Custom Posters FAQ
What are the primary differences between a standard poster, a mounted poster, and a cardstock poster?
The main differences lie in the technology used to print each poster, the materials used, the typical applications for each, and the cost-effectiveness. Standard posters are photo-printed on archival paper with a gloss or matte finish. They're also often used as art or décor in homes or businesses.
Cardstock posters are printed on a thicker cardstock rigid enough to stand by itself or on an easel. Mounted posters are made of equally sturdy materials and are UV printed for the design to last outdoors. Suppose you're seeking an outdoor poster solution. In that case, you should choose a mounted poster on PVC plastic – it's the only type to withstand rain, snow, and other moisture. In addition, it is scratch- and dent-resistant and can also be used for indoor applications. Our standard cardstock, and foam board mounted posters will not hold up well when it comes to moisture or the outdoors.
How are your posters printed?
We utilize two different types of printing based on the poster type:
- Continuous-tone technology uses a photo printer to produce the designs onto archival paper for standard posters.
- UV inks complete the design onto rigid material like 24 pt. Cardstock or the foam board and PVC of mounted posters.
What poster sizes are available? What are the most common/standard dimensions?
Standard posters range from 4" x 4" to 96" x 48." Cardstock and mounted posters are available in sizes as small as 4" x 4" and as large as 94" x 46". The most common poster sizes for all types are 8" x 10", 11" x 17", 16" x 20", 18" x 24", 24" x 36", and 36" x 48". You can also print your poster in nearly any custom size.
Do you offer different finishes for your posters?
Yes, you can choose from the following finishes depending on the material it's applied to. Glossy is bright and reflective and works best with high-contrast images and low-light conditions. Matte provides a soft/muted touch to colors and wards off fingerprint smudges.
Mounted posters are satin-like because they're printed directly with UV ink onto foam board or plastic/Sintra. However, an optional laminate can be added, producing a glossy finish and giving your poster extra protection.
Cardstock posters come out naturally matte in texture and appearance. Still, you can add a glossy protective laminate if you wish.
Can I have my poster cut into a custom shape?
The cardstock types are available in contoured shapes and custom with border (aka "halo") shapes and circle/oval, rounded corners, and square/rectangle.
Will I save more with custom posters ordered in bulk?
Yes, the larger your order quantity, the less you spend per piece. The corresponding poster product page will show how much you save after hovering over the "Buy more, Save More!" text in the Quantity section.
How do I print my own poster design?
Signs.com lets you create a design online or upload the print-ready file to our site. You can also choose from the available templates and edit them accordingly.
Can I use my own photos for the posters?
Yes, you can upload your own photo and print that as part of your poster design. If you're only printing that photo, select "Upload File" on the pop-up window after choosing "Get Started" on the product page. If you want to edit the image and include other elements, select "Design Online" to customize your poster on the browser. You can upload the photo to the online design tool and check the preview of your poster design.
Can I see a proof before you proceed with printing?
Yes. If you opt to design online and complete the poster on your browser, you can select "View Proof" at the bottom of the page. A design proof preview will appear after you choose this option.
Can posters be printed double-sided?
Our cardstock posters and our mounted posters can be printed on both sides. Using our design tool, click "Options" and select "Two Sides Same" to print the same design on both sides. Choose "Two Sides Different" if you wish to have different designs at the front and back. Standard posters can only be printed on one side.
What are my options for displaying my poster?
Standard and cardstock posters can be displayed using 3M Command Strips, Velcro, or poster snaps. You can also mount the sign in a front-loading snap-style frame for poster sizes 8" x 10", 11" x 17", and 16" x 20". For mounted posters, you can hang them using 3M Command Strips, Velcro (or other hook-and-loop fasteners), use an adhesive to glue the sign to a surface, or prop it upon an easel.
What's the best way to care for my poster so it lasts longer?
Standard posters displayed indoors are guaranteed to last decades. However, frequent handling and excessive UV light exposure can significantly lower their quality. Use a dry, non-abrasive cloth to clean the poster, and always store it flat and in a protective envelope if you're putting it away.
Cardstock posters can last up to two years with proper care and maintenance. Similar to standard posters, they should only be kept indoors and avoid exposure to liquids or excessive dust or dirt. Use a piece of dry cloth to clean cardstock posters. Stack them flat or roll and bind them with a rubber band when storing.; avoid bending or creasing to prevent damage.
Mounted foam board posters can last two or more years, while mounted posters on PVC plastic can last five or more years. Remember that harsh weather and extreme temperatures can shorten the lifespan of posters installed outdoors. To clean mounted posters on foam board, gently wipe them with a dry cloth. For posters with a protective laminate, wipe thesurface with a non-abrasive cloth (a citrus-based cleaner or isopropyl alcohol can be also used).
Clean mounted posters on plastic PVC with a damp cloth and mild soap. Mounted posters should be stored flat in a cool, dry environment – avoid extreme cold, hot, or humid storage areas. Foam board posters are especially susceptible to bending or creasing, so avoid placing heavy objects on top of them.
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Regarding the concepts mentioned in the article about custom posters, let's go through each one:
Differences between a standard poster, a mounted poster, and a cardstock poster
The primary differences between these types of posters lie in the technology used to print them, the materials used, their typical applications, and cost-effectiveness. Standard posters are photo-printed on archival paper with a gloss or matte finish and are often used as art or décor in homes or businesses. Cardstock posters are printed on thicker cardstock and can stand by themselves or on an easel. Mounted posters are made of sturdy materials and are UV printed for outdoor durability. Mounted posters on PVC plastic are the only type that can withstand rain, snow, and other moisture. Standard cardstock and foam board mounted posters are not suitable for outdoor use or moisture exposure.
Printing methods for different poster types
Different printing methods are used for each type of poster. Standard posters are printed using continuous-tone technology with a photo printer onto archival paper. Mounted posters are printed using UV inks onto rigid materials like cardstock, foam board, or PVC plastic.
Poster sizes
Standard posters are available in a wide range of sizes, ranging from 4" x 4" to 96" x 48". Cardstock and mounted posters can be as small as 4" x 4" and as large as 94" x 46". The most common sizes for all types of posters are 8" x 10", 11" x 17", 16" x 20", 18" x 24", 24" x 36", and 36" x 48". Additionally, custom sizes are also available.
Finishes for posters
Different finishes are available depending on the material used for the poster. Glossy finishes are bright and reflective, working best with high-contrast images and low-light conditions. Matte finishes provide a soft and muted touch to colors and help ward off fingerprint smudges. Mounted posters have a satin-like finish when printed directly with UV ink onto foam board or plastic/Sintra. An optional laminate can be added to provide a glossy finish and extra protection. Cardstock posters have a naturally matte texture and appearance, but a glossy protective laminate can be added if desired.
Custom shapes for posters
Cardstock posters are available in contoured shapes and custom border (halo) shapes, as well as circle/oval, rounded corners, and square/rectangle shapes.
Bulk ordering and cost savings
Ordering custom posters in bulk can result in cost savings. The larger the order quantity, the less you spend per piece. The corresponding poster product page will show how much you can save when ordering in larger quantities.
Printing your own poster design
You can print your own poster design by using the Signs.com website. You have the option to create a design online or upload a print-ready file. There are also available templates that you can edit according to your needs.
Using your own photos for posters
Yes, you can use your own photos for the posters. You can upload your own photo and incorporate it into your poster design. If you only want to print the photo, select "Upload File" on the product page. If you want to edit the image and include other elements, select "Design Online" to customize your poster using the online design tool.
Proof before printing
Yes, you can view a proof of your poster design before proceeding with printing. If you choose to design online and complete the poster on your browser, you can select "View Proof" at the bottom of the page to see a design proof preview.
Double-sided printing
Cardstock posters and mounted posters can be printed on both sides. Using the design tool, you can select "Two Sides Same" to print the same design on both sides or "Two Sides Different" to have different designs on the front and back. Standard posters, however, can only be printed on one side.
Display options for posters
Standard and cardstock posters can be displayed using 3M Command Strips, Velcro, or poster snaps. For mounted posters, you can hang them using 3M Command Strips, Velcro, or other hook-and-loop fasteners. Alternatively, you can use an adhesive to glue the sign to a surface or prop it up on an easel.
Caring for posters
To ensure the longevity of your posters, proper care is essential. Standard posters displayed indoors are guaranteed to last decades, but frequent handling and excessive UV light exposure can lower their quality. Cardstock posters can last up to two years with proper care and maintenance, while mounted foam board posters can last two or more years, and mounted posters on PVC plastic can last five or more years. Cleaning methods vary depending on the material, but generally, a dry, non-abrasive cloth is recommended. It's important to store posters flat and in a protective envelope to prevent damage .
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.
