There are two processes for large format printing commonly used in the signage industry. There are others, such as dye sublimation, but they are less common due extremely high cost. The most common alternative to solvent print technology is water based pigments and dyes. Many of our competitors use this system, as the printers are usually less expensive. Unfortunately so is the finished product you may recieve... Water based print systems require a laminate to protect the print surface from water and damaging UV rays from the sun. In addition, this system also requires special material coated with a print receptive surface normally making it more expensive per square foot. According to our production manager McKenzie (who used to operate a water based printer) it is very rare for a water based print product to last more than a year or two, especially when exposed to outdoor elements such as rain, changing temperatures, and UV.

Solvent print technology solves many of the problems associated with water based systems. The printed media does not require special material and can print directly on to vinyl products. The solvent inks do not require a laminate, although for some applications it is recommended, as they are 100% water proof and UV resistant. Laminate is recommended in certain conditions, however, such as high traffic applications where the print may be in physically damaged or when longer service life is required. Some advantages of a solvent print system is that it ends up being less expensive, longer lasting, and higher quality.

To compliment our solvent printer, we've paired it with a Mimaki plotter designed to output tight tolerence decals. Our plotter yields amazing results when cutting a variety of materials. We can dye cut small and large quanities of decals that rival even the most advanced decal cutting operations! Please inquire if you have a special project in mind and we would be happy to assist you.