The use of large format printing can provide your business with high-quality building wraps or graphics for floors and windows. These can create visual appeal while also advertising your business logo. This type of printing, also known as wide format printing, can also be used to create promotional materials, such as large banners.

Different types of large format printing are available for commercial use. Factors such as the material used for printing and the intended location of printed graphics affect which type is best for your business. The following can help you better understand possible options when you need large format printing.

Aqueous Inkjet Printing

Aqueous inkjet printing provides superior-quality graphics that can be used in a wide range of settings or for different purposes. The ink used in this type of printing is mainly made up of water. This offers a high degree of versatility and flexibility, but there’s a catch.

Aqueous inkjet printing can only be used for permanent applications when it’s combined with lamination or another coating. Without this coating, this water-based inkjet printing can deteriorate or end up damaged. It’s not a good choice for floor graphics, for example, unless you plan on using lamination with it.

Dye Sublimation Printing

Dye sublimation printing offers exceptional quality for large banners and similar applications. This type of printing uses durable, waterproof inks to achieve photo-quality graphics on synthetic materials.

How does it work? This printing process involves the use of a specially designed ribbon, printer, and solid inks. The printer heats up the inks, causing them to go right to a gaseous state instead of a liquid state. This results in crisp, vibrant colors for an eye-catching effect.

Dye sublimation printing typically takes longer than other types of large format printing. It also has limited applications and can be more expensive due to the special inks it uses.

Latex Printing

Latex printing is another water-based type of large format printing. It requires the use of heaters to ensure that the ink binds securely to the printing material or substrate. Latex inks also need heat in order to dry. This type of printing can produce vivid wall graphics and other graphics for commercial use.

Latex printing can be used in a wide range of locations, making it suitable for window graphics, building wraps, and other applications. 

Plotter or Pen Printing

Plotter or pen printing is a good choice for large format graphics involving line drawings. This type of printing uses pens or plotters that draw directly on the substrate or material. This yields outstanding line drawing quality for a visually striking effect.

In fact, plotter or pen printing has improved accuracy compared to traditional inkjet printers. 

Solvent Inkjet Printing

Solvent inkjet printing provides a highly versatile option for businesses that need large format printing. This type of printing involves the use of solvent-based inks that dissolve during the printing process. These inks then bind to the substrate or print material. Solvent-based inks can be used with all kinds of substrates, including vinyl.

Solvent inkjet printing offers durable results that make it suitable for permanent applications, such as wall graphics or building wraps. It also produces vibrant graphics in all colors, allowing businesses to create the exact images and designs they want.

UV-Based Printing

UV-based printing uses ultraviolet rays for drying UV-curable inks. This printing process produces high-quality graphics with no extra drying time required, making it less time-consuming and more efficient than other forms of large format printing. UV-printed graphics do not need any special coating. They can be applied to building exteriors or used to create outdoor signs and large banners.

UV-based printing does require special equipment, so it can be more costly than other kinds of printing. However, it can be used on an impressive range of materials and substrate, including aluminum, wood, acrylic, and vinyl. 

Elevate Your Brand with iMBranded’s Expert Signage Solutions

At iMBranded, we specialize in guiding you through this selection process, ensuring that your large format printing aligns perfectly with your brand’s vision and objectives. From initial brainstorming sessions to the final realization of your vision, our team is committed to delivering excellence. We take pride in having represented numerous high-profile brands and are eager to offer our expertise as your graphics and signage ally. Contact us today for a quote.