800.590.7850— 8am - 6pm EST Mon-Fri
FAQs
Click on a question for more information about business poster printing.
Photos & Resolution
Scans and digital photos that have been professionally created for brochures and advertisements will generally work well in large format business poster printing. An uncropped 2 megapixel digital photo (1200x1600 pixels) can go up to 18x24 pretty nicely, a 6 megapixel photo can go to 30x40. Older 480x640 pixel pictures tend to look pretty bad when taken above 8x10" size, and we suggest you only use them for small pictures on your poster.
We need images to be between 72 and 100 dpi in their final size to look good. This means that a 24x36 poster needs 1728x2592 pixels, or 4.5 megapixels. A jpg that size will be about 1 megabyte on your hard drive. If you hover over the file name with your mouse, Windows will give you the pixel dimensions.
We find that having more than 100 dpi is unnecessary, and it can take up a lot of space on your hard drive! A 300 dpi image is nine time the size of a 100 dpi image, and you will not be able to tell the difference between them when printed.
If you have a hard copy photo, we prefer to scan your photos here, since our equipment is calibrated to give accurate colors. If you want to scan them yourself, give us tif or jpg. images, and use the settings on your scanner to give us the pixels we need. We will call you if we think there's a problem with your images.
File Sizes
Files over 250 MB can be problematic - let's talk if yours are very large. We have a system for sending us files up to 1 GB in size at megaprint.com/ftp. You'll need to call us for the password at 603-536-2900 or 800-590-7850.
Fonts
If you can make a pdf of your design, all of the font issues go away. Make it a "for print" pdf and send it along. Nowadays, much of what we print is from pdf's and they work great.
We have the fonts that are supplied with the listed programs. (see software we support) If you have a font you bought elsewhere, and you can't make a pdf, send the font file along with your program file. It is a big help if you convert your fonts to curves in the programs like Illustrator and Corel that will do this.
Can You Capture a Web Page?
We can capture your Web Page from the Internet, and print it out as a large size poster in vibrant, full color. Web page business posters are great for presentations, and to be able to show customers or management when they visit your office. It's particularly nice to see the entire Web Page at once! Give us the URL and we'll do the poster printing. For Web Page designers, this is a great way to show examples of your work.
We will print whatever portions of your Web Site that you want. Since the pages vary in length, we usually make the page 36" or 48" long and let the width fall wherever it does. If your page is wider than it is tall, it will be 36" or 48" wide with the height allowed to vary.
What's your turnaround time?
We normally ship in 1-2 business days. Large orders (more than a dozen pieces), flatbed printing, and CNC cutting can take another day. If you are in a jam and need a job shipped same day, let us know. We can usually ship files received by noon our time. There is a 25% rush charge for business poster prints received after noon that must ship the same day.
How good is your output?
We use state of the art Hewlett Packard equipment, and the results are stunning! You'll have smooth blends, sharp text, accurate skin tones, and vibrant spot colors. We normally print postscript output at 600 dpi.
Don't I need to see a proof?
If it makes you more comfortable, we'll send you a 9x14 color proof of your business poster before printing, the charge is $25 which includes the Fedex. We find that once you've seen our work, proofs are not usually necessary. When we are doing a large number of pieces, we'll do one for approval before we do the rest, but it's usually not worth it for single pieces. We stand behind our work, and will happily reprint it if there is a problem.
What kind of file should I send you?
PDF's from most programs work just fine. Save a high resolution CMYK pdf. From newer Adobe programs give us press quality pdf's.You can also send the native file you created, plus any files that are linked to it. If you created the art with Quark, collect for output. If, for whatever reason we need to change something, having the native file allows us to do it.
How should I send you my order?
Click on the button on the right to enter your order online. You can email orders to:orders@megaprint.com if the files are less than 20 mb. If they are larger, go to megaprint.com/ftp and upload your file to us. Be sure to send us an email letting us know you've left us a file, since we'll have it with nothing to tell us what to do with it! You'll need to call us for the password, 603-536-2900. If you have several files, zipping them together into one file makes it easier and makes the files smaller. On the PC, right click>Send To>Compressed (Zipped) File. On the Mac, Control+click (or right click if you have a 2 button mouse)>Compress.
Can I send a PDF file?
We can certainly print a PDF file, and the results are excellent. It does take away our ability to edit your file. If, for instance, we see a typo, we then will need for you to edit your file and retransmit it. If you are saving a PDF for us, embed your fonts and give us the highest resolution PDF it will make.
Scaling
I've got my design set up as 8-1/2x11. Can you scale it up? Sure, and up to 54x70", as long as your original files are a high enough resolution to scale to your required poster size and still look good. Our print drivers are unlimited for scaling. Most programs will limit your page size, but you can set your file up at a proportional size and we can scale it here with our equipment.
Poster Scaling Wizard
First, enter the width and height of the original
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Do you save my files?
All jobs we print are archived onto Blue Ray disks, and we document the printer and settings we used. If you want the same piece reprinted in the future, it's easily done!
What is UV ink and when do I need it?
UV inks will last up to two years in direct sunlight, our standard ink only a few weeks. For business applications such as store window signage and posters, we recommend the UV inks. UV inks are standard when we print vinyl banners, wallpaper, and fabric.
Materials
Paper & Film
Matte or Photo Gloss Paper
USED FOR: Research Posters, Signs, Photo Enlargements
- 45lb weight paper, flexible and lightweight
- Colors pop on both matte or photo gloss
Polyester Blockout Film
USED FOR: Banner Stands
- 11mil thickness with a matte finish
- Light blocking layer on back
- Does not curl at the edges
Backlit Film
USED FOR: Backlit Tradeshow Displays, Backlit Kiosks, Light Boxes
- Semi-transparent polyester film
- 8.7mil thickness with a matte finish
- Flexible and lightweight; easily scratched, handle with care
- When placed over a window or light, image is illuminated for a stunning effect
- Apply a Crystal Laminate to increase weight and durability
Fabric & Canvas
Board
Foamcore Board
USED FOR: Signs
- 5mm (3/16") thickness with a matte finish
- Lightweight for temporary use
- Mount gloss or matte paper prints to foamcore, or direct print with UV curable inks
Gatorboard
USED FOR: Signs
- Styrofoam core with tough, moisture-proof paper on either side
- Durable, inflexible and lightweight
- 5mm (3/16"), 13mm (1/2") and 19mm (3/4") thicknesses available in a matte finish
- White (3/16" and 1/2" only) or black core available
- Mount gloss or matte paper prints to gatorboard, or direct print with UV curable inks
Sintra
USED FOR: Signs
- Foamed PVC sheet
- Durable and rigid
- 1mm, 3mm, and 6mm thicknesses available in a matte finish
- Excellent for long-term, outdoor use
- Direct print with UV curable inks
Coroplast
USED FOR: Signs
- Corrugated plastic sheet – otherwise known as “plastic cardboard”
- 4mm and 10mm thicknesses available
- Durable, rigid and ultra lightweight
- Excellent for short-term, outdoor signage (lifespan of up to 6 months)
- Direct print with UV curable inks
Vinyl, Adhesive & Cling
Matte Vinyl
USED FOR: Vinyl Banners
- Nylon reinforced 15oz vinyl
- Matte finish
- Perfect for indoor or outdoor use
Across the Street Vinyl
USED FOR: Across the Street Banners, Lamp Post Banners
- Nylon reinforced 18oz Vinyl
- Can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F
- Semi-gloss finish
- Strong and durable
- Ideal for outdoor use
Adhesive Vinyl
USED FOR: Window Signs
- Permanent adhesive
- We offer both opaque and clear adhesive vinyl
- Comes in a matte or glossy finish
- Installs with water
- Ideal for use on smooth surfaces such as glass or metal
3m Adhesive Vinyl
USED FOR: Automotive Displays
- Permanent, durable and aggressive adhesive
- Thin material for a seamless look and feel
- Glossy finish
- Installs with water
- Professional installation recommended
Perforated Window Vinyl
USED FOR: Window Signs
- 60% vinyl, 40% holes 1mm in diameter
- Creates the illusion of an opaque display outside without blocking light or visibility from the inside
- Installs with water
- Ideal for use on smooth surfaces such as glass
Window Cling
USED FOR: Window Signs
- Non-adhesive material “clings” to smooth surfaces
- Removable, repositionable, and reusable
- Glossy finish
- Easy and quick to install yourself
- We offer both white and clear window cling
- Ideal for use on smooth surfaces such as glass
- Can reverse print for indoor installation facing out
- Installs with water
Specialty
Dry Erase Acrylic Board
USED FOR: Signs
- Clear, shatter-resistant polymer that looks like glass
- 3mm thickness with a glossy finish
- Durable and rigid
- Write directly on board with a dry erase marker and wipe clean
- Direct print with UV curable inks
- Indoor use only
Magnet
USED FOR: Car Magnets
- 3mm thickness with a white satin finish
- Durable and flexible
- Wind-resistant and water-resistant
- 24" maximum width
Acoustic Ceiling Tiles
USED FOR: Custom Ceiling Tiles,
'Call Don't Fall' Ceiling Tiles
- 4 Armstrong® brand ceiling tiles available:
- 2x2 Standard: 705a Cortega
- 2x4 Standard: 703a Cortega
- 2x2 Premium: 1912a Ultima
- 2x4 Premium: 1915a Ultima
- Class A fire rated
- Effectively reduces sound reverberation in a room
- Made of 76% recycled content, recyclable through Armstrong's recycling program
Wallpaper
Wallboard Vinyl
USED FOR: Adhesive Signs, Temporary Wallpaper
- Adhesive backed vinyl material
- Removable and repositionable
- Semi-gloss finish
- Can be applied to slightly textured surfaces such as painted drywall or wood
- Printed with UV cured inks that are fade-resistant and washable with warm, soapy water
- Easy and quick to install yourself
- Indoor use only
Canvas Wallpaper
USED FOR: Custom Wallpaper
- 20oz wallpaper material
- Has a rough, woven texture with a matte finish
- Permanent and applied with wallpaper paste
- Professional installation recommended
- Printed with UV cured inks
- Fade-resistant and washable with warm, soapy water
- Commonly used for wall murals and fine art applications
Luster Wallpaper
USED FOR: Custom Wallpaper
- 20oz wallpaper material
- Smooth and untextured surface with a semi-gloss finish
- Permanent and applied with wallpaper paste
- Professional installation recommended
- Printed with UV cured inks
- Fade-resistant and washable with warm, soapy water
- Colors print rich, sharp and vibrant for a dramatic appearance
- Ideal for black and white prints
Matte Wallpaper
USED FOR: Custom Wallpaper
- 20oz wallpaper material
- Flat surface with a very light texture and matte finish
- Permanent and applied with wallpaper paste
- Professional installation recommended
- Printed with UV cured inks
- Fade-resistant and washable with warm, soapy water
- Colors print rich, sharp and vibrant for a dramatic appearance
- Ideal for crisp prints such as photography or detailed designs
Suede Wallpaper
USED FOR: Custom Wallpaper
- 20oz wallpaper material
- Has a lightly textured surface with a matte finish
- Durable and forgiving with low-resolution images or less-than-perfect walls
- Permanent and applied with wallpaper paste
- Professional installation recommended
- Printed with UV cured inks
- Fade-resistant and washable with warm, soapy water
- Great general-use option
Finishes
Laminating
- Applied with heat
- Improves the strength, stability and appearance of your print
- Applied to both sides of your print
- Apply to 45lb matte paper, or paper mounted on: Foamcore board, Gatorboard or 50pt Board
- A ⅛" sealing edge is standard on all laminated items not mounted to board
Matte
- Matte finish lamination without reflective issues
- 5mil thickness
Gloss
- Highly reflective lamination yields vibrant colors
- 5mil thickness
Crystal
- Heavy material with a textured surface that makes colors pop but reduces glare
- 23mil thickness
- Not available on 50pt Board or Foamcore
Mounting
Mount images printed on 45lb paper to:
- Foam Core Board (Not available Crystal Laminate)
- Gatorboard
- 50pt Board (Not available Crystal Laminate)
Grommets and Pole Pockets
- For vinyl and fabric banners
- Grommets are spaced 2 feet apart, standard
- Pole pockets are 3" deep, standard
- Durable, perfect for hanging banners
Accessories
Cardboard Easel Backs
- Single-wing and double-wing available
- Makes any sign up to 36" x 48" self-standing
Wire H-Stakes
- For Lawn Signs and Golf Tournament signs on coroplast up to 24" x 18"
Plastic A-Frames
- For 24" x 36" A-Frame signs
- White, durable plastic with a handle for easy carrying
Velcro® Hook & Loop
- Velcro® brand hook & loop to fasten graphics to carpet-faced displays
- ¼" Velcro® strips applied to the back of graphics
Plastic Edge Trim
- Protects the edges of 3/16" Foamcore or 3/16" Gatorboard prints
- Available in black and white
Foamcore Clips
- Attaches to the back of Foamcore or Gatorboard so prints can be hung up
Stretcher Frame
- For canvas prints only
- Available in 5 standard sizes: 24" x 32", 24" x 36", 30" x 40", 32" x 48", and 36" x 48"
Super Snap Hangers
- Made of hard plastic
- Used to hang vinyl and fabric banners
- Multiple eyelets available for hanging
- Can be cut down for custom sizes
Aluminum Hangers
- Made of aluminum
- Used to hang vinyl and fabric banners
- Multiple eyelets available for hanging
- Can be cut down for custom sizes
Pole Mounted Banner Brackets
- Hardware to mount a lamp post banner or banners to any pole
- Rust-free cast aluminum with fiberglass arms
- Unique design will fit square, round or multi sided poles
- Available as a Single or Double kit in 18", 24" (recommended), 30", and 36"
- Click here to view kit
