Which Poster Finish Should I Choose?
Choosing the right finish can make a big difference to how your posters look once they’re printed. A glossy photograph has different requirements to an information poster in a shop window, and something going outdoors needs a little more protection. Here’s what to consider.
Essential Silk Posters
If you’re after a good all-round poster without spending a fortune, our Essential Silk posters are a great place to start. They have a subtle, semi-gloss finish that brings out colours and photographs without being as reflective as gloss paper. Text stays crisp and easy to read too, making silk suitable for everything from event promotions to everyday business displays.
They’re particularly good value if you’re ordering larger quantities, with generous volume discounts available across the range.
Gloss Posters
Got artwork that’s full of photographs or colourful graphics? Our gloss posters could be just what you’re looking for. The glossy surface gives colours a vibrant appearance and brings out the detail in photographs, making them popular for photographic prints, exhibitions and promotional artwork.
One thing worth remembering is that gloss reflects light. If your poster is going somewhere particularly bright, such as under strong overhead lighting, you might prefer a less reflective finish.
Matt Posters
Not every poster needs a glossy finish. Our matt posters have a softer, non-reflective surface that’s especially useful for artwork containing lots of text, diagrams or important information. Without the glare of gloss paper, they’re easy to read in shop windows, noticeboards and other indoor displays.
Our A4 and A3 matt posters can also be written on or overprinted with changing details such as dates and locations. Handy if you’re producing posters for regular events, classes or promotions.
Waterproof PVC Posters
Planning to put your posters outside? Standard paper isn’t always going to cope with the British weather. That’s where our waterproof PVC posters come in.
Printed on waterproof material rather than traditional paper, they’re designed for displays that might be exposed to rain or damp conditions. Think outdoor promotions, temporary signs and advertising displays where ordinary paper just wouldn’t be suitable.
What Poster Sizes Can I Order?
From small notices to large-format displays, we print posters in a wide range of sizes. The best one for you will depend on where your poster is going and how far away people will be when they see it.
Our range includes A4 posters and A3 posters for smaller displays, along with A2 posters, A1 posters and A0 posters when you need something bigger.
We also produce 20×30″ Double Crown posters and 30×40″ Quad Crown posters, which are commonly used for larger advertising and display applications.
Not quite sure which size you need? We’ve put together a Poster Size Guide that explains the different dimensions, how they compare and what to consider when choosing. It’s worth a look before you get started, especially if you’re planning a large poster.
Need something outside the usual sizes? We can also help with bespoke dimensions. And if you’re ordering the same design in several sizes, remember to order each size separately and supply artwork set up for the correct dimensions.
Poster Printing for Businesses, Events and More
Posters might be one of the simplest ways to advertise something, but they’re still incredibly effective. Whether you’re announcing an upcoming event, promoting your latest offer or sharing important information, sometimes all you need is the right message in the right place.
We’ve printed business posters for everything from quiz nights to superyachts, so it’s fair to say we’ve seen a few different requirements over the years!
For shops and businesses, posters are useful for seasonal offers, product launches, point-of-sale promotions and advertising campaigns. They’re equally handy for schools, charities and community organisations promoting events or sharing information.
Organising a festival, exhibition or local fundraiser? Printed event posters can help spread the word in shop windows, on noticeboards and around your venue. And they’re not just for businesses. We also print posters for personal projects, photography displays and those occasions when you want to turn a favourite image into something much bigger.
If you’re planning a promotion, you can find more ideas and information on our advertising posters page.
Ordering for several locations or planning a bigger campaign? We can arrange for posters to be supplied rolled and shrink-wrapped or delivered to multiple addresses on request. Just let us know what you’re working on and we’ll help you find the best way to handle it.
How to Order Your Posters Online
Getting your posters printed with StressFreePrint is straightforward. Choose the size and finish you’re after, select your quantity and any available paper or turnaround options, then add your posters to your basket.
Once you’ve completed your order, you’ll be able to upload your artwork through our file uploader. Our artwork team will check your files before anything goes to print, and if something doesn’t look quite right, we’ll be in touch.
Getting Your Poster Artwork Ready
A little preparation can make a big difference to the finished result. Make sure your artwork is set up at the correct size and use high-resolution images wherever possible. We recommend 300dpi at the finished size, although the resolution needed can vary depending on how large your poster is and how it will be viewed.
It’s also worth thinking about how people will see your poster. If it’s going to be viewed from a distance, keep your main message clear and make sure important text is large enough to read. You don’t need to squeeze everything onto the page.
For artwork that prints right to the edge, remember to include 3mm bleed and keep important text and logos safely inside the trim area. You’ll find artwork guidance and downloadable blank templates on your chosen product page.
No artwork? No problem. If you need help putting your design together, our design service can help with everything from small artwork changes to a completely new design.
Once everything is ready, leave the printing to us. We deliver throughout the UK, with delivery options shown when you place your order.
