How to Choose the Perfect Size and Finish for Your Poster Printing Needs

Posters are a powerful visual marketing tool used to promote gallery and restaurant openings, theater performances, product launches, and special events. They capture attention, communicate key details quickly, and help create buzz around your brand or occasion.

At Bestype Printing, we offer both digital and offset poster printing to meet a wide range of needs and production volumes. We proudly serve industries including fashion, events, retail, and many others.

Below are a few helpful tips to guide you in selecting the right size and finish to maximize the impact of your poster:

Size

The standard U.S. poster sizes are 11×17″, 18×24″, 24×36″, and 27×40″. Bestype Printing also offers large-format printing, also known as wide-format printing, to accommodate sizes that are too large for standard commercial printers. Widths for large-format printing range between 18″ to 100″. We are able to print posters that are large enough to cover a window or an entire wall, depending on your needs. Factors for poster printing include:

• Perspective: Think about the perspective of the intended audience and how high you want to hang the poster. The standard 11×17″ or 18×24″ sizes may be sufficient if the poster will be at eye level. If the audience will be further away from the poster, use a larger size so the text and images are legible.
• Design and graphics: The scalability of your design impacts your options for sizes. Look for a poster size that will best preserve the resolution of the graphics and fonts. Serif texts with delicate features may appear blurred in a wide-format print.
• Location: The display location determines the amount of space and visual competition your poster has. Possible settings include table displays, billboards, and the walls of your storefront or business. If you are placing the poster in a busy location such as the subway, use a wide-format poster to attract passersby.
• Audience: Factor in the target audience. If you are targeting a specialized or specific group, a smaller poster may be beneficial. Choose a larger poster size to promote products or events to a wider audience.

If you have questions about appropriate poster sizes, talk to one of our team members. Bestype Printing has a team of over 30 print and design professionals. During your complimentary consultation, one of our technicians will be available to provide feedback on your design.

Finish

Printing papers are coated or uncoated. When choosing a printing material, take the type of poster design and the setting in which you’ll be displaying the poster into account. If you are using the poster for an indoor setting, choose paper with a matte finish so your poster can help minimize the glare. Matte paper has a dull coating that does not refract light. As a visual medium, posters typically utilize a glossier paper than flyers or other printing projects. Paper with a gloss finish helps enhance a poster that uses photography and art. During the poster printing process at Bestype Printing, we will select the appropriate type of paper for your project.

Finishes are applied to the top of the print. When choosing a finish, factor in the tone of the poster. If you are creating a poster for a business setting, such as a presentation or a conference, choosing a classic finish can help create a professional feel. Selecting a unique finish for an artistic poster helps it stand out. A metallic foil can highlight details in a design or be used as part of the overall look. This finish is available in a variety of colors. A laminate finish helps protect posters, such as adhesive posters, from tears and outdoor elements such as rain.

During your consultation, one of our technicians will guide you through the list of options and help you determine which finishes will best complement your design. During the printing process, you can request a proof to see what the posters will look like and make changes. When the posters are completed, you can have them delivered to your convention hall or sent to office locations nationwide. Picking up your posters at our storefront is another option.

Get Quality Poster Printing at Bestype Printing

We provide poster printing with exceptional color accuracy and premium materials to ensure your finished piece looks sharp, vibrant, and professional. Conveniently located in SoHo, Bestype Printing is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. We produce posters, banners, brochures, books, magazines, and a wide variety of print materials for both personal and business projects. Our services include custom, premium, and specialty-format printing tailored to your specific needs.

All projects are completed in-house using quality materials from our warehouse, allowing us to maintain full control over production and consistency. We also provide a complimentary digital proof during the printing process so you can review and approve your project before final production.

Working on a tight timeline? We offer rush services, including same-day and next-day printing. Submit our online form to request a quote, and feel free to reach out with any additional questions—we’re here to help bring your project to life.