Different Suppliers, Different Processes

Different banner suppliers will use different printing possess and equipment.

While some use high quality solvent digital printers, others will use either silk screening or low end ink jet printers. While this information is not always printed plainly on the supplier’s web site, it is important to know the materials and processes the supplier will use.

When there are print jobs that can not be done digitally, the low tech silk screening process can still produce great results. Examples of when silk screening would be more effective include the use of special inks (like metallic, colors that need to be precisely matched, or solid colors on a dark background) or when you are printing on uncommon materials. While it is typically not recommended, it is possible to do four color printing using silk screening. The cost associated with the different screens for each color usually makes it cost prohibitive.

Some suppliers print on vinyl using low end ink jet printers. The inks used with this type of equipment are usually dye based. These inks work best when you are placing your banner inside, or outside for a very limited amount of time. These inks are very vulnerable to scratches and weather damage, as well as fading when exposed to the UV rays produced by sunlight. Some suppliers will cover the vinyl banner with a laminate coating in an attempt to protect the images after they have been printed. There are many disadvantages to this, including additional production time, significantly higher costs, difficultly with finishing, and a low quality product when it is compared to those produced used solvent based inks.

It is best to purchase a vinyl banner produced using solvent based inks when you plan to use it outside or for an extended period of time. You will most likely find that there is not a significant price difference between the two types of banners. Since non-solvent based inks are more likely to scratch, and be destroyed by sunlight or moisture, you will probably end up upset if you use them.

You will sometimes hear of equipment that is designed to use “solvent like” ink. Since solvent based inks are more expensive and more difficult to work with, the manufactures of these machines claim that their products produce the benefits of solvent inks without the drawbacks. The truth is that the products produced on these machines are inferior to those produced using real solvent inks.

While there have been attempts by numerous manufacturers to produce water based inks that have the durability of solvent based inks, the truth is that none of these inks work as well. The important thing to remember when you go to purchase your banner is that only a true solvent ink process is likely to give you the results you are looking for.


 

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