How to Choose the Right Material for Large and Wide Format Printing (Indoor vs Outdoor)

If you’ve ever priced a banner, wall graphic, window decal, or building sign and thought “why are there so many options,” you’re not alone. In wide format printing, the material you choose is the difference between a graphic that looks perfect for months (or years) and one that fades, curls, scuffs, or fails during install.

This guide breaks down the most common large and wide format materials, what each one is best for, and the questions you should ask before you hit print. It’s written for real-world custom jobs, from one-off installs to national rollouts.

Start here: what are you printing and where will it live?

Before you pick a substrate, answer these five questions:

1. Is this for indoor or outdoor use?

2. How long does it need to last, days, months, or years?

3. What surface is it going on, drywall, glass, concrete, metal, or a vehicle?

4. Will it be viewed up close or from a distance?

5. Does it need to be installed in multiple locations, which impacts shipping and coordination?

Those answers determine everything: adhesive type, laminate, thickness, weather resistance, and even how it should be packaged for shipping.

The most common wide format materials and what they’re best for

Self-adhesive vinyl (SAV)

Best for wall graphics, decals, panels, directional signage, and short to medium-term applications.

Why it works: it’s versatile, cost-effective, and prints beautifully. You can choose removable or permanent adhesives depending on the job.

Watch outs: wall texture and paint type matter. Not all “removable” vinyl removes cleanly after long periods, especially on certain paints.

Wall vinyl and wall mural films

Best for feature walls, office branding, gyms, arenas, and retail environments.

Why it works: these films are designed for interior wall adhesion and are often available in matte finishes to reduce glare.

Watch outs: orange peel walls, fresh paint, humidity, and cleaning chemicals can affect adhesion. When in doubt, test a small patch.

Window films (perforated, frosted, clear)

Best for storefront windows, privacy graphics, and promotional displays.

Why it works: high-impact branding without blocking all the light. Great for seasonal updates and campaigns.

Watch outs: installation technique matters, especially on large panes or in colder weather.

Banner vinyl (13 oz, 15 oz, 18 oz)

Best for outdoor banners, fence signage, job sites, and events.

Why it works: durable and economical, finishes well with hems and grommets.

Watch outs: wind load and mounting method. If it’s a windy location, mesh might be the better choice.

Fabric (polyester, tension fabric, SEG)

Best for trade shows, retail displays, backdrops, and premium interiors.

Why it works: it looks high-end, packs and ships well, has fewer reflections, and is great for re-use.

Watch outs: it requires the right hardware system like frames or SEG channels. Some fabrics are not ideal outdoors.

Mesh banner

Best for fence banners and building signage in windy locations.

Why it works: wind passes through the mesh, reducing stress on grommets and corners.

Watch outs: image sharpness is slightly lower than solid vinyl, so design with bolder elements and cleaner typography.

Coroplast (corrugated plastic)

Best for lawn signs, temporary outdoor signage, real estate, elections, and construction.

Why it works: lightweight, weather-resistant, and cost-effective.

Watch outs: it can warp in heat over time and it’s not the premium look you’d want for high-end brand environments.

Foamboard and gatorboard

Best for indoor posters, presentations, retail point-of-purchase displays, and temporary signage.

Why it works: lightweight, clean edges, strong print quality.

Watch outs: not ideal outdoors. Edges can dent if packaging isn’t done properly.

PVC board (Sintra)

Best for durable indoor signage and some short-term outdoor signage.

Why it works: more durable than foamboard and works well with mounting hardware.

Watch outs: heavier than foamboard and may need different mounting methods depending on size.

Aluminum composite (ACM / Dibond)

Best for long-term exterior signage, premium interior signs, and storefronts.

Why it works: rigid, durable, professional finish, excellent longevity.

Watch outs: higher cost and shipping protection is critical to avoid corner and edge damage.

Acrylic

Best for premium lobby signs, branded panels, and dimensional effects.

Why it works: high-end look with depth and clarity, especially for layered designs.

Watch outs: scratches if handled improperly and needs careful packaging and installation.

Indoor vs outdoor: what changes in your material choice

Outdoor graphics need to handle UV exposure, weather, temperature swings, and wind. That means choosing the right material plus the right finishing. Wind is the silent killer of banners and fence signs. In high-wind areas, mesh and reinforced finishing are often worth it.

Indoor graphics usually fail for different reasons: the surface wasn’t assessed, the wrong adhesive was chosen, or removal wasn’t planned. Paint type, wall texture, and cleaning products all matter. If the graphic needs to come down later, choose removable adhesives and set realistic expectations on removal timing.

Finishing options that affect durability and cost

Finishing is not “extra.” It’s part of how the product survives.

Lamination adds scratch resistance, UV protection, and makes cleaning easier. Matte finishes reduce glare and hide minor imperfections. Gloss finishes increase pop but show reflections.

Banners often need hems and grommets, and corner reinforcement improves longevity. Pole pockets are great for event banners and street pole systems. Contour cutting is ideal for custom shapes, decals, and logo silhouettes. Mounting can range from standoffs and frames to rails and panel systems depending on the install environment.

The installation reality check, especially for multi-location rollouts

If you’re printing for multiple cities, the material has to install consistently across different sites and conditions. That means planning ahead.

You’ll want site photos or a survey for wall graphics and dimensional installs. You’ll want clear surface prep requirements like cleaning and degreasing. You’ll also want packaging that prevents edge damage, creasing, or adhesive contamination.

The best outcomes usually come when the print schedule, shipping plan, and installer network are coordinated from the start, so you’re not reprinting due to avoidable failures.

Quick recommendations by use case

Wall graphics and murals: wall film with a matte finish, confirm wall texture and paint type, and consider a test patch.

Storefront windows: perforated or frosted film depending on privacy and visibility.

Outdoor banners: heavier vinyl or mesh with hems and grommets, and design for wind.

Lawn and real estate signs: coroplast for cost-effective outdoor signage.

Premium signs: aluminum composite for exterior durability, acrylic for interior premium branding.

Trade shows: fabric systems for a high-end look and easy shipping.

FAQs: the questions people ask before ordering custom wide format printing

What material lasts the longest outdoors?

For long-term durability, rigid panels like aluminum composite typically outlast temporary substrates. Outdoor vinyl applications usually need the right laminate for UV exposure and handling.

Do I always need lamination?

Not always, but if it will be handled, cleaned, installed outdoors, or used long-term, lamination is often the difference between “looks great” and “looks worn.”

What’s the best option for a textured wall?

Not all wall films work on texture. You may need a specific adhesive, a test patch, or an alternate approach like mounted panels or framed fabric.

Is fabric better than vinyl for banners?

Fabric looks premium and ships well. Vinyl is often better for rugged outdoor use. The right choice depends on duration, weather, and mounting.

Need help choosing the right material?

If you tell us what you’re printing, where it’s going, how long it needs to last, and whether you need installation support across Canada, we can recommend the best substrate and finishing approach and help you avoid costly reprints.