Media Buying Guide

Printing Media Buying Guide

Choosing the right media is critical to achieving the best print results. Whether you're printing technical drawings, promotional signage, apparel designs, or high-end art, this guide will help you select the best materials for your needs.

1. Why the Right Media Matters

The media you print on directly affects color accuracy, durability, surface finish, and the final impression of your print. Using the correct substrate ensures your output is optimized for its end use, whether it's a blueprint, banner, or product label.

2. Media Types by Application

General Printing

(Documents, CAD Drawings, Blueprints)

Recommended Media: Standard bond paper
Best For: Office documents, reports, technical prints
Features:

  • Cost-effective and widely available

  • Works well for black and white or simple color output

  • Comes in various brightness levels and weights

Photography & Art Prints

Recommended Media: Photo paper, Canvas 
Best For: Gallery prints, photo reproductions
Features:

  • Glossy enhances vibrancy and sharpness

  • Matte is ideal for framing with minimal glare

  • High-resolution capability

Promotional Materials

(Flyers, Posters, Brochures)

Recommended Media: Coated paper
Best For: Sales materials, marketing handouts
Features:

  • Rich color saturation and crisp detail

  • Available in gloss, satin, and matte finishes

  • Presents a clean, professional appearance

Packaging

(Boxes and Wraps)

Recommended Media: Cardstock, Kraft paper
Best For: Product packaging, custom labels
Features:

  • Sturdy and durable

  • Kraft paper offers a rustic, eco-friendly look

  • Cardstock works well for folding, wrapping, and cutting

Outdoor Signage and Banners

Recommended Media: Vinyl, PVC
Best For: Event signage and building wraps
Features:

  • Weather-resistant and fade-resistant

  • Vinyl is flexible for wrapping and large banners

  • PVC adds rigidity and is suitable for signs and displays

Specialty Printing

(Stickers, Decals, Magnets)

Recommended Media: Adhesive paper, Magnetic sheets
Best For: Custom promos, branding items
Features:

  • Adhesive-backed for labels, decals, and stickers

  • Magnetic sheets allow branded, repositionable signage

  • Ideal for giveaways or retail promotions

Textile Printing

(T-Shirts, Apparel)

Recommended Media: Heat transfer paper, Fabric sheets
Best For: Custom apparel, promotional wear
Features:

  • Heat transfer paper allows iron-on designs

  • Fabric sheets are compatible with inkjet or laser printers

  • Great for small runs or one-off items

Labels

Recommended Media: Adhesive vinyl, durable polyester label stock, specialized paper labels.

Best For: Packaging and product labels, shipping and logistics, branding on bottles, boxes, or equipment.

Features:

  • Self‑adhesive backing for easy application on various surfaces

  • Durable materials resist moisture, wear, and fading

  • Available in matte, glossy, and clear finishes

Vehicle Graphics

Recommended Media: Premium cast vinyl film, calendared vinyl for short-term applications

Best For: Full vehicle wraps, fleet branding, custom vehicle graphics, and mobile advertising

Features:

  • Cast vinyl offers exceptional stretch and conformability, ensuring a smooth, bubble‑free application over complex surfaces

  • Removable adhesives allow for clean removal without damaging paint

Window Graphics

Recommended Media: Perforated window film, clear static‑cling vinyl, and frosted or etched glass vinyl.

Best For: Retail storefronts, point‑of‑purchase displays, privacy screens, decorative glass enhancements, and corporate branding on office windows.

Features:

  • Perforated film allows vibrant graphics outside while maintaining visibility from the inside

  • Clear static‑cling vinyl adheres without adhesive

  • Weather‑resistant, UV‑stable, and available in various finishes

3. Design & File Setup Tips

Before you hit print, proper file setup is critical to ensure accurate color, sharp resolution, and trouble-free production. Here are five essential tips to help you prepare your designs for wide format printing the right way.

  • 1 Use CMYK instead of RGB for accurate color output
  • 2 PDF or TIFF formats preserve detail and compatibility
  • 3 120 DPI at full scale is ideal for most wide format output
  • 4 Vector files (EPS, AI) scale cleanly without losing quality
  • 5 Bleed and trim lines should be clearly defined

4. Key Factors to Consider When Buying Media

  • Printer Compatibility: Check that media works with your printer type (inkjet, laser, solvent, latex, etc.)

  • Quality vs Cost: Find the best value without compromising performance

  • Quantity: Order the right amount to match your workflow

  • Eco-Friendly Options: Consider recyclable or sustainably sourced media

  • User Reviews: Read feedback to learn about durability, print quality, and user experience

5. Final Checklist Before You Print

  • 1 Confirm media material is matched to the application
  • 2 Check file specs: resolution, format, bleed, and color mode
  • 3 Verify printer compatibility with media type
  • 4 Contact Big Systems for product recommendations, stock status, or technical guidance

Need Help Selecting the Right Media?

Let our specialists guide you in choosing the best solutions for your production goals.

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