The Magic Behind Stunning Displays: Everything About Backlit Film Printing

Backlit film printing is a fantastic way to create eye-catching, illuminated displays that are perfect for various environments like stores, events, and trade shows. If you need high-quality and vibrant prints for your displays, backlit film printing is your go-to solution.

Quick Breakdown

• Overview: Backlit film printing involves creating prints on a translucent substrate that allows light to pass through, illuminating the graphics.
• Importance: Essential for creating vivid, professional-quality displays that stand out and grab attention.
• Applications: Perfect for retail displays, menu boards, lightboxes, trade show graphics, and outdoor signage.

Whether you’re a small business owner looking to improve your store displays or an event organizer needing impactful posters, backlit film printing offers the best quality and visibility.

I’m Erica Gabriel, and with my experience in graphic printing through Posterprintshop, I’ve helped businesses create stunning visual displays for over two decades. Let me guide you on everything you need to know about backlit film printing.

What is Backlit Film Printing?

Backlit film printing involves creating prints on a translucent material that allows light to pass through, illuminating the graphics from behind. This technique is widely used for creating vibrant and eye-catching displays, perfect for environments like retail stores, events, and trade shows.

Material

The material used for backlit film printing is a critical element. At Posterprintshop, we use a 10 mil backlit film that is both durable and translucent. This material is designed to be moisture, smear, scratch, and fade-resistant, ensuring your prints remain vibrant and long-lasting whether displayed indoors or outdoors.

UV Resistant Inks

To protect your prints from fading, we use UV resistant inks. These inks are designed to withstand the harmful effects of sunlight, ensuring that your graphics stay bright and vivid for years. Our prints are produced using the Epson SureColor S80600 Solvent Printer with 10 color UV inks, offering the highest resolution and best color gamut in the industry.

Translucent Properties

The magic of backlit film printing lies in its translucent properties. When illuminated from behind, the light passes through the film, making the colors pop and the graphics appear more vibrant. This makes backlit film perfect for lightboxes, kiosks, and any other display that requires illumination.

By using our eco-solvent high-resolution print process, we ensure that your backlit film prints are not only stunning but also environmentally friendly. This process delivers vibrant photo-quality prints that are perfect for any indoor or outdoor backlit application.

How to Use Backlit Film

Using backlit film effectively involves a few key steps: installation, positioning, squeegee application, and adjusting the position. Let’s break it down.

Installation

To install backlit film, you’ll need a clean, flat surface. Dust and dirt can cause bubbles and affect the adhesive. Follow these steps:

1. Clean the Surface: Use a mild detergent or glass cleaner to ensure the surface is free of dust and grease.
2. Peel the Backing: Carefully peel off the backing paper from the adhesive side of the film.

Positioning

Proper positioning is crucial for a professional look. Here’s how to do it:

1. Align the Edges: Start by aligning the top edge of the film with the top edge of your lightbox or display area.
2. Use Tape: Temporarily secure the top corners with masking tape to hold the film in place.

Squeegee Application

A squeegee helps to remove air bubbles and ensures a smooth application. Follow these steps:

1. Start from the Center: Begin squeegeeing from the center of the film, moving outward to the edges.
2. Smooth Motion: Use smooth, even strokes to press the film onto the surface, removing any air bubbles as you go.

Adjusting Position

Sometimes, you may need to reposition the film. Here’s how to adjust without damaging it:

1. Lift Gently: If you notice misalignment, gently lift the film from the edge.
2. Realign: Carefully realign the film and use the squeegee again to smooth it out.

By following these steps, you can ensure your backlit film is installed correctly and looks professional. This method works well for various applications, from retail displays to trade show booths.

Transitioning to our next topic, let’s explore the benefits of backlit film printing, including its visibility, durability, and eco-friendly options.

Benefits of Backlit Film Printing

Backlit film printing offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for advertising and display purposes. Let’s explore some key benefits: visibility, durability, eco-friendly options, vibrant colors, and minimal installation effort.

Visibility

One of the standout benefits of backlit film printing is its exceptional visibility. Whether it’s 3 AM or 1 PM, your advertisement will always be seen. The backlit film is illuminated from behind, making it easy to read in low-light conditions. No more straining eyes or using phone flashlights to read your message. This 24/7 visibility is perfect for:

• Bus stops
• Theaters
• Exhibits

Durability

Durability is another strong suit of backlit film printing. Our backlit films are made from a heavy, translucent 7mil polyester material that is UV safe, protecting your design from fading. This ensures your advertisement remains vibrant and eye-catching for a long time. Additionally, the film is tear-resistant, making it a reliable option for both indoor and outdoor use.

Eco-Friendly Options

For businesses committed to sustainability, backlit film printing offers eco-friendly options. You can choose eco-solvent printing, which uses biodegradable materials and avoids harmful chemicals. This method is particularly suitable for indoor use but can also be used outdoors. Full-color UV printing with LED curing is another eco-friendly option that provides excellent color match, clarity, and longer print life.

Vibrant Colors

Backlit film printing brings your artwork to life with vivid colors, whether backlit or unlit. The high-quality translucent graphic film ensures that your images are bright and bold, capturing the attention of potential clients. This vibrant color display is essential for:

• Advertising upcoming movies or events
• Showcasing features of new exhibitions
• Attracting new clientele

Minimal Installation Effort

Ease of installation is a significant advantage of backlit film printing. The process is straightforward and requires minimal effort. The film can be set up and taken down quickly, making it a convenient advertising tool. This ease of use is beneficial for various settings, such as:

• Trade shows
• Corporate functions
• Farmers markets

In summary, backlit film printing provides excellent visibility, durability, eco-friendly options, vibrant colors, and minimal installation effort. These benefits make it an ideal choice for various advertising and display needs.

Next, we’ll explore the types of backlit film printing techniques, including eco-solvent printing, UV printing, and more.

Types of Backlit Film Printing Techniques

When it comes to backlit film printing, there are several techniques you can use to achieve stunning, illuminated displays. Let’s break down the most popular methods:

Eco-Solvent Printing

Eco-solvent printing is an environmentally friendly option that uses biodegradable materials. This technique employs eco-solvent inks, which are less harmful and produce fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  This is the type of backlit film printing we perform at Posterprintshop.

Key Benefits:

• Eco-friendly: Uses biodegradable inks and reduces environmental impact.
• Indoor and Outdoor Use: Suitable for both settings, though ideal for indoor.
• Quick Drying: The inks dry quickly, speeding up the production process.

Example Use: Perfect for businesses that adhere to sustainability standards and need vibrant indoor displays.

UV Printing

UV printing uses ultraviolet lights to cure or dry the ink instantly. This method is known for its speed and eco-friendliness, as it produces prints that are resistant to fading.

Key Benefits:

• Fast Turnaround: Immediate curing allows for quick production.
• Durability: Prints are resistant to light and moisture.
• Vivid Colors: Provides excellent color match and clarity.

Example Use: Ideal for businesses needing quick turnaround times without compromising on quality.

LED Curing

LED curing is a specialized form of UV printing. It uses LED lights to cure the ink, making it even more energy-efficient and extending the lifespan of the printed graphics.

Key Benefits:

• Energy-Efficient: Uses less power compared to traditional UV lamps.
• Extended Print Life: Ensures that the colors remain vibrant for longer.
• Eco-Friendly: Another green option, reducing environmental impact.

Example Use: Suitable for long-term displays in both indoor and outdoor environments.

In summary, backlit film printing techniques like eco-solvent printing, UV printing, and LED Curing offer various benefits. Each method has its unique advantages, making it suitable for different applications and needs.

Next, we’ll discuss the standard sizes and custom options available for backlit film printing.

Standard Sizes and Custom Options

When it comes to backlit film printing, size flexibility is a significant advantage. Whether you need a small poster or a large display, there are options to fit your requirements.

Standard Sizes

Standard sizes for backlit film are designed to fit most common lightboxes and display frames. Some of the popular sizes include:

• 16″ x 20″
• 24″ x 36″
• 36″ x 48″
• 48″ x 60″

These sizes are often used in retail displays, bus stops, and trade shows. They are perfect for quick and easy installations.

Custom Sizes

If standard sizes don’t meet your needs, custom sizing is available. You can order your backlit prints from us in any custom size up to 5″ wide by any length, including fractions.  All of our order methods accept custom sizes. This flexibility ensures that your backlit film fits perfectly in any lightbox or display frame.

Example: A customer once needed a backlit film for a uniquely shaped lightbox that was 30″ x 90″. By requesting a custom quote, they were able to get the exact size they needed without any hassle.

Flexibility

The flexibility of custom sizes means you can create displays that stand out. Whether you need an oversized banner for a special event or a unique shape to fit a specific frame, custom options make it possible.

Pro Tip: When ordering custom sizes, always measure your lightbox or frame carefully. This ensures a perfect fit and avoids any resizing issues.

Lightbox Fitting

Proper fitting in a lightbox is crucial for backlit film. A well-fitted backlit film ensures even light distribution and avoids “hot spots” that can detract from the display’s appearance.

Installation Tip: Use a squeegee to smooth out the film and eliminate air bubbles. This ensures the film lays flat and looks professional.

In summary, backlit film printing offers a range of standard and custom sizes to meet your needs. Whether you choose a standard size for convenience or a custom size for a perfect fit, the flexibility ensures your displays shine.

Next, let’s explore how to shoot backlit film for the best results.

How to Shoot Images For Backlit Film

Shooting backlit film can be a bit tricky, but with the right settings and techniques, you can create stunning visuals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the best results.

Camera Settings

1. ISO: Start with a low ISO setting, around 100-200. This reduces noise and ensures a clear image.
2. Aperture: Use a mid-range aperture, like f/8 to f/11. This provides a good depth of field and keeps your image sharp.
3. Shutter Speed: Adjust your shutter speed based on the light conditions. A slower shutter speed allows more light in, which is essential for backlit conditions.

Light Positioning

Positioning your lights correctly is crucial for backlit film photography. Here are some tips:

• Behind the Subject: Place a light source directly behind your subject. This creates a halo effect and highlights the edges.
• Fill Lighting: Use a fill light in front of the subject to balance the backlight and reduce shadows.

Angles

Experiment with different angles to find the most flattering perspective:

• Low Angles: Shooting from a lower angle can make your subject appear more dramatic.
• High Angles: A higher angle can add context and show more of the background.

Fill Flash

Using a fill flash can help illuminate your subject and balance the backlight. Here’s how:

• On-Camera Flash: If your camera has a built-in flash, use it to add some light to the front of your subject.
• External Flash: An external flash gives you more control over the intensity and direction of the light.

Spot Meter

Spot metering is essential for backlit situations. It allows your camera to measure the light on a specific part of the scene:

• Meter on the Subject: Focus on your subject and use spot metering to ensure they are correctly exposed.
• Adjust as Needed: You may need to adjust the exposure compensation to get the perfect shot.

White Balance

Getting the white balance right ensures your colors are accurate:

• Auto White Balance: Start with auto white balance and see how it looks.
• Custom White Balance: If the colors look off, switch to a custom white balance setting. Use a gray card to set it manually.

By following these tips, you can achieve stunning results with your backlit film photography. Proper camera settings, light positioning, and techniques like fill flash and spot metering will help you capture clear and vibrant images.

Next, let’s address some frequently asked questions about backlit film printing to further improve your understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions about Backlit Film Printing

What is backlit film printing?

Backlit film printing involves printing graphics on a special type of translucent material that allows light to pass through. This creates vibrant, illuminated displays perfect for advertising and promotional purposes.

• Material: Typically, backlit film is made from a 7mil polyester that is both heavy and translucent. This material is chosen for its ability to diffuse light evenly.
• UV Resistant Inks: The inks used are UV resistant, ensuring that your prints remain vibrant and do not fade even when exposed to sunlight.
• Translucent Properties: The key feature of backlit film is its translucency, which allows light to shine through from behind, making the printed design “light up” when illuminated.

How do you use backlit film?

Using backlit film involves several steps to ensure the best display quality:

1. Installation:
   • Positioning: Place your backlit film in a lightbox or frame where it will be illuminated from behind.
   • Squeegee Application: Use a squeegee to smooth out any air bubbles during installation. Start from the center and work your way outwards.
   • Adjusting Position: If needed, you can slightly adjust the position of the film to ensure it fits perfectly within the lightbox or frame.
2. Positioning:
   • Ensure the light source is evenly distributed behind the film to avoid “hot spots” or uneven lighting.
   • For adhesive backlit film, like the Flexcon LiteCal 5200, apply it to a clean surface such as glass or plexiglass. This type of film bonds well but can be removed cleanly if needed
3. Adhesive Backlit Film
   
   We also offer a version of backlit film with adhesive that allows you to peel off a liner and stick the backlit film directly to your window, acrylic or display.

What size is backlit film?

Backlit film comes in various sizes to fit different display needs:

• Standard Sizes: Common sizes include 24″x36″, 36″x48″, and other large format dimensions suitable for posters and signs.
• Custom Sizes: Custom sizes are available to fit specific requirements. This flexibility ensures that your backlit film can be custom to fit any lightbox or display frame.
• Lightbox Fitting: When ordering, make sure to measure your lightbox or display frame accurately to get the perfect fit.

By understanding these aspects of backlit film printing, you can make informed decisions to create stunning, illuminated displays for your business or event.

Conclusion

At Posterprintshop, we pride ourselves on delivering top-quality backlit film printing that meets all your advertising and promotional needs. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is at the core of everything we do. Here’s why you should choose us for your next project:

Customer Satisfaction

Our customers love the vibrant and durable prints we produce. As Phil B. noted, after trying a competitor’s product, he was thrilled with the quality of our prints. We believe in going the extra mile to ensure our clients are happy. Our customer service is responsive and helpful, even answering technical questions like whether a backlit frame is dimmable overnight.

Bulk Discounts

We offer competitive pricing and bulk discounts to make high-quality printing affordable. Whether you need a single print or a large batch, we can accommodate your order. Our flexible pricing structure ensures you get the best value for your money, especially when ordering in bulk.

Custom Orders

We understand that one size does not fit all. That’s why we offer custom sizes for backlit film printing, ranging from 16″ x 20″ to 48″ x 100″ and beyond. Simply request a custom quote, and we’ll work closely with you to ensure your backlit film is sized perfectly for your lightbox or display frame. Our customization options extend to the design process as well, with free templates available to help you get started.

Fast Turnaround

We know that time is of the essence. That’s why we offer a quick turnaround time and can even print and ship your order the same day if you order before noon Pacific.  You can have your backlit prints tomorrow if you choose an overnight shipping method. Our efficient process ensures that you receive your backlit film prints promptly, without compromising on quality.

Get Started Today

Ready to lift your advertising with stunning backlit film prints? Visit our Duratrans Backlit Prints page to learn more and place your order. With Posterprintshop, you’re not just getting a print; you’re making an impact.

By choosing Posterprintshop, you can be confident that you’re receiving high-quality, durable, and vibrant prints that will make your brand stand out. Let us help you create eye-catching displays that captivate your audience.

With this information, you’re well-equipped to make the best choices for your backlit film printing needs. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, reach out to us. We’re here to help you shine!