Ready to make a BIG impression with large format?
West Press offers a variety of indoor and outdoor products to meet your specific large format needs. Large format graphics and signage can be a great way to boost the visibility of your business, products or special event but have a different set of requirements than traditional printing. By answering just a few questions, our signage experts can direct you to the most economical and durable solution for your project:
- What is the purpose of the sign?
- Does the sign need to be weather resistant?
- Will it be indoors or outdoors?
- Is the sign temporary or permanent?
- Does the sign require mounting or installation?
Tips for Creating Effective Large Format Signage
Large format signage is needed for many different purposes including: Directional, Educational, Informative, or Commercial purposes; Special Events, Fund Raisers, Temporary Signs, Permanent Signs, Trade Show Signs, Retail Graphics, Meetings and Events, Training Events, and Construction Site Signage.
Indoor
Floor Graphics
arrows, footprints, way finding signage, aisle markers
Shelf Signs
sign that adheres to a shelf or hangs down from a shelf
Retail Hanging Signs
signs hanging from a ceiling, good for advertising sales and specials
Counter Graphics
informational adhesive back graphics adhered to counter such as change mats
Indoor/Outdoor
Standees & Cutouts
custom shaped signs, figure cutouts
Table Top Displays
promotional material, tradeshow graphics, can be in acrylic holders
Labels / Decals
labels for products, inventory, decals for vehicle, window, door; like a sticker
Point of Purchase
graphics or displays at a checkout or register
Table Graphics
table throws, table runners, graphics that cover a table
Window Clings
good for temporary signage, can be made for inside or outside the window
Banners
long vinyl banner, usually with a graphic or message
Pop Up Displays
retractable banner stands, tradeshow graphics, easy to set up or put away
Window Perf
perforated window film, from the inside you can see out, from outside you see the graphics
Posters
paper, foam core, gatorboard, hang in windows, snap in frames, sit on an easel
Wall Graphics / Murals
graphics with adhesive back attached to wall, wall wrap, permanent or removable
Outdoor
Coroplast Signs
yard signs, directional signs, political signs, real estate signs
Flags
feather flags, tear drop flags, usually printed on polyester or nylon
A Frames
signs that stand up on the ground like the letter ‘A’, usually placed outside a storefront on the sidewalk
Sandwich Board Signs
typically designed to hang off a person’s shoulders
Large Format Glossary
A Glossary of Posters, A-Frame and Signage Terminology
Coroplast A fluted plastic product often called “plastic cardboard.” The plastic used is polypropylene. It is an affordable sign making product.
Foam Core A product that has a piece of paper on either side of a thickness of styrofoam. Usually used for short duration signage, such as meeting and event signs that will stand on an easel. Foamcore board will warp with changes in humidity, and is not recommended for permanent displays.
Gatorboard® A branded product of International Paper consisting of a layer of moisture impregnated paper on either side of a thickness of styrofoam. Recommended for more permanent displays.
Hem Sewing or taping a cut edge of material so as to prevent it from unraveling.
Laminating Covering a print with plastic or a liquid that hardens to protect the print. Many types of laminate, both cold and hot applied, are available.
Pole Pocket Pocket formed on banners to capture a pole usually for mounting or hanging purposes.
Solvent Printing Inkjet printing with piezo printheads and inks that use a solvent instead of water to carry the pigments. The solvent evaporates off of the media, leaving the pigments. The pigments are not water soluble, making the output waterproof. This is a common process for making outdoor banners.
Vinyl Catch all term for the many and varied PVC substrates used as media for banners, displays, wall graphics, etc. Available in many weights and configurations.