Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ & Quick Help β€” VisuFlare

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FAQ & Quick Help

Answers to the questions we hear most β€” from file setup to materials, turnaround, and durability. Jump to a category, or click any question to expand.

About Our Service

What is large format printing?

Large format printing produces graphics, signage, and visual displays significantly larger than standard print β€” typically anything wider than 18 inches. It covers wall murals, window graphics, banners, floor graphics, and trade show displays. Specialized inkjet printers handle rolls and rigid boards that standard desktop printers cannot accommodate.

Who do you print for?

We print exclusively for professional installers, sign shops, graphic designers, and trade resellers β€” not direct to the public. If you are an installer without in-house printing capabilities, we are set up to be your production partner. You handle the client relationship; we handle the print.

Do you sell direct to the end client?

No. We are a trade-only printer. We do not market to or take orders from end consumers. Your client relationships are yours. We never undercut our installer partners.

Do you offer white-label or blind shipping?

Yes. We can ship finished prints directly to your client or job site with no VisuFlare branding on the packaging. Your client sees only your name.

What size prints can you produce?

We print rolls up to 60 inches wide and rigid substrates up to 60 x 120 inches. For projects larger than our standard sheet sizes β€” such as full building wraps or large murals β€” we produce tiled or paneled prints designed to seam together seamlessly on site.

File & Artwork

What file formats do you accept?

We prefer print-ready PDF (PDF/X-1a is ideal). We also accept:

  • AI and EPS β€” best for vector artwork and logos
  • TIFF β€” best for photographic raster images (lossless)
  • JPG and PNG β€” acceptable if high resolution
  • PSD β€” accepted with all layers flattened

Avoid sending files designed for screen use (RGB JPGs from websites, PowerPoint exports, screenshots). When in doubt, export a PDF from your design application.

What resolution do my files need to be?

Resolution depends on viewing distance:

  • Close-view pieces (retail graphics, counter displays): 300 DPI at full size
  • Standard banners and wall graphics (viewed 3–6 ft away): 150 DPI at full size
  • Large signage (viewed 10+ ft away): 72–100 DPI at full size

A common mistake is sending a 72 DPI file designed at screen size and scaled up. If your file is designed at a reduced scale (e.g., 1 inch = 1 foot), confirm the DPI at full print size meets the minimums above.

How much bleed do I need to include?

Bleed ensures no white edges appear after cutting. Our standard requirements:

  • Under 48 inches: 1/4 inch bleed on all sides
  • Over 48 inches: 1/2 inch bleed on all sides
  • Banners: 1 inch bleed
  • Murals: 2 inch bleed

Keep all critical text and logos at least 1/4 inch inside the trim line (the safe zone) so nothing gets cut off.

Do files need to be in CMYK?

Yes. Please convert all files to CMYK before submitting. Printers use CMYK inks (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black), and RGB files will shift in color when converted at print time. Converting in your design software gives you control over the final result.

Why do my colors look different on screen vs. the final print?

Monitors produce color using light (RGB), which displays a wider range of colors than ink can physically reproduce. Vivid RGB colors β€” electric blues, neons, bright reds β€” will shift when converted to CMYK inks. The best practice is to design in CMYK from the start and request a physical proof for color-critical work.

Can you fix or upscale low-resolution files?

In some cases, yes. We have tools to intelligently upscale raster images and can sometimes recover usable quality from files slightly under spec. We cannot create detail that does not exist in the original. If your file is severely low-resolution, we will notify you before printing rather than produce a blurry result.

Do you provide proofs before printing?

Yes. Digital soft proofs (PDF) are included with every order. Physical hard proofs are available upon request for an additional fee and are recommended for color-critical projects or any job where an exact color match is essential.

Materials & Finishing

What substrates (materials) do you print on?

We stock a wide range of materials organized by application:

  • Vinyl (cast and calendered) β€” wall graphics, window graphics, floor graphics
  • Perforated vinyl β€” building wraps, window graphics visible from one side only
  • Banner material (scrim vinyl) β€” indoor and outdoor banners, event signage
  • Fabric / SEG β€” trade show displays, soft signage, backlit graphics
  • Window film β€” privacy, frosted, and decorative glass treatments
  • Wallcoverings β€” premium murals and branded interiors
  • Textured-surface media β€” brick, concrete, and other rough surfaces

Not sure which material is right for your application? Contact us and we will help you match the substrate to the install.

What is the difference between cast and calendered vinyl?

Both are vinyl, but they perform very differently. Cast vinyl is made by pouring a liquid formula onto a casting sheet β€” it is thinner, more conformable, and dimensionally stable over time. It is the right choice for complex curves, contoured surfaces, and long-term applications. Calendered vinyl is made by pressing vinyl through rollers. It is less expensive but also less conformable and prone to shrinking over time. It works well for flat surfaces and shorter-term applications like floor graphics and flat wall panels.

Do you offer lamination / overlamination?

Yes. Every printed vinyl and banner graphic can be overlaminated. Options include:

  • Gloss β€” vivid, high-shine finish; enhances color vibrancy
  • Matte β€” low-glare, clean professional look; reduces fingerprints
  • Satin β€” a middle ground between gloss and matte
  • Anti-graffiti β€” chemical-resistant; allows graffiti to be wiped away

Overlamination significantly extends the life of outdoor graphics β€” often from 3 years unlaminated to 7+ years laminated. We recommend it for all exterior applications.

What finishing options are available for banners?

Standard banner finishing includes hemmed edges (folded and welded for reinforcement) and grommets every 24 inches along the perimeter. We also offer:

  • Pole pockets β€” top and/or bottom sleeve for rod mounting
  • Sewn edges β€” for premium applications
  • Wind slits β€” cuts in the banner to reduce wind load for outdoor installs
What is contour cutting and when do I need it?

Contour cutting (also called print-and-cut) trims the graphic to the exact shape of the design rather than a standard rectangle. Common uses include custom-shaped decals, logo cutouts, floor graphics with irregular outlines, and window clings. A cutting plotter follows the design edge precisely after printing. Let us know if your project requires contour cutting when you submit the order.

What is the best material for outdoor use?

For flat outdoor surfaces, we recommend cast vinyl with gloss or matte overlaminate, printed with UV-resistant inks. For outdoor banners, 13 oz or 18 oz scrim vinyl with hemmed edges and grommets is the industry standard. For rigid outdoor signs, aluminum composite is the most durable option and will not warp, rust, or crack.

Turnaround & Shipping

How long does production take?

Standard turnaround is 3–5 business days from proof approval. Turnaround begins once we have a print-ready file and an approved proof β€” not from when the order is placed. Larger orders, specialty substrates, or jobs requiring physical proofs may require additional lead time. We will confirm the timeline when you submit your order.

Do you offer rush turnaround?

Yes. Rush production (1–2 business days) is available for most standard products at an additional charge. Contact us before submitting your file to confirm availability β€” rush slots are limited and must be reserved in advance.

Do you ship, or is pickup available?

We ship nationwide via UPS and FedEx. Local pickup is available at our facility. Shipping to your job site or directly to your client is available with advance notice.

Can you ship directly to my job site or my client?

Yes. Provide the delivery address when placing your order. For blind shipments with no VisuFlare branding, note that on your order and we will ship without any reference to our company.

Pricing

How is large format printing priced?

Large format printing is typically priced per square foot, with the rate varying by material, finish, and quantity. Rigid substrates are generally priced per piece. Additional charges may apply for finishing (grommets, lamination, contour cutting) and rush production. Contact us for a quote β€” we price competitively for trade partners.

Do you offer volume discounts?

Yes. Pricing tiers apply as quantity and square footage increase. If you have recurring print needs or large-volume projects, ask about our trade partner pricing program.

Is there a minimum order?

There is no strict minimum order. However, very small quantities on specialty materials may be subject to a minimum square footage charge due to material setup. We will let you know upfront if that applies to your job.

Durability & Installation

How long will the print last outdoors?

Outdoor longevity depends on substrate, ink type, and whether the graphic is laminated:

  • Unlaminated outdoor vinyl: typically 3–5 years
  • Laminated outdoor vinyl with UV inks: 5–7+ years
  • Rigid outdoor signs: 7–10+ years

Direct sun exposure, extreme heat, and coastal salt air can reduce lifespan. For maximum outdoor life, we recommend cast vinyl, UV-cured inks, and a UV-resistant overlaminate.

What surface prep is required before installation?

Most vinyl graphics require a clean, dry, smooth surface free of dust, grease, and wax. For wall graphics, the surface should be painted and fully cured β€” latex paint needs at least 30 days to cure before vinyl application. Textured surfaces like stucco or rough brick may require a different material or application method. Contact us to discuss.

Do you offer installation services?

No β€” we are a production-only trade printer. Our installer partners handle all on-site application. If you are a project owner or end client looking for installation, we recommend working with a certified installer in your area. If you are an installer looking for a print partner, you are in the right place.

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