Printing & Materials FAQ

At The Event Printer, we offer professional large-format printing for parties, weddings, corporate events, retail displays, promotions, and special occasions. Choosing the right material helps your display look better, last longer, and perform properly in its intended environment.

Below are answers to the most common questions about our printing materials.

What materials do you print on?

We print on a variety of rigid and flexible materials, including:

  • Foam board

  • Corrugated plastic, commonly called coroplast

  • Vinyl banner material

  • Polyester banner fabric

  • Adhesive vinyl

  • Perforated window vinyl

  • Poster paper

  • Cardstock and other specialty papers

Material availability may depend on the product, size, intended use, and finishing requirements.

What is foam board?

Foam board is a lightweight, smooth, rigid material commonly used for indoor signs, welcome signs, party displays, photo props, character cutouts, seating charts, and event backdrops.

Foam board produces crisp, vibrant prints and is easy to carry, display, and transport.

Is foam board waterproof?

No. Foam board is recommended primarily for indoor use.

It may be used outdoors temporarily in dry, calm weather, but exposure to rain, moisture, strong wind, or prolonged sunlight may damage the material.

For outdoor displays, corrugated plastic is usually the better choice.

What is corrugated plastic?

Corrugated plastic, also known as coroplast, is a lightweight plastic material with internal fluting. It is more moisture-resistant and durable than foam board.

We commonly recommend corrugated plastic for:

  • Outdoor signs

  • Yard signs

  • Directional signs

  • Event displays

  • Character cutouts

  • Photo props

  • Business signage

  • Displays that may be exposed to moisture

Is corrugated plastic waterproof?

Corrugated plastic is water-resistant and suitable for many outdoor applications.

However, the finished display must still be properly secured. Lightweight signs can bend, shift, or blow over in strong wind if they are not supported correctly.

Should I choose foam board or corrugated plastic?

Choose foam board when:

  • The display will be used indoors

  • You want a smooth, polished appearance

  • Lightweight handling is important

  • The sign is for a party, wedding, baby shower, birthday, or indoor event

Choose corrugated plastic when:

  • The display may be used outdoors

  • Moisture resistance is important

  • You need a more durable material

  • The sign will be reused or transported frequently

We can help you select the best material for your project.

What thicknesses are available?

Material thickness varies by product.

Many of our event signs and displays are produced on approximately 6 mm foam board or 4 mm corrugated plastic. Thicker or specialty materials may be available for certain projects.

The appropriate thickness depends on the size, shape, support system, and intended use of the display.

What is vinyl banner material?

Vinyl banner material is a flexible, durable material used for indoor and outdoor banners.

It is commonly used for:

  • Birthday banners

  • Business banners

  • Grand openings

  • Sporting events

  • School events

  • Retirement parties

  • Trade shows

  • Promotional displays

Vinyl banners are easy to roll, transport, store, and hang.

What is a polyester banner?

Polyester banners are printed on a fabric-like material that provides a softer, more refined appearance than traditional vinyl.

Polyester is a good choice for:

  • Indoor events

  • Step-and-repeat displays

  • Photo backdrops

  • Corporate presentations

  • Trade shows

  • Upscale celebrations

Polyester banners are lightweight, foldable, and easy to transport.

Should I choose vinyl or polyester for my banner?

Vinyl is generally the better choice when durability, outdoor use, and affordability are the main priorities.

Polyester is often preferred when the banner will be used indoors and a softer, more polished presentation is desired.

What is perforated window vinyl?

Perforated window vinyl is an adhesive material designed for glass windows and doors.

The printed design is visible from the outside, while the small perforations allow some visibility from the inside.

It is commonly used for:

  • Storefront advertising

  • Business hours

  • Promotional graphics

  • Privacy graphics

  • Window branding

  • Seasonal campaigns

Lighting conditions can affect how well the image and interior visibility perform.

Do you print directly onto the material?

Many of our rigid signs and displays are produced using professional UV printing. UV ink is cured during the printing process, creating vibrant color and sharp detail directly on the material.

The exact production method may vary depending on the material and product.

Can you contour-cut the material?

Yes. Many foam board and corrugated plastic products can be contour-cut around a person, character, logo, object, or custom shape.

Contour cutting is commonly used for:

  • Character cutouts

  • Life-size standees

  • Big head cutouts

  • Product displays

  • Custom photo props

  • Shaped signs

  • Branded promotional displays

The final cut quality depends on the resolution and quality of the artwork provided.

Can large displays be made in sections?

Yes. Large signs, backdrops, frames, and cutouts may need to be divided into multiple sections for production, transportation, or shipping.

We plan section placement carefully to reduce the visibility of seams and preserve the overall appearance of the artwork.

What does scoring mean?

Scoring creates a controlled fold line in a rigid material.

It may be used when a display needs to fold for transportation, shipping, assembly, or support. The scoring location is selected to minimize its visual impact whenever possible.

Scoring may be placed on the front or back depending on the material and project requirements.

Can the printed material be reused?

Many of our products can be reused when they are handled and stored properly.

To protect your display:

  • Keep it dry

  • Store it flat when possible

  • Avoid bending the edges

  • Do not place heavy objects on top of it

  • Keep printed surfaces away from sharp objects

  • Roll banners with the printed side facing inward

  • Store displays away from extreme heat and direct sunlight

Reusable life depends on the material, handling, environment, and construction of the product.

Will the colors look exactly like they do on my screen?

Printed colors may vary slightly from what you see on a phone, tablet, or computer monitor.

Screens produce color using light, while printed materials use ink. Screen brightness, monitor settings, material type, lighting conditions, and the original artwork can all affect the final appearance.

We recommend reviewing your proof carefully before approving the project for printing.

What type of artwork produces the best print quality?

High-resolution artwork produces the sharpest results.

For best results, provide:

  • High-resolution PDF files

  • Vector artwork

  • High-resolution PNG files

  • High-quality JPEG files

  • Original design files when available

Images copied from websites, screenshots, social media, text messages, or online previews are often too small for large-format printing.

Can you improve a low-resolution image?

In some cases, we may be able to improve or rebuild portions of an image. However, image enhancement cannot always recreate details that are missing from the original file.

We will let you know when artwork quality may affect the final print.

Additional design or file preparation charges may apply.

Can you print copyrighted characters or logos?

Customers are responsible for confirming that they have permission to reproduce any copyrighted characters, trademarks, logos, photographs, or other protected artwork they submit.

We may decline projects when the necessary usage rights cannot be verified.

Which material is best for a welcome sign?

Foam board is the most common choice for indoor welcome signs because it is lightweight, smooth, and prints beautifully.

Corrugated plastic may be a better option for outdoor welcome signs or signs that may be exposed to moisture.

Which material is best for a character cutout?

Foam board is an excellent choice for indoor character cutouts and party props.

Corrugated plastic is recommended when the cutout will be used outdoors, transported frequently, or exposed to moisture.

The size and shape of the character may also affect the material and support recommendations.

Do freestanding signs include a stand?

No. Stands, easels, feet, stakes, and other support systems are not included unless specifically stated in the product description or quote.

Customers are responsible for providing the appropriate stand or support for their display.

Can you help me choose the correct material?

Yes. Tell us:

  • The size of the display

  • Whether it will be indoors or outdoors

  • How long it will be displayed

  • Whether it must be freestanding

  • Whether it will be shipped

  • Whether you plan to reuse it

We will recommend the material that best fits your project, budget, and intended use.

Have More Questions?

Contact The Event Printer for help selecting the right printing material for your event, business, or custom display.

We proudly provide custom printing services in Oxnard and throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.