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What is Backdrop Printing?

what is backdrop printing

Backdrop printing is a large format machine printing process, normally it prints customized or personalized information like image, logos and text on vinyl material or knitted polyester fabric, they are used for all kinds of events, like trade show, sports events, wedding cememony or photo studio.

What’s involved in backdrop printing?

When you consider ordering backdrop printing from supplier, here are 3 things that will be involved in backdrop printing.

  1. Choose backdrop printing method. You must understand 6 types of backdrop printing method mentioned above and choose one of them to achieve your needs. For example, if you need to put the backdrop outdoors for a long time, then the UV backdrop printing method is top option, as UV backdrop printing can last longer at direct sunshine exposure.
  2. Choose material of backdrop printing. There are many backdrop printing materials, each material meets different requirement. For example, if you want to use it again and again, then dye-sublimation fabric would be the top choice. As it is soft and non-wrinkle after folded.
  3. Choose backdrop frame for backdrop printing. In the trade show booth building industry, there are different frames for backdrop building, for example, tension fabric backdrop frame, SEG pop up frame, SEG profile frame, backlit lightbox frame.

How Many Types of Backdrop Printing Are There?

There are 6 backdrop printing methods across the trade show booth building industry, they are digital inkjet printing, dye-sublimation printing, screen printing, UV printing, latex printing, solvent/eco-solvent printing.

But not all of them are equal. Dye sublimation printing and UV printing are the most popular backdrop printing methods for trade show booth building.

Let me explain each backdrop printing method and help you decide what backdrop printing you should use for your trade show booth or marketing events.

What is digital inkjet backdrop printing?

Digital inkjet printing is a modern printing technology that uses digital files (like PDFs or images) to directly control the application of ink onto a material, such as synthetic PP paper or self-adhesive synthetic PP paper.

Normally it will apply on wood backdrop or backlit lightbox frame, but it become less popular as it is easy to wrinkle, need experienced worker to install.

What is latex backdrop printing?

Latex backdrop printing is similar to digital inkjet backdrop printing. It is also water-based ink, it doesn’t contain harmful solvents.

Latex printing produces precise images with bright colors and fine details in high resolution, so it is wildly used at lightbox backdrop printing as it needs very fine print.

What is dye-sublimation backdrop printing?

Dye sublimation printing is a digital printing method that uses heat to transfer an image onto a surface. The most common material were used is fabric. In the trade show booth building industry, dye-sublimation backdrop printing is the most popular method to make backdrop.

Here is the process of dye-sublimation backdrop printing, first we will use true dye-sublimation printing machine to print trade show graphic design on the knitted polyester fabric, sew silicone edge around the fabric graphic or sew zip for pillow-case graphic.the next setp is make the backdrop frames, there are variouse frames that can be as a backdrop for trade show booth, like tension fabric backdrop, SEG pop up backdrop, SEG frame backdrop. The last step is to install dye-sublimation graphics on the frames. It is very easy, even non-skilled people can do it after watching the assembly video.

What is screen backdrop printing?

Screen backdrop printing is a very old method to paint artwork design on the backdrop. Normally, I need to do a pattern screen from the artwork design, then apply the screen to the material like vinyl or fabric. But it has a big disvantage that it can do make super big backdrop, normally it only can make backdrop less than 3 meters/10feet.

What is Solvent/eco-solvent backdrop printing?

Slovent backdrop printing is the oldest printing method for outdoor backdrop usage. The solvent/eco-solvent can anti-UV dissolve, so the outdoor backdrop can last for a long time, up to 5 years.

In general, solvent/eco-solvent backdrop is used for building wrap, giant billboard banner, or shopping window which will expose sunshine directly.

What is UV Backdrop printing?

UV backdrop printing is another method to anti-UV dissolve, but unlike solvent/eco-solvent backdrop printing, it has size limitation, the largest size of UV backdrop printing can do is 2.44×1.22 meter big.

So normally it is used for small pieces of woodwork or foam panel printing, which need to assemble the small pieces together to make a big backdrop. It has the following benefits:

  • Quick turnaround: UV printing dries almost instantly, significantly reducing production time compared to traditional printing methods.
  • High-resolution graphics: The precise ink deposition allows for sharp details and intricate designs.
  • Weather resistance: UV-cured inks are resistant to fading, moisture, and scratches, making them suitable for outdoor use.
  • Versatility: UV printing can be done on a wide variety of materials including acrylic, PVC, fabric, and more, depending on the backdrop needs.
  • Vibrant colors: UV inks produce vivid and saturated colors.

Which Type of Material Has Been Used for Backdrop Printing?

The choice of material depends on durability, texture, and use case:

  1. Vinyl:
    1. Pros: Waterproof, affordable, and wrinkle-resistant. Perfect for outdoor events.
    2. Cons: Less elegant for upclose settings; can reflect light.
  2. Polyester Fabric (Frontlit/Backlit):
    1. Pros: Lightweight, machine-washable, and ideal for soft lighting effects.
    2. Cons: May require stitching for large sizes.
  3. Canvas Wall paper:
    1. Pros: Artistic, matte finish for photography studios or galleries.
    2. Cons: Not waterproof; prone to damage in outdoor conditions.
  4. Mesh:
    1. Pros: Wind-resistant for outdoor use; allows light and air to pass through.
    2. Cons: Lower image resolution due to perforations.

What are the different types of backdrop stands and their uses?

What Are the Different Types of Backdrop Stands and Their Uses?

Backdrop stands provide structural support and vary based on setup needs:

1.Crossbar Backdrop Stands:

Design: Horizontal crossbar with two vertical poles.

Use: Ideal for lightweight fabrics or vinyl in studios or small events, wedding or birthday party events.

Crossbar Backdrop Stands 2.Telescopic Backdrop Stands:

Design: Adjustable height and width via telescoping poles.

Use: Portable and versatile for photographers or pop-up events.

Telescopic Backdrop Stands

3.Truss Backdrop Stands:

Design: Heavy-duty metal frames with interlocking truss systems.

Use: Supports massive backdrops for concerts, theaters, or large stages.

truss backdrop system

4.Tension Fabric Backdrop Stand:

Design: Include weighted bases (e.g., sandbags or metal feet).

Use: Stable for trade shows or conference events.

Tension Fabric Backdrop Stand

5.Pop up Backdrop Stand:

Design: collapsiable frame for easy setup and pack down.

Use: High-end events requiring quick, seamless backdrop changes.

Pop up Backdrop Stand

6.Modular Exhibition Stands:

Design: Modular exhibition stands can be assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured in various ways to suit different spaces and event themes.

Use: Big Trade show booths or exhibitions needing adaptable setups.

Modular Exhibition Stands

If you looking for order backdrop printing in Singapore, tradeshowdisplays.com.sg is your best choice, please feel free to contact us to get a quote.

Choose a stand based on backdrop size, weight, portability, and environmental conditions!