Beyond the Design: Why Material Choice Defines Large Format Print Success
When planning a large format print project, design is often the initial focus. However, the material it is printed on is what ultimately determines how that design performs, how long it lasts, and how it is experienced in its final environment.
At Leach, more than 130 years of print expertise has shown that there is no single material suited to every application. The correct choice depends on a consideration of location, longevity, and visual intent. Understanding these factors from the start is essential to achieving the highest impact in your next large format print project.
I sat down with James Bickerdike, our head of production, to discuss the process our team at Leach undertakes when a new project lands.
How influential is the project’s environment in choosing the print material?
The environment in which the print will be installed is a primary consideration. A retail setting may require visually striking vinyl graphics designed to capture attention and adapt to seasonal change, whereas an exhibition space often demands materials that are lightweight, portable, and efficient to install, such as silicone edged fabric graphics or swedboard.
Workplace interiors typically call for a more refined and durable finish that enhances the overall aesthetic, while heritage environments require a sensitive approach, where materials such as timber or aluminium must complement and respect the surrounding architecture. Each context brings specific technical and practical requirements, making material selection a critical part of the process.
Should you take into account the longevity of the final print product?
Yes definitely; longevity is equally important. Some applications are intentionally short-term, designed to support campaigns or temporary activations, while others are expected to maintain their appearance over many years. Selecting a material that aligns with the intended lifespan ensures both cost efficiency and consistent visual quality.
A mismatch between material and purpose can lead to unnecessary expense and sometimes compromised results, which is why considering materials early in a project is so important.
How can materials affect a visual impact?
The visual and tactile qualities of a material play a defining role in how a design is perceived. Seamless wall coverings can create an immersive, high-end interior finish, while fabric graphics can introduce softness and depth. Rigid substrates provide structure and precision, and window vinyl or contravision graphics offer both functional and creative possibilities through the interaction with light.
The same design can deliver very different outcomes depending on the chosen substrate, reinforcing the importance of making an informed decision on which material is right for your project.
How can projects embrace innovation in materials?
Advancements in print technology continue to expand what is possible. With the introduction of our Durst P5 350 HS printer, Leach has further enhanced our ability to print efficiently across a wide range of materials, including papers, fabrics, glass, wood, and plastics. This versatility enables greater creative freedom for our clients, allowing their projects to move beyond conventional material limitations and maximise their intended visual impact on a space.
Is it possible to have sustainable large format print?
Yes, sustainability is an increasingly significant consideration in material selection. Our clients are often seeking solutions that minimise environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of quality. Through ongoing innovation and careful sourcing, it is possible to achieve both, ensuring that sustainability is prioritised in the decision-making process without compromising the final result.
At Leach, we offer a range of effective eco-materials which our clients can choose from when planning their print projects. From recyclable tension frames and lightboxes to 100% recyclable fabric graphics and hoarding wraps, we have a growing green portfolio with a solution for every sector.
How can Leach support clients in getting it right first time?
A successful project depends not only on access to the right materials, but on the expertise to select them correctly. At Leach, we have a dedicated account management approach which ensures every project is guided from concept through to completion, with careful attention to detail. This collaborative process allows potential challenges to be addressed early, ensuring that each final solution is right first time.
As our Senior Business Developer, Will Binns, explains, “The material you choose is just as important as the design itself. It influences not only the visual impact, but how the print performs within its environment. Our role is to guide clients through those decisions, ensuring the outcome meets both creative and practical expectations from the outset.”
Selecting the right material is fundamental to the success of any large format print project. By working with us, it becomes possible to deliver work that is not only visually compelling, but also perfectly suited to its purpose and environment.
Got an upcoming large format print project? Get in touch today.
