High-impact signage, displays, and banners.

Wide format printing is the backbone of modern visual communication. From eye-catching storefront signage to large scale banners and exhibition displays, it enables businesses to create bold, high-quality graphics that capture attention and communicate messages clearly.

Wide format printing is key to providing durable, eye-catching signage solutions for businesses across all industries. Whether you need indoor displays, outdoor signage, or promotional banners, understanding how wide format printing works and what it can achieve helps you make better decisions about your branding and marketing.

What is wide format printing?

Wide format printing involves producing large scale printed materials using specialised digital printers designed to handle media significantly wider than standard sheet-fed presses. Typically, this includes prints ranging from around 600 mm wide to several metres, depending on the application.

Unlike traditional printing methods, wide format printing uses digital technology, meaning designs can go directly from file to print without the need for plates. This allows for faster turnaround times, greater flexibility, and cost-effective short runs, making it ideal for signage, displays, and custom projects.

Common uses of wide format printing

Wide format printing is incredibly versatile, supporting a broad range of applications across marketing, branding, and wayfinding.

Signage

Signage is one of the most common uses of wide format printing. Businesses rely on signage to establish presence, communicate key information, and reinforce branding.

Common signage applications include:

  • Shop signage
  • Window graphics
  • Wall murals
  • Wayfinding and directional signage
  • Safety and compliance signage

At Lane Communications, signage solutions are tailored to suit both indoor and outdoor environments, ensuring durability, clarity, and visual impact regardless of placement.

Wide format printing shop signage

Display Printing

Display printing is essential for events, exhibitions, and retail environments where presentation matters and visibility is key. 

Examples include:

  • Pull-up banners and retractable displays
  • Exhibition panels and backdrops
  • Point-of-sale displays
  • Media walls and branded environments

These applications require high-resolution printing and precise colour reproduction to ensure your brand looks professional and consistent across all materials.

Wide format printing pull up banner

Banners

Banners are a cost-effective and highly visible way to promote products, events, and campaigns. Typical banner types include:

  • PVC banners for outdoor use
  • Mesh banners for windy environments (such as fences and construction sites)
  • Fabric banners for indoor displays and exhibitions

Wide format printing allows banners to be produced in virtually any size, with finishes such as hemming, eyelets, and pole pockets for easy installation.

Wide format printing fence banner

Digital technology behind wide format printing

The quality and performance of wide format printing depend heavily on the digital presses used. Our advanced wide format printers deliver precision, consistency, and durability across all projects.

Key Technologies

  • Inkjet Printing Systems: Modern wide format printers use advanced inkjet technology to produce high-resolution images with smooth gradients and vibrant colours. These systems can print on a wide variety of substrates, making them highly versatile.
  • UV Printing: UV (ultraviolet) printing uses inks that cure instantly under UV light. This process creates durable prints that are resistant to scratching, fading, and weather exposure, which is ideal for outdoor signage.
  • Latex Printing: Latex inks are water-based and environmentally friendly, producing odourless prints suitable for indoor environments such as retail spaces, offices, and healthcare settings.
  • Eco-Solvent Printing: Eco-solvent inks offer strong adhesion and durability, making them suitable for outdoor applications while maintaining excellent colour quality.

By combining these technologies, Lane Communications can select the most suitable printing method for each project’s unique needs.

 

Materials used in wide format printing

The choice of media is just as important as the printing technology. Different materials offer different finishes, durability levels, and applications.

Rigid Substrates

Rigid materials are commonly used for permanent signage and structural displays.

  • ACP or Aluminium Composite Panel signs: Durable and weather-resistant, ideal for outdoor signage
  • Foamboard signs: Lightweight and cost-effective for indoor displays
  • Corflute signs: Popular for temporary signage such as real estate or event signage
  • Acrylic signs: Premium finish with a sleek, modern appearance
Wide format printing aluminium composite panel

Flexible Media

Flexible materials are used for banners, wraps, and soft signage.

  • Vinyl banners: Highly versatile and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
  • Mesh banners: Allows airflow, making it ideal for fence and construction site banners
  • Fabric/Textiles: Used for high-end displays and exhibition graphics
  • Self-Adhesive Vinyl stickers: Perfect for window graphics, wall decals, and vehicle signage
Wide format printing vinyl banner

Each material is selected based on the intended use, environment, and desired finish, ensuring the final product performs as expected.

Benefits of wide format printing

Wide format printing offers several advantages that make it an essential tool for businesses looking to enhance their visibility.

High Visual Impact

Large scale graphics naturally attract attention. Whether it’s a shop sign or a large banner, wide format printing helps your message stand out in busy environments.

Versatility

From small retail displays to large outdoor signage, wide format printing can accommodate a wide variety of applications, materials, and sizes.

Durability

With the right combination of inks and substrates, wide format prints can withstand harsh weather conditions, UV exposure, and general wear and tear.

Fast Turnaround Times

Because wide format printing is digitally driven, there’s no need for lengthy setup processes. This allows us to deliver efficient turnaround times, even for custom or short-run projects.

Cost-Effective for Short Runs

Unlike traditional printing methods, digital wide format printing is economical for smaller quantities, making it ideal for campaigns, events, and seasonal promotions.

Choosing the right wide format printing solution

Selecting the right wide format printing solution depends on several factors:

  • Location: Indoor or outdoor use will determine material and ink choice
  • Duration: Temporary vs long-term signage affects substrate selection
  • Visibility: Viewing distance influences resolution and design considerations
  • Budget: Different materials and finishes offer varying price points

Working with an experienced provider ensures these factors are carefully considered, resulting in signage that performs effectively and represents your brand professionally. We integrate cutting-edge printing technology with years of industry expertise to provide:

  • End-to-End Signage Solutions: From concept through to production and installation, Lane Communications offers a complete signage service. This ensures consistency across your branding while simplifying the process for your business.
  • Customisation and Flexibility: Every project is different. Whether you need a single banner or a full suite of signage, solutions are tailored to your specific requirements, including size, material, finish, and installation method.
  • Quality Assurance: Attention to detail is critical in wide format printing. Lane Communications maintains strict quality control processes to ensure colour accuracy, sharpness, and durability across all outputs.
  • Efficient Turnaround: Meeting deadlines is essential, particularly for events, promotions, and business launches. With streamlined workflows and modern equipment, we deliver reliable turnaround times without compromising on quality.

Bring your brand to life with wide format printing

Wide format printing is more than just producing large prints; it’s about creating visual experiences that connect with your audience. From impactful shop signage to engaging displays and banners, it plays a vital role in how businesses present themselves.

At Lane Communications, the combination of our advanced digital printing technology, high-quality materials, and expert knowledge allows businesses to achieve standout results across all signage applications. With flexible production capabilities and dependable turnaround times, clients can confidently bring their ideas to life on time and to a high standard.

If your business is looking to enhance its visibility through signage, display printing, or banners, wide format printing provides the scale, quality, and versatility to make it happen.