Getting down to substrates

Like many sign-makers, you may already have made the jump and invested in a wide-format solvent printer. It might be a Mimaki, Roland, Mutoh, Seiko or just about any other, but the initial choice will probably have been driven by a specific need. But having made that significant investment, are you now looking for a further ways to realise the value of this printer? You may be pleased to know that there is a much broader range of media available for solvent printing than self adhesive vinyl and scrim banner. Indeed, outdoor imaging paper is the third most commonly used media by wide-format printers.

There is a huge range of multi-layer coated, water and outdoor resistant papers available that deliver a broad scope of applications, and even cost savings through reduced ink usage. Papers for solvent inkjet are ideal for all kinds of outdoor applications, including billboard and wet posting. With the right coating, these media can deliver excellent scratch resistance without lamination and can withstand folding without cracking.  

Not everything printed on solvent printers wraps around a vehicle or hangs with grommets. Paper is the preferred solution for low cost signage that can be used for a variety of applications, indoors or outdoors.

Your solvent printer can also handle media suitable for short-term advertising applications that call for posting new graphics over old ones. A blockout layer will prevent the old graphic from showing through the new graphic. Several other products can provide specific qualities for a range of applications that can also breathe new life into your solvent printer investment.

Solvent papers can also be used for wallpaper and other wall-art applications. The ability for digital print to create short run, customised wallpaper and wall covering installations has helped rede?ne and expand this existing market segment. What was once dominated by self adhesive vinyl, is today dominated by anything other than vinyl. 

With options ranging from wet strength paper, through polypropylene and textured ?lms, to woven polyester; those with an environmental and technical objection to vinyl have a variety of materials to choose from.

Some media for solvent printing start with a unique base paper structure, which allow it to be applied in a variety of applications that require wet strength and structural integrity. This is why they are so suited to a broad range of applications, providing high levels of quality with each one.

Remarkably, your choice of media can also help save money with ink. The coating on some solvent papers allows the same colour vibrancy and density with 30 percent less ink usage than other similar papers out in the market. This ink cost saving can be used to reduce your quote costs to help win more business or add profit through the savings.

Whatever your choice of solvent ink-based printer, you want it to be running and producing paid work as much, and as often, as possible. The broad range of media now available for solvent printers provides you with the options to sell a broad range of services and graphics to your customers. You can suggest a variety of new applications and, because you can be confident in the quality, durability and supply of the media, you will be able to increase business and deliver greater customer satisfaction, loyalty and retention.