How to Ensure Your Exhibition Prints Are High-Quality and Durable

Have you ever walked into an exhibition and spotted a faded, wrinkled, or poorly printed display? It’s like seeing a cup of tea with the milk added first—just plain wrong! When it comes to exhibition printing, quality and durability are non-negotiable. After all, your prints represent your brand, and you want them to make an impact, not fade into the background (literally).

Whether you're a business showcasing products, a charity spreading awareness, or an artist displaying work, your exhibition prints need to be visually striking, long-lasting, and easy to install. So, how can you ensure that your graphics don’t let you down?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing materials to designing for maximum impact, preventing fading, and ensuring cost efficiency.

Choosing the Right Materials for Maximum Durability

Not all prints are created equal. The material you choose plays a massive role in your exhibition display's lifespan, quality, and overall look. Regarding exhibition printing, selecting the right substrate ensures your graphics remain vibrant and professional throughout the event.

Key Takeaways:

• Vinyl is excellent for flexibility, especially for banners that need to roll up and travel.
• Foamex is perfect for shell scheme graphics because it’s durable and lightweight.
• Acrylic offers a sleek, modern look with high longevity but is costlier.
• Fabric prints work well for soft, high-quality finishes but may wrinkle if not stored properly.
  

Designing for Impact: Making Your Prints Stand Out

A well-designed print isn’t just about looking pretty—it’s about capturing attention, communicating your message, and keeping viewers engaged.

1. Image Resolution Matters

• Always use high-resolution images (at least 300 DPI) to avoid pixelation.
• If your print is large-format, a resolution of 150 DPI at full size should be sufficient to maintain sharpness.

2. Colour & Contrast for Maximum Visibility

• Stick to bold, eye-catching colours that align with your brand identity.
• Ensure high contrast between text and background for readability—no light grey text on a white background, please!

3. Fonts & Typography Best Practices

• Keep fonts simple, clean, and professional—no Comic Sans, please!
• Headings should be large and easy to read from a distance.
• Stick to 5-7 words per line to maintain readability and impact.

4. Strategic Layout & Design Composition

• Use visual hierarchy to guide the viewer’s eye.
• Ensure key information is placed at eye level in shell scheme graphics.
• Maintain consistent branding across all prints for a cohesive look.

Mistakes to Avoid in Exhibition Printing:

❌ Overcrowding text – Keep it simple and to the point.
❌ Using low-quality images – Blurry graphics ruin first impressions.
❌ Ignoring contrast – Ensure text is legible against the background.
❌ Forgetting bleed margins – Leave space for cutting and mounting.

Printing Techniques: Which One Works Best for You?

Different printing methods impact your prints' quality, longevity, and cost. Choosing the right technique ensures your graphics remain vibrant and clear for the event and beyond.

How to Prevent Your Prints from Fading

Just like you wouldn’t leave a chocolate bar in the sun (unless you like a gooey mess), you shouldn’t expose your exhibition prints to elements that cause fading.

1. UV Protection

• Use UV-resistant inks and coatings to prevent colour fading.
• If prints are near windows or bright lights, laminate them with a UV-protective layer.

2. Handling & Storage

• Store prints flat or rolled—never folded!
• Keep them in a dry, cool place to prevent warping or curling.

3. Cleaning & Maintenance

• Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth.
• Clean with a mild, damp cloth—no harsh chemicals

Shell Scheme Graphics: Maximising Your Exhibition Space

If you’re using shell scheme graphics, you want them to fit seamlessly and look professional. Here’s how:

1. Choosing the Right Type of Graphics

Different graphics offer various benefits depending on your installation method, durability, and reusability.

2. Designing for a Perfect Fit

• Measure your shell scheme precisely – Even a tiny miscalculation can lead to awkward gaps or overlapping graphics. Double-check dimensions before printing.
  
  
• Use continuous designs – Avoid placing key text at panel joins, as misalignment can disrupt readability. A seamless flow across panels creates a more immersive visual impact.
  
  
• Consider branding consistency – Use your company’s colours, fonts, and high-quality images to maintain a professional and cohesive appearance.
  
  
• Account for lighting – Some materials reflect light differently. If your booth has spotlights, test your graphics under similar lighting to avoid unwanted glare or shadows.
  
  
• Leave space for essential booth elements – Ensure your design accommodates shelving, TV screens, or promotional materials without covering important visuals or messages.
  
  

3. Installation Tips

• Use Velcro, magnetic strips, or clips – These allow for a quick and damage-free setup, making adjusting or replacing panels easier if needed.
  
  
• If using self-adhesive graphics, test a small section first – Not all shell scheme panels have the same surface texture, and some adhesives might not stick well or could damage the panels upon removal.
  
  
• Ensure a smooth surface before application – Dust and dirt can cause bubbles or weak adhesion, so wipe down panels beforehand.
  
  
• Start from one side and work across – Whether applying vinyl or mounting Foamex panels, aligning from one side helps prevent misalignment and wrinkles.
  
  
• Consider transport and storage – If your graphics are reusable, store them in protective cases or tubes to prevent creasing or damage between events.
  
  
  

Cost vs. Quality: Finding the Right Balance

Let's talk budget vs. durability—how do you ensure you get the best value for money?

 Disclaimer: This conceptual representation may vary based on materials and printing techniques.

• Budget prints might save you money upfront but can quickly fade, tear, or wrinkle.
• Mid-range options offer a balance between quality and affordability.
• Premium prints cost more but last significantly longer, providing better ROI.

Conclusion

Investing in high-quality, durable exhibition printing ensures your brand looks professional, attracts attention, and stands out in a sea of displays. By choosing the right materials, printing techniques, and protective measures, your prints will stay vibrant and compelling for longer.

Board Printing Company specialises in delivering top-notch exhibition prints that make a lasting impression. Whether it’s shell scheme graphics or large-format banners, we've got you covered. Let’s make your next exhibition unforgettable.