When printing large-format graphics on roll media or adhesive vinyl, your material choice plays a major role in how your final piece behaves, looks, and how long it lasts. Before selecting a media type, consider:
Where will the graphic be applied? On a wall, window, floor, sidewalk, or outdoor fence?
How permanent is the installation? Temporary promotion (days/weeks), medium-term (months), or long-term (years)?
Surface type & conditions? Smooth painted drywall, textured brick, glass, concrete, asphalt, or outdoor fence subject to wind and weather.
Will it be adhered (vinyl) or hung/unmounted (banner)? Adhesive vinyl must bond properly to the surface and be compatible with changing/removal if needed.
Print technology & finish preferences? Heavyweight paper vs photo satin vs gloss vs matte; vinyl needs to accommodate ink/laminate, contour cutting, tack/residue, etc.
Budget and installation logistics: Some media are economical for short-term use; some are premium with specialized adhesives, removal options, or require specific installation methods.
With these questions answered you can match your media to your design objective, substrate, environment and lifespan. Below is a breakdown of common roll-media and adhesive vinyl options—each with a description, typical thickness/weight, and indoor or outdoor suitability.
Please note that any outdoor graphic installation on campus must be approved in advance by the Facilities Review Committee (FRC). To submit an FRC request, email VUFRC@vanderbilt.edu.
Common weight/thickness: ~80–100 lb bond; ~10-14 pt equivalent
This is a thick, rigid paper stock designed for indoor prints such as posters, large mounted graphics, promo signage or displays where budget is a key factor and the application environment is controlled. It offers excellent print reproduction in matte or satin finishes but is not moisture- or weather-resistant.
Best used: Indoor only
Common weight/thickness: 100–140 lb or ~16–24 pt equivalent
This is a premium paper stock for high-quality photographic imagery or displays where finish matters (matte, satin or gloss). Ideal for internal signage, art reproductions, presentations, lobby graphics. Because it’s paper-based, it’s best indoors and away from high moisture or direct sunlight.
Best used: Indoor only
Common weight/thickness: Typically 6–10 oz polyester fabric; soft-knit or woven textile
A premium, wrinkle-resistant polyester fabric designed for soft signage and high-quality indoor displays. Beaver TexStyles fabrics deliver rich color saturation, excellent drape, and a professional, non-glare finish. These fabric posters are lightweight, durable, tear-resistant, and fold-friendly—making them ideal for travel or storage without creasing like paper. They hang beautifully from walls, frames, or display hardware and offer a more refined look than traditional paper posters. An ideal choice for research posters, as fabric posters do not wrinkle when packed for travel.
Best used: Indoor (can be displayed outdoors short-term if protected from wind and moisture)
Typical material spec: 13–18 oz (ounces per square yard) or ~15–20 mil thickness
This heavy-duty vinyl banner is designed for outdoor use: printed full-color, hemmed and often finished with grommets. Excellent for building banners, event signage, outdoor promotions. It withstands wind, sun and weather better than paper or standard vinyl.
Best used: Outdoor (also suitable for indoor application)
Common thickness: ~3.2 mil film + adhesive (scored back-sheet versions available)
This type of vinyl is ideal for stickers, decals, signage, small-format prints, cut graphics, vinyl lettering and branding installed on smooth surfaces. Can be used indoor or outdoor depending on adhesive and film type.
Finishing types include: Square Cut or Kiss-Cut (cut to custom shape)
Delivered on a single roll/sheet of stickers, or 'popped out' as individual stickers.
Best used: Indoor or Outdoor (check adhesive rating for outdoor durability)
Common thickness: ~3–6 mil (film plus adhesive)
A self‐adhesive vinyl film designed for mounting on smooth surfaces indoors—walls, windows, interiors of retail, offices, exhibits. Suitable for installations that may remain for months or longer if properly installed.
Adhesive options include:
Best used: Indoor only
Material spec: Aluminum foil base with aggressive adhesive; designed for rough textured surfaces such as brick, concrete, Stucco; no over-laminate required.
This is a specialty print media alternative to vinyl, ideal when the surface is uneven, textured or exposed to heavy wear.
Best used: Outdoor and Indoor (especially exterior walls/facades with textured substrate)
Typical spec: ~4.0 mil print media film designed for sidewalk or ground graphics.
These films are engineered for pedestrian-traffic surfaces like concrete or asphalt, where durability, printability and installation ease are important.
Note that sidewalk graphics intended for campus use must receive FRC approval prior to installation.
Best used: Outdoor (specifically sidewalk/floor installations)
Typical spec: ~6 mil total film thickness; approx 70% solid printed surface, 30% holes or similar.
Used on glass windows for outdoor storefront graphics that allow visibility from inside. Great for sunlit façades or transparent applications.
Best used: Indoor or Outdoor (installed on glass, exposures outdoors acceptable)
To learn more about signage and display graphics, or to request a specialty material, email Printing Services at printingservices@vanderbilt.edu or call 615-936-4544.