid moisture and dust accumulation.
Proper storage also means the machine is turned off and unplugged when not in use. Covering the printer with a dust cover when not in use is also a good idea. Store all cables securely to prevent damage.
Protection from Elements
Board printers are sensitive to environmental factors. Water and sand are the worst. Don’t use the printer in areas where it might get wet or where sand is present.
If the printer needs to be transported, use a sturdy, weatherproof case. This will protect it from bumps, moisture and other hazards during transport. Weatherproofing is also important—keep the printer indoors during extreme weather to prevent damage.
Cost and Accessibility
When considering board printing, cost and accessibility are important. Knowing the price points and the process will help you make informed decisions.
Affordability and Value
Board printing can cost different amounts depending on the size and material. For example an A0 panel might cost £250, an A4 might be £85. These options cater for all budgets.
Custom sizes and features like high resolution full colour printing and UV resistant inks will give you value for money. Affordable options like foam boards which are weatherproof and long lasting make it easy to find a solution that fits your needs and budget.
Ordering Process
The ordering process for board printing is simple. Customers can often email their designs or artwork to Banner World. Some companies will also print and frame the artwork for you.
Choosing the right accessories and mounting options like easels or wall mounts is also part of the ordering process. Banner World offer custom sizes and lamination finishes so it’s a one stop shop.
