Poster printing is one of the most common as well as effective marketing tools today. It is cost-effective, has the potential for ongoing, long-term exposure, and is great to catch a mass audience. But what makes a good poster and how ddo you go about designing posters for printing?
As the saying goes, it is not how you start, but how you finish. And in this context, it’s pretty literal.
Posters are not just about graphics and fonts and designs and words. They are not even just about the size. All those are important elements, of course, but one of the equally important factor that is often overlooked, is the finish.
A well-chosen finish will be able to pull the entire look together and contribute to making the poster an effective and successful one.
To decide on the best finish or the best material for your poster printing, here are some questions to ask.
In or out?
The first thing to consider when designing posters for printing, where will your poster be placed? Most posters fare well indoors no matter what paper stock or finish you use, as they will not get wet and will be protected from direct sunlight. For those that will have to brave the elements, however, you will need to choose a finishing option that will help prolong their life.
What about the lighting?
If the plan is for your poster to be located in an area with bright lighting, you might prefer to go with a matte finish that prevents glare. A gloss finish on the other hand would work great in a place with limited or low light source, as its reflectivity will be able to enhance the look and make designs pop.
Frame, or no frame?
For posters that will be framed, matte paper would be ideal. The glass on frames already has its own reflectivity, and you probably would not want to add the shine from a glossy paper to that.
Is your poster meant to be temporary or to last forever?
OK, so all posters have a lifespan and they can’t really last forever. But with the right planning and the right choice of material and finish, you can save yourself the hassle (and cost) of changing and reprinting your posters often.
Most importantly… What do you like?
At the end of the day though, designing posters for printing all boils down to personal preference. If there is a finish that catches your fancy and that you believe is the best for your idea, go for it.
Selecting the perfect finish for your poster printing can be daunting, and that is why we are here! The consultants at Printroom are ready to walk you through our many options to ensure you get the best poster that you need. Get in touch with us today!
