• September 15, 2021
• Canon
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Paper & Media

If you need large format paper for everyday printing of designs, drawings, blueprints, presentations or documents or the latest innovations in inkjet large format media for fine art, photography, signs, displays or portfolio books and albums, the choices can begin to seem overwhelming.

While many customers have used large format print media for years, there is also a large number of people just getting into the industry who are wanting to learn more. The selection of large format paper and media options can seem complex, and this article is meant to make it easier for you to find the large format paper that fits your budget and requirements.

New Proofing Medias

The new generation of proofing papers produce accurate color matches to any target and maintains long-term color consistency. They also meet the highest quality contract proofing requirements and most of them are certified by SWOP. Proofing paper spans all relevant paper types – including the new types introduced in recent years, allowing for perfect simulation in offset printing. There are also special papers for newspaper print reproduction.

Photo Paper

A high quality photo paper is any photographers’ first choice when producing portraits, posters, artistic reproductions and fine art printouts because it generates bright and vivid colors. A wide range of media manufactures offer matt and glossy coated paper, water color paper and canvas.

Inkjet Production Media

Modern inkjet printing offers a wide selection of production paper and media for the large-format industry, including glossy and matt paper, vinyl, Tyvek, backlit, transparent and self-adhesive materials to produce posters, banners, signage, displays and more. With the ever increasing popularity of vehicle wraps in the marketplace, the demand for flexible, strong and resilient materials has never been higher. Self-adhesive vinyls are almost always paired with a matching overlaminate to protect the print from everyday wear and tear, including punishment from the elements, road salt, dirt and virtually any other hazard that can wear down a print.

Laser Paper

Laser paper (also known as LED) provides the perfect solution for xerographic devices using toner technology. While a bit different from inkjet, there is a large LED printing market that must also be served. Whereas inkjet printers use liquid inks, LED printers employ an electrical charge to arrange particles of dry toner on the top of the media in a very tight pattern, which is then fused into place using heat and pressure. While this technology is far more inexpensive than inkjet on a printed sheet basis, the initial investment is also quite a bit higher – usually several times higher than inkjet machines.

A Lower Cost Alternative 

To meet new challenges and help print providers fully realize the benefits of inkjet technology, media manufacturers continue to invest in the development of primers and coatings incorporated into various substrates.

By integrating primers and coatings into their printing process, providers have a much broader selection of media substrates available and at a lower cost than the current selection of inkjet coated media types.

Contact Xact Supply should you have any questions or help selecting the best option for your project. Call us at 813-237-3368 or email [email protected]