Customer Service Q&A

graphics

What is considered an oversized color document?

An oversized document is usually defined as one which is larger than 12” x 18. These documents must be produced either on a digital poster machine or a larger format press. back to top

When is it better to produce an oversized document on a digital poster machine versus a large format printing press?

The answer to this is going to depend on the size of the poster and the run length. A good rule of thumb may be that to print less than 50 posters of one original, a digital process may be most cost effective. Between 50 and 500 posters, it will depend on the specifics of the job which production method will be best. Over 500 posters, offset printing will almost always win out unless the posters must be done too quickly for the printing process. For your particular job, please feel free to call the experts at The Print Authority to help you decide which process is best for you! back to top

What types of stocks are available for digital poster production?

This may vary between different printing companies. The Print Authority offers two standard stocks: heavy offset/bond paper or semigloss. We use the heavy bond when a poster will be laminated and we use semigloss for unlaminated posters. We can also print on indoor vinly and other specialty stocks. Call for details! back to top

What kinds of substrates are available to mount a poster onto?

There are several types of substrates which may be used as a surface to mount a poster onto. In essence, after the printing process is complete, the poster may be affixed to a substrate. The most common and least expensive substrate is foamcore. This is best for one use or short term poster use. Foamcore will bend or warp over time and can nick or dent if mishandled. An intermediate substrate is gatorboard, or ultraboard. Both of these boards contain more wood fibers than foamcore and hence do not nick or dent as easily as foamcore. Two higher end substrates are gatorplast or sintra. Gatorplast is similar to gatorboard, but is more durable and less subject to bending. One can also score gatorplast after a laminated poster has been mounted. This allows a multiple panel poster which can stand on its own to be produced. Sintra is more like a plastic substrate. This will work well for long term use, but costs quite a bit more than the other substrates. back to top

When should I laminate a poster?

Laminating a poster is a good idea when a poster is not mounted but needs to be somewhat durable. It is also important if the poster will go into an area of high humidity. Mounted posters can also be laminated to extend their useful life. back to top

What is the typical resolution for a digital poster?

This will vary from company to company. Currently, at The Print Authority, the maximum resolution on posters is 2400 x 2400 dpi. back to top

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The Print Authority • 615.468.2679 • Fax: 615.468.2680
7103-B Crossroads Boulevard • Brentwood, Tennessee 37027
Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday-Friday