When you want to have a piece of art printed, you will have a decision to make. Do you choose a photographic print or a poster? Understanding the differences between the processes and how they’re best used will make it easier to decide which medium you want to work with so that you get the desired presentation.
As you begin to explore the similarities and differences in a photographic print vs. poster, you’ll find that both have their advantages depending on how you will be using them.
The Printing Technology
One of the biggest differences between a photographic print vs. a poster is the printing technology that is utilized. It really doesn’t matter what the image is of – a person, a place, a thing, or even a graphic to advertise a particular event. How it is printed will determine whether it is a photographic print or a poster print.
A poster is typically printed on an offset printing machine using low-cost materials. It is capable of printing off high volumes of the same poster at affordable costs per print and with a fast turnaround.
A photographic print is commonly printed using a high-quality photographic print machine, which can either be lithographic or digital. The print typically uses high-quality ink and is printed on thicker paper than a poster. Further, it is typically more expensive per piece to produce.
The Type of Paper
The paper that you print a photographic print versus a poster on has to be considered. This will determine whether it can be rolled up for shipping purposes, how easily it will tear, whether it needs to be framed to show off the best aesthetics, and even if it is something that can be signed with wet ink.
Posters are printed on what is commonly referred to as poster paper. It is water-resistant and thicker than regular copy paper. It is highly durable, so it won’t rip or crinkle easily. If it gets a little wet, it will dry without any of the ink running.
Most poster papers are slightly glossy. However, they can be easily signed using a Sharpie or any other kind of marker.
Photographic prints are printed on photo paper, which is resin-coated and light-sensitive. The paper is water-resistant and will be thicker than poster paper.
The luster of the photo paper can vary, allowing you to choose between matte, glossy, and lustre levels in between. It allows you to get the desired look that you want.
Depending on how you want to present the image, you can choose to frame a poster or simply tape it to a wall. As for photographic prints, they are best framed so that you can protect the paper from being scratched or being exposed to light that can cause the print to fade over time.
Quality vs. Quantity
For years, posters were used as a way to decorate a space quickly. Movies produced posters, bands produced posters – and both could be used by businesses as well as by individuals. They were easy to hang – and once the event was over or the poster art fell out of style, it could be discarded with ease without anyone being out too much money. Even today, it’s still an affordable way to market because it can be mass-produced.
Photographic prints are different. They’re artistic. They help to shine light on a particular subject. They can be used as central marketing pieces or even displayed in galleries, depending on the subject. The higher cost of producing these prints means that they won’t be discarded very often. Most of the time, you invest in the prints because you plan on keeping them displayed for an extended period of time.
This means that it often comes down to quality versus quantity. You produce photographic prints when you are focused on quality while you choose posters when you are more concerned with quantity.
Which Type is Right for Your Project?
Any time you have a project that you want to print, whether it is a photo that you took or a graphic that you created to help you market your business, you have to consider whether you want to produce it as a photographic print or a poster.
Posters are ideal when you want something that will easily roll-up. Particularly if you plan on printing 100 or more of the same design, posters will be the most economical option. They can be as durable as you need – and you can certainly class them up by framing them.
Photographic prints have a higher art value to them because of the high-quality paper that they are printed on. Particularly when the color and quality matter, photographic prints are ideal. If you only need a quantity of under 10, the price can be affordable. Printing large quantities can get expensive due to the higher-end materials that are utilized in the process.
Final Thoughts
Producing posters and art prints allow you to decorate your space in an artistic way. You can advertise your menu items inside of a restaurant, show off the beautiful locations where your products are sourced from, or advertise an upcoming event. As soon as you know the reason for needing to have something printed, you can make more effective decisions as to how it should be printed.
Regardless of whether you decide on a photographic print or a poster, you’ll want to work with a professional printer like Custom Printing Inc. This will ensure that you get the high-quality printing complete with vibrant colors. Additionally, a professional printing service will be able to offer wide-format printing so that you can have the size print that works best for your space.
Once you know how you will display a photo, you can decide if you want a print or a poster. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask a professional for advice so that you get the premium aesthetic that you are after. You can obtain the print or poster so that they can be mass-distributed or simply hung in a location or two with pride.