Thread: Suggestions on where to get a BIG print made

I need to get a 59.25" x 21.5" panorama printed and mounted on foam core.

It doesn't need to be super high quality, the resolution of the file is only 100 ppi at that size, but it does need to be printed by someone who gives a shit about getting the colors and brightness levels right.

I also don't want to spend an arm and a leg on this. There's a place locally that is known for their pro-quality prints but they want $315 just to print something that big. I need to come in at a fraction of that price.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Chainsaw_Willie

I need to get a 59.25" x 21.5" panorama printed and mounted on foam core.

It doesn't need to be super high quality, the resolution of the file is only 100 ppi at that size, but it does need to be printed by someone who gives a shit about getting the colors and brightness levels right.

I also don't want to spend an arm and a leg on this. There's a place locally that is known for their pro-quality prints but they want $315 just to print something that big. I need to come in at a fraction of that price.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Fineartamerica.com as long as you own the original.

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maybe check out whcc.com. I've had a couple 10x30 prints from them, very high quality and the colors always looked good. I think they will do small samples for you for cheap to check your color calibration.

That is a big print and with foam core I am not surprised that it is $315.

An option that I have used before is splitting the print into multiple 16x20 inch prints and spacing them out (for a panaroma) and mounted on foamcore. I think it looks pretty sweet but totally depends on the photo.

So 4 16x20 prints vertically aligned would probably run $80-100 via http://adoramapix.com

Some custom print houses for posters might be cheaper but not photo print quality.

Also Canvas printing might be an option as they generally are set-up to be custom print sizes. I quickly looked at http://www.canvasondemand.com and a 20x60 is $235 but they have groupon deals where you buy a certain $$ of canvas and can always upgrade but nothing is running right at this moment.

Have you tried Costco? They're usually able to print larger panoramas (def up to 20" on the short end) that aren't offered on their website if you bring the file into the store. The quality is quite good for the price. Mount it yourself on foamcore.

Try FedEx and ask if they:
i) color calibrate
ii) will do a small size test print
iii) have different types of paper for their banner/roll printer

The closer you get to the business district (dunno what part of Seatown you're in) the better your results will be

I think my local walmart will print something that size. If I remember correctly it was very cheap. They have a large HP printer. I don't know if they do the foamcore thing, but you can glue the print to a foam board yourself.

I'm guessing you will need to do a couple of small trial prints before you get the color perfect. Bring your laptop and hang out in the store until you get it right.

My Staples also has a large inkjet roll printer.

Yeah, i wouldn't be able to mail order something that big mounted on foam core... I don't mind if I have to mount it myself, that's not a big deal, just need to get the printing done.

Never thought to try Staples, there's one close by.

I've got a call in to a place called Alphagraphics - they're e-mailing me a quote back. My guess is it'll end up being $$ though.

All I need is someone with an inkjet roll printer with media that's wide enough.

Try UW. I know at the Univ of Utah, they have a printing service in the library/multimedia that will do large prints for something like $10/sq. ft. It might take a second to track it down if it exists. Most of the time they are technically open to the public, but are only ever used by university staff.

Originally Posted by Phildo_Baggins

Try UW. I know at the Univ of Utah, they have a printing service in the library/multimedia that will do large prints for something like $10/sq. ft. It might take a second to track it down if it exists. Most of the time they are technically open to the public, but are only ever used by university staff.

I went to UW and graduated from the photomedia department. I'm not sure if they'd let you use their printers, but they're awesome. Worth a shot to shoot them an email.

http://art.washington.edu/index.php?id=201

Look for Michael.

Hmm, good idea. I'm a UW alumnus, that ought to count for something!

Got the quote back from Alphagraphics = $143 mounted on foamcore. Not bad but still more than I'd like to pay. I'll have to borrow my friend's outback or Suburban to get it home...

Originally Posted by leftfield

Have you tried Costco? They're usually able to print larger panoramas (def up to 20" on the short end) that aren't offered on their website if you bring the file into the store. The quality is quite good for the price. Mount it yourself on foamcore.

When I've had large prints done by Costco they were done somewhere other than at the Costco store that's near me and then either shipped to the store or to me. I don't think my local costco does anything bigger than 16x24, but I'll look into it. One thing's for sure, the folks at my local Costco didn't know squat about their own equipment last time I talked to them.