Tag: Wide-Format Printing

Posted on by

Understanding Matte Polypropylene: Benefits & Price of Printing

Have you ever seen a roll-up banner at a trade show or a bright poster in a store window that looks almost like photo paper but tougher?

Well, there’s a good chance it was printed on matte polypropylene film.

At Steven Enterprises, we have seen increasing demand for matte polypropylene because it solves a fundamental problem. 

Why settle for mediocre print quality and short lifespan when you can have exceptional results that last for decades?

Here’s a practical look at why matte polypropylene tops the “best printing substrate” list and how to choose the right material for your next project.

What is Matte Polypropylene?

Matte polypropylene is essentially a type of plastic film – a semi-rigid thermoplastic material – that comes on rolls for use in wide-format printers. Unlike paper, polypropylene film doesn’t tear easily and can handle heavy ink coverage without curling or bleeding. 

The “matte” finish means it has a non-glare surface, which is great for display readability under bright lights.

Despite being plastic-based, it often has the look and feel of a thick photo paper once printed, delivering sharp detail and rich color but with added toughness.

Simply put, matte polypropylene combines the best of both worlds. You get high-quality image reproduction like a photo or poster paper, plus the durability of a synthetic banner. 

It comes in various roll widths (24″, 36″, 42″) with standard core sizes for easy printer loading.

This material works with large-format inkjet printers and supports all major ink technologies, making it compatible with most modern printers.

Benefits of Printing on Matte Polypropylene

Matte polypropylene has gained a reputation as a go-to media for many sign shops and print service providers, and for good reason. Let’s break down the key benefits:

1. Vibrant, High-Quality Print Results

One of the biggest advantages of matte polypropylene is the outstanding print quality it can deliver. The material’s coating is optimized for accepting ink, allowing for vivid colors and sharp detail. 

Because the finish is matte, your prints will have reduced glare but still maintain excellent color vibrancy. 

This makes the prints easy to view under various lighting conditions (for example, under harsh retail lighting or camera flash, you won’t get blinding reflections as you might with glossy posters). 

According to HP’s media specifications, their matte polypropylene film produces “displays with brilliant color and high-quality images” comparable to photo-quality output. You’re essentially getting a professional, polished look that can elevate any signage or display.

2. Durable and Tear-Resistant Material

Unlike paper which can rip or crease easily, polypropylene is a resilient plastic film that resists tearing and wrinkling. 

This durability makes it ideal for applications where people handle or transport the print frequently.

For example, universities and businesses often choose polypropylene for things like A-frame signs or banners precisely because it can withstand rough handling.

In practical use, you can handle polypropylene prints with confidence: roll them up for storage or shipping, mount them on foam boards, or use them in retractable banner stands without worrying about the media ripping at the edges. 

If you’ve ever struggled with a paper poster tearing during installation, switching to poly film is a game-changer.

Additionally, matte polypropylene has a moderate water resistance (since it’s plastic-based). 

This doesn’t mean it’s fully waterproof in all cases (the inks can still be a factor – dye inks, for instance, could run if water soaks them), but the substrate itself won’t turn to mush like paper.

3. Weather-Resistant for Short-Term Outdoor Use

Because of its durability, matte polypropylene actually holds up quite well for temporary outdoor applications. 

If you need a sign or banner outside for a few days, weeks, or even a couple of months, this material can do the job without immediately fading or tearing.

Keep in mind that short-term is the key term here – while polypropylene is weather-resistant, it’s not meant to replace heavy-duty vinyl for long-term outdoor signage. 

That said, if you need a sign to last all year outdoors in harsh sun, you would either laminate the polypropylene print or opt for a more robust vinyl. 

But for most temporary outdoor needs – like event signage, real estate signs, construction site notices, outdoor menus, etc. – polypropylene does a fantastic job. 

4. Compatible with Various Printer Ink Technologies

Whether you have a standard aqueous inkjet plotter (using dye or pigment inks), a latex printer, an eco-solvent or solvent printer, or a UV-curable (UV ink) machine, you can find a matte polyprop roll that works with it.

This is great for print providers because you don’t need special hardware to start using this material; your existing equipment likely supports it.

  • Aqueous Inkjet ( Dye/Pigment ) – Yes, there are polypropylene rolls with ink-receptive coatings specifically for water-based inks (often used in HP DesignJet, Canon, Epson SureColor T-series, etc.). They dry fast and give excellent results on pigment inks.
  • Latex – HP Latex printers can print directly on polypropylene films made for latex – the material can handle the heat of curing and results are durable.
  • Eco-Solvent/Solvent – There are polypropylene media products designed for solvent and eco-solvent inks (used in Mutoh printers, etc.), which adhere well and are typically very durable.
  • UV-Curable/UV Gel – UV printers (including UV gel like Canon Colorado series) also have compatible polypropylene films. These inks cure on the surface of the poly film, producing very robust prints.

This wide compatibility means no matter what brand or ink technology your printer uses, you can likely take advantage of matte polypropylene. 

It also means if you’re a customer wanting to print something on poly, most print shops can handle it.

There’s no significant limitation like “oh you need a special machine for that”.

5. Eco-Friendly Advantages (Recyclability)

If sustainability is a concern, matte polypropylene has a couple of eco-friendly points in its favor compared to some other materials like PVC vinyl. 

Polypropylene is often recyclable – many polypropylene print films can be recycled through typical plastic recycling programs after use. (Always check local recycling guidelines though, as capabilities can vary by region.)

In contrast, traditional PVC vinyl banners are notoriously difficult to recycle and usually end up in landfills, plus the PVC manufacturing process can release more harmful chemicals. 

Polypropylene has a lower environmental impact in production and disposal. It’s a simpler polymer that reprocesses more readily and typically avoids the high toxic additives found in vinyl. 

Polypropylene prints don’t need lamination for short-term use, saving cost and reducing plastic waste.

You can recycle your promotional posters and banner graphics after campaigns instead of creating waste.

6. Cost-Effective Printing Solution

Cost is always an important factor in choosing a print media and this is an area where matte polypropylene shines. It provides excellent value for the quality and durability you get. 

Because it’s durable and water-resistant on its own, you often don’t need to laminate the prints for short-term use. 

Lamination is an extra step that adds material and labor cost. With poly film, you can usually skip it and still be confident the print will endure the needed lifespan.

Skipping laminate means the final product is cheaper and produced faster.

Similarly, if you were using plain paper for a poster, you might mount it to foam board or under acrylic for rigidity.

Bottom line: If you’re watching your budget but still need professional-looking, durable prints, matte polypropylene is often the smartest choice. 

Common Uses for Matte Polypropylene Prints

Canon Colorado M3

With numerous printing options available, selecting matte polypropylene makes sense when you need:

 

 

  • Superior print quality with brilliant colors
  • Long-term display permanence (50+ years indoor)
  • Tear resistance and durability
  • Compatibility with your existing ink system
  • Professional appearance for critical applications
  • Environmentally responsible material choice

Here are some of the most common applications where this material excels:

  • Retail and Point-of-Sale Displays. In-store posters, hanging signs, and POP displays often use polypropylene for its photo-like quality. It can endure being up for weeks or months.
  • Retractable Banner Stands: Those pull-up banner stand graphics at trade shows or events are frequently printed on matte poly film. It’s thick enough to stand straight and resists curling at the edges. It survives rolling in and out many times.
  • Event Signage & Directional Signs. For short-term outdoor events, conferences, or campus signage, polypropylene posters are ideal. You can use them in A-frame sidewalk signs or on stakes. They’ll hold up through the event, even if it’s rainy or windy. You can roll them up and reuse them later.
  • Trade Show Graphics. Beyond banner stands, poly film can be used for trade show booth graphics, backdrops, or mounted displays. It travels well due to tear resistance and prints in high resolution for a professional look.
  • Indoor & Short-Term Outdoor Banners. Need a banner for a grand opening or a sale that’s going to last a month outdoors? Polypropylene is a great choice for a temporary banner that doesn’t need the heft of a vinyl.
  • Maps and Technical Prints. GIS maps, architectural renderings, or technical posters are sometimes done on matte polypropylene for durability. Engineers can pin polypropylene maps at job sites without worrying about wind damage or water damage. 

The material can handle detailed line work and legends nicely and you can roll/unroll the maps multiple times.

  • Photographic Enlargements (short-term. For large photo prints in short-term displays like art exhibits, matte poly works well. It provides near-photographic quality that looks great throughout campaigns and handles much better than actual photo paper.

Find Your Perfect Matte Polypropylene Solution

When comparing printing materials, you’ll find matte polypropylene often gives you the “best bang for your buck.”

But determining exactly which specifications you need for your specific project requires expert guidance.

As authorized dealers and experts in wide-format printing, we can guide you on the ideal media for your needs. We also provide quotes on rolls of matte polypropylene or any equipment that will start your project.

Call 800-491-8785 or complete our contact form for your next matte polypropylene project. We can also help with compatible printers and inks.

Posted on by

How to Rent a Plotter for Your Large Format Printing

When you need a large-format printer for only a few months, such as for a film shoot, job site trailer, or special event, purchasing outright can feel like overkill. 

Renting a plotter solves that dilemma by giving you professional-grade printing capabilities without the long-term costs and responsibilities of ownership.

At Steven Enterprises, we have helped organizations across industries manage short-term printing needs through flexible rental plans, on-site setup, and comprehensive support.

Let’s investigate why you should rent a plotter rather than buy one.

Who Should Rent a Plotter?

1. Movie & TV Production Studios

Film and TV productions often require on-set printing for set designs, location layouts, and promotional materials. 

Because each show’s shooting schedule might last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, renting a plotter allows studios to scale up or down without paying for a device they may not use after production wraps.

Case in Point: A streaming studio needed a wide-format solution for a 6-month pilot series. By renting an HP Z9 from Steven Enterprises, they printed 500+ large-format designs — everything from storyboards to promotional posters — and saved roughly $22,000 over buying a new device or outsourcing. Once the show was green-lit for Season 2, they confidently purchased the Z9 outright, proving its value and reliability.

2. Construction & Engineering Teams

Many construction and engineering projects happen at temporary job sites lasting just a few months. Quick access to large-format blueprints, permits, and as-builts can save critical time and keep projects moving forward.

When the project ends, you don’t have to store or resell the equipment you used. Simply return it, and you’re done — no ongoing maintenance or depreciation to manage.

3. Event Planners & Trade Shows

One-time or seasonal events—such as trade shows, festivals, or holiday promotions—often demand vibrant banners, directional signage, and floor plans on a tight deadline. Owning a plotter that sits idle for most of the year isn’t cost-effective.

Rent a wide-format printer for the duration of your event schedule. Afterward, return the machine and eliminate the headaches of storage or maintenance.

Plotter Models Available for Rent

Beyond the popular HP Z6 and HP Z9 for large-format color printing, we also offer additional HP plotter models that provide scanning, dual-roll printing, and high-speed output. 

HP T2600 Multifunction Printer

  • Key Features:

    • Prints up to 180 D/A1 pages per hour

    • Integrated 100-page output stacker for higher productivity

    • Built-in scanner and advanced collaboration tools

  • Best For: Construction offices that need rapid blueprint printing and scanning capabilities without tying up the budget for a permanent machine.

    HP PageWide XL 3600 MFP

  • Key Features:

    • 30% smaller footprint and quieter operation compared to similar devices

    • Fast 30-second first page out

    • Automated scanning and post-editing features for quick markups

  • Best For: Fast-paced environments that require both color and monochrome prints at high speed. It’s also great for engineering teams that regularly need to revise plans or create detailed technical documents.

What Do You Get with Your Plotter Rental?

Depending on the model and configuration, purchasing a new wide-format printer can easily cost $8,000–$20,000. 

Renting lets you pay a predictable monthly rate (often $325–$400) and invest your capital elsewhere. When you rent a plotter from Steven Enterprises, you get a complete, worry-free printing solution that includes:

  1. Full On-Site Setup & Installation: We’ll deliver the machine to your location, set it up, and walk you through the fundamentals — from loading paper and inks to performing basic troubleshooting.

  2. Ongoing Service & Support: If there’s a malfunction, our certified technicians will come on-site to fix it at no extra charge — unlike owning a printer, where post-warranty repairs are out-of-pocket. If persistent issues arise, we can swap the plotter so you’re not left waiting for lengthy repairs.

  3. Flexible Rental Terms: Whether you need the device for two months, six months, or a year, we tailor the rental period to match your project timeline. When your job is done, simply return the plotter. If your printing needs change, you can upgrade to a different model without the hassle of selling or replacing owned equipment.

  4. User Training: We’ll train your team on tasks like loading media, installing ink cartridges, and clearing paper jams. This will reduce downtime and maximize the value of your rental.

Note: Paper and ink are not included in the monthly fee. However, we can supply them at competitive rates, or you can purchase these supplies from your preferred vendor.

Explore a Plotter Rental for Your Next Project

With Steven Enterprises, you can focus on your project’s success, not the overhead of printer ownership. Whether you’re managing a movie set, running a construction site, or planning a one-time event, our HP plotter rentals make it easy to produce professional documents and graphics on demand. 

Call us now at (800) 491-8785 to discuss pricing, model availability, and rental terms or request a custom quote via our website. We’ll match you with the ideal Plotter and set up flexible rental terms tailored to your needs.