Large Format Printing Derby: What We Print, What It Costs & How to Order

What is large format printing?

Large format printing is the catch-all term for print work that goes beyond the A4 and A3 sheets produced by an office printer. If you need something readable from across a car park, hung on a fence, or mounted outside a shopfront, you are almost certainly looking at large format.

The terms “large format” and “wide format” mean the same thing. What changes between jobs is the material: banners printed on flexible PVC, rigid boards in Foamex or aluminium composite, adhesive vinyl for window graphics, and fabric for exhibition displays all fall within this category.

What products does large format printing include?

Large format printing covers a broader range of products than most people expect. The main categories are:

• PVC banners — the most common large format product. Printed on heavy-duty vinyl (typically 440–510gsm), suitable for outdoor use for months or years. Supplied hemmed and eyeletted for hanging.
• Roller and pop-up banners — retractable display stands for exhibitions, events and reception areas. The printed graphic rolls into an aluminium housing for easy transport and storage.
• Outdoor signs — rigid boards mounted to walls or freestanding frames. Materials include Foamex (lightweight, for indoor or sheltered use), Correx (economy outdoor board for construction and estates), and aluminium composite (ACM/Dibond) for long-life exterior installation.
• Poster printing — A0, A1, A2 and custom-size posters on satin or gloss paper, used in retail, hospitality and offices.
• Window graphics — adhesive vinyl applied to shop fronts, glass partitions and vehicle windows.
• Exhibition displays — pop-up display systems, pull-up stands and fabric backdrops for trade shows and events.
• Scaffold banners and site boards — very large printed vinyl or mesh panels fixed to scaffolding or building facades for construction project branding and site safety information.

Our guide to large format printing products covers the key differences between banner types, board materials and display systems in more detail. For A-boards and freestanding pavement displays, see the dedicated A-board and sandwich board guide.

How much does large format printing cost in Derby?

Pricing depends on three things: size, material, and quantity. Here is a rough guide to what Derbyshire businesses typically spend:

• A0 poster (841 × 1,189 mm, satin or gloss paper) — from around £10–£15
• Standard PVC banner (1m × 3m, 440gsm) — typically £35–£65
• Foamex sign (A1, 3mm, indoor) — from around £25–£45
• Aluminium composite (ACM) sign (A1, exterior) — from £55–£100
• Roller banner (850mm × 2,000mm, including hardware) — from £45–£90
• Scaffold or site banner (2m × 4m, heavy-duty PVC) — from approximately £120–£250

These are indicative prices only. Call or email Printscene for an accurate quote on your specific job. Ordering multiple units of the same artwork almost always reduces the per-unit cost, and combining several products in one order can save on turnaround time too.

National online printers sometimes undercut on very standard sizes. The trade-off is longer lead times, no local design support, and no way to check a proof in person before the full run goes to press. For anything with a tight deadline, a complex custom size, or a material that is not on a standard price list, a local large format printer in Derby will typically serve you better.

Which material should I choose?

Material choice has a bigger impact on the finished result than most customers expect. The right substrate depends on how the item will be used, how long it needs to last, and how much handling it will receive.

• PVC banner (440–510gsm) — the standard for outdoor banners, site boards and event displays. UV-resistant inks, weatherproof for 12–36 months outdoors.
• Mesh banner — the correct choice for large banners in exposed, windy locations such as scaffolding, rooftops or security fencing. The perforated structure reduces wind loading, preventing the banner and fixings from being pulled away. See our banner printing materials guide for the full comparison.
• Foamex (PVC foam board, 3mm or 5mm) — lightweight and easy to mount. Best for indoor signs, point-of-sale displays and short-term outdoor use in sheltered positions.
• Correx (corriboard, 4mm or 6mm) — the fluted polypropylene board used for estate agent signs and construction site notices. Very economical, prints well, and can go outdoors for 6–12 months.
• Aluminium composite (ACM/Dibond, 2–3mm) — the premium choice for permanent outdoor signs. Rigid, weather-resistant, and holds colour for 5–10 years.

How to order large format printing from Printscene in Derby

Printscene is based in Somercotes — a short drive from Derby, Chesterfield, Nottingham and Matlock. For Derby businesses, being able to collect locally removes the wait and the risk of damage in transit that affects larger printed items from national couriers.

The ordering process is straightforward:

1. Send your brief — dimensions, material, quantity, and how the finished item will be used. A rough sketch or reference image is fine at this stage.
2. Receive a quote — usually within a few hours during working hours, with turnaround times confirmed.
3. Approve your proof — a digital proof is supplied before anything goes to print. For large or expensive orders, an in-person proof check can be arranged.
4. Collect or arrange delivery — most jobs are ready within 2–5 working days. Delivery across Derbyshire can be arranged for larger items.

Frequently asked questions

What is classed as large format printing?

Large format printing covers any printed item wider than approximately 24 inches (610 mm) — typically banners, posters larger than A1, outdoor signs, window graphics, exhibition displays and scaffold banners. If a standard desktop or office printer cannot produce it, it almost certainly falls under large format.

Is large format printing the same as wide format printing?

Yes — the terms are interchangeable. Wide format printing and large format printing both describe the same category of equipment and products: printers capable of handling widths from 24 inches up to five metres or more. You may see both terms used interchangeably by print suppliers.

How much does large format printing cost?

Costs vary depending on size, material and quantity. A standard A0 poster starts from around £10–£15. A 1m × 3m PVC banner typically runs £35–£65. Rigid outdoor signs on aluminium composite cost more per square metre than banners or Foamex boards, but last significantly longer. Contact Printscene for a specific quote based on your brief.

How do I prepare artwork for large format printing?

Supply artwork as a PDF with all fonts embedded, at the correct finished size, with images at 100–150 dpi at print size or as vector graphics. Include a 3–5mm bleed on all edges for trimmed products, and keep text at least 5mm inside the trim line. Printscene reviews every file before printing and will flag any issues before the job goes to press.