July 5, 2022

Our Five Favorite Materials for High-Resolution Photography

A few months ago, we held a Pacific Northwest-themed photography contest for Infinity Images staff in honor of National Photography Month. The five winning photos were digitally printed by our large-format machines on separate materials to showcase the different looks possible for high-resolution photography. Check out the winning photos, information about the various substrates, and how you might use them to showcase your images!

1. MOONLIGHT RECYCLED BACKLIT SEG

Moonlight Recycled i­s a 100% polyester synthetic fabric made from recycled water bottles. It’s eco-friendly with a matte surface and high-quality opacity making it ideal for light box applications. To achieve the backlit effect, we sewed a keder onto the perimeter and fit the graphic into a frame with LED lighting behind. Backlighting brightened the areas with less ink (highlights) and darkened the areas with more ink (shadows), creating a higher contrast photo presentation than frontlit methods.
THICKNESS: 7.6oz
ROLL SIZES: 126” x 100yd
COLORS: White
USE: Interior
APPLICATIONS: Backlit SEGs
GREEN CHOICE

Photo location: Pacific City, Oregon
Photographer: Derek Inkens, Director of Accounts

2. SECOND SURFACE PRINT ON ACRYLIC

Acrylic prints deliver extremely high-resolution and vibrant colors. This material can be printed on the face and/or the reverse side to achieve first or second surface effects. Viewing an image through the acrylic (second surface as pictured here) accentuates the highlights and shadows of a photograph and adds dimensionality. Acrylic can also be backlit or edge lighted which adds considerable brilliance to any image and makes it stand out from the surroundings. The depth and the clean glossy surface transforms any photo into beautiful interior décor. Acrylic is durable, available in many thicknesses and colors, enables very high-resolution imagery, can be heat bent to conform to unusual surfaces, and is suitable for nearly any environment.

THICKNESS: .060” – 1”+
SHEET SIZES: 48” x 96” & 74” x 120” (Clear), 48” x 96” (Colors)
COLORS: Clear, Many Colors Available
USE: Exterior, Interior
APPLICATIONS: Signs, POP/POS, 3D Displays, Dimensional Letters, Interior Décor
Photo location: Mount Hood, Oregon
Photographer: Forest Ralston, Senior Project Manager

3. DIBOND

Dibond® Digital is a composite constructed of polyethylene sandwiched between two 0.3mm layers of aluminum. The outer coating provides a smooth and consistent printing surface while the polyethylene core reduces weight. This material is somewhat heavier than other options but is very durable and suitable for both indoor and outdoor conditions. It is not as glossy as acrylic and gives a unique look to an image. Dibond can also be roll-formed to create a curved surface or routed and/or returned at the edge for dimensional displays.

THICKNESS: 3mm
SHEET SIZES: 48” x 96”
COLORS: White, Brushed Silver
USE: Exterior, Interior
APPLICATIONS: Signs, POP/POS, 3D Displays, Exhibits & Kiosks, Fixtures, Structural Signage, Framing, Dimensional Letters
Photo location: Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington
Photographer: Brigit Cheshire, Account Manager

4. SEEMEE INSIGHT HEAVY CANVAS WRAP

This heavy UV printable canvas gives your image an ornamental look simulating an original work of art. Digitally printing on fabrics like canvas (as opposed to a rigid material) softens the photo and provides texture akin to a painting. We mounted this image around a wood box frame, giving the artwork a stand-off from the wall. Canvas is perfect for interior décor in both office settings and homes.

THICKNESS: 7.8oz
ROLL SIZES: 126” W
COLORS: White
USE: Interior
APPLICATIONS: SEGs, Banners, POP/POS, Backdrops, Exhibits & Kiosks, Events, Interior Décor
Photo location: Crater Lake, Oregon
Photographer: Tara Criscuolo, Marketing Manager

5. ORAJET 3981 WITH PVC-FREE MATTE LAM

Orajet 3981 is an eco-friendly material choice for long-term indoor or outdoor graphic applications requiring high resolution, great brilliance, and durability. It is PVC-free, stretchable, and can adhere to many places including curved surfaces. RapidAir® technology makes installation quick and easy, and the matte lam adds protection and eliminates glare.

THICKNESS: 2mil
ROLL SIZES: 54” x 150’, 60” x 150’
COLORS: Gloss White
USE: Exterior, Interior
APPLICATIONS: Walls, Windows & Glass, Vehicles, Watercraft, Signs
GREEN CHOICE
Photo location: Olympic National Park, Washington
Photographer: Steve Durasa, Purchasing

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