As a print business (emphasis on the word “business”) your job isn’t just to produce great quality print. It’s also to ensure you make enough profit to be able to keep doing it. And that’s where the biggest challenge for print shop owners lies. With a near infinite choice of vinyls, fabrics, films and speciality substrates on the market – each with different coatings, finishes, durability levels and price points – how do you choose the types of print media that are right for the job, that keep customers happy and keep your business profitable?
In this post, we’ll explore how to match print media types to your print technology, end-use requirements, aesthetic goals and budget, so every project delivers quality without blowing your costs.
1. Start with the print technology
Not every material performs well with every technology. So the first step in choosing the right type of print media is understanding your printer and inks.
Direct sublimation
A great option for polyester-based fabrics and textiles. Soft signage, flags, exhibition and event banners and backdrops – it’s perfect for all of those. It’s less effective on non-poly materials as the dye won’t bond, so avoid trying to “make it work”.
Solvent & eco-solvent
Solvent printers work best with self-adhesive vinyls, PVC banners and vehicle graphics, thanks to strong ink adhesion and excellent UV durability. Choose eco-solvents when the media is intended for indoor use as there’ll be less of an odour.
UV
If versatility is the goal, UV is king. UV inks cure instantly, stick to almost anything and allow high-speed finishing. This makes UV great for vinyls, rigid boards, backlit films and some fabrics. The only potential issue is that combining UV with some media can lead to cracking or brittleness, so always pick a material optimised for UV.
Latex
Latex brings outdoor durability and wide material compatibility, and eliminates the chemical whiff of solvents so its fine for indoor use. Great with vinyls, papers, fabrics and films, but if working with heat-sensitive materials, always check that the media is latex-certified to avoid distortion during curing.
2. Match the media to the application
Now you know what your printer can handle, consider where and how the end product will be used.
Indoor vs outdoor
Print projects intended for outdoor use need durability to cope with the elements. PVC banner material, mesh banner and coated fabrics stand up well to UV exposure, temperature shifts and moisture. Mesh banner is particularly handy for areas exposed to wind, as the perforations reduce the risk of tears and distortion. In the constant tug between quality, price and customer satisfaction, investing in more durable print media types is usually the better, safer option.
Indoors, you’ll be able to use different types of print media that are a little more economical.
Short-term vs long-term
Short-term work: Now’s the chance to stick to the economy end of the scale with monomeric vinyls, lightweight banners and economy films. They may not last forever, but if the project is an event or seasonal retail campaign, you won’t need them to.
Long-term work: If your print project is for building signage, vehicle wraps or premium retail, you’ll need the media to deliver epic durability. It’s important not to skimp here. Vehicle wraps, for example, demand a cast vinyl with a matched laminate – anything else risks lifting or cracking on curves.
3. Consider the look
Aesthetics will matter just as much as durability, especially in retail and exhibition environments, so factor the finish into your choice of printable media.
We’re generalising, but gloss brings punch and vibrancy but may lead to glare under spotlights. Matt creates a premium, low-reflection finish ideal for indoor graphics or high-end branding. Satin strikes an impressive balance between the two – a gentle sheen without harsh reflections.
4. Balancing cost and performance
Choosing between different types of print media isn’t only about what looks best –it’s about what makes the most sense commercially.
Lower-cost media can work well for short-term jobs, but using bargain materials for premium applications often leads to failure. Curling edges, inconsistent colour, poor adhesion or premature fade aren’t going to impress anyone and are unlikely to lead to repeat business. Paying a little more for reliable material can reduce reprints and keep customers happy.
One often overlooked aspect is the way the choice of printable media could support production efficiency and help make every job more profitable. Media that dries quickly, lies flat or finishes cleanly can save minutes – or hours – on each job. Over time, those savings can really add up.
5. Ordering and inventory best practice
It’s not just your choice of material that can help ensure your business is a more profitable one. The way your business operates can make a huge difference too, with the potential to reduce waste, delays and stress. Here’s a quick guide to the business processes it’s worth refining:
Keep core media in stock: Identify your top 5–10 go-to materials and keep them consistently on hand. Analyse past jobs to understand demand patterns and the media most worth keeping in stock.
Buy smart: Buying in batches can lower costs and prevent colour variation across split batches, although balance this with the likelihood of being left with inventory that sits on the shelf.
Store carefully: Store all your printable media in a cool, dry environment and off the floor. Roll or hang fabrics to prevent creases. Label rolls clearly with material type, finish, width and batch number. And try to avoid stocking too much, particularly of rarely used media types, to protect cashflow and reduce the risk of damage.
Talk to Soyang
Print media selection doesn’t have to be overwhelming – and when you get it right, everything becomes easier: fewer reprints, smoother production, happier customers and better margins.
Talk to us about choosing the right types of print media.
