Will the colors on my monitor match what is printed?
This is one of the most common questions. RGB monitors typically can reproduce a larger range of colors than CMYK printers. CMYK printers are notoriously device dependent. In other words, the colors they produce rely on the inks or toners used, the media, etc. We ask you to read our color management for more info and links to more specific color information.
Do I need laminate my printed piece?
That depends. If you are going to use your print or banner for a one time use, say for a few hours or a one day event, then no, you don't need lamination. If, on the other hand, you are going to be using the piece multiple times, move it from place to place or use it outdoors for extended periods then lamination is recommended to protect the piece and increase durability. We suggest that you let us know what the graphic will be used for so that we can make a recommendation.
What is the best board to mount my graphic on?
For a one or few time use, foamboard would be adequate. If you know you are going to use the graphic multiple times or move it from place to place, then gatorboard or sintra would be better.
Keep in mind that card stock, foamboard, and gatorboard are basically paper based products and are affected by heat and humidity and can warp over time. For outdoor usage, sintra, alumalite, or outdoor plywood are best.
We can recommend what boards to use based on your criteria.
What is tunneling?
Tunneling is a problem that occurs when two dissimilar materials are joined together and then rolled up. Tunneling occurs when one material cannot bend at the same rate or follow the other material. A good example is shown when velcro is applied to a graphic and rolled with the velcro in. When making rollable graphics we use materials that work well together so that tunneling is not a issue.
How long does a print last before fading occurs?
This depends on the exposure to sunlight, the media the graphic is printed on, and the inks used. In general prints should last more than one year indoors when printed with dye based inks. Put it in direct sunlight and you may get three months. UV inks will extend this life considerably. Lamination will also extend this life. That said, we have some prints hanging in our office that are over 5 years old with no noticeable fading.
When we print reproductions, we use UV ink and media combinations that have been tested to last.
With our Solvent printed graphics, depending on the media it is printed on, you can get 3 years outdoor durability. Lamination can increase this time.
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