Purchasing paper for poster printing

[Tox Student at Purdue]

Hello all-

  What is the best type of paper to use for printing quality posters? Glossy? Lustre? I need to purchase my own paper and was told I need to order a roll measuring 36" x 100'. Besides knowing that and selecting a paper type, is there anything else to the selection? Do I need to be concerned with what type of printer we have? The secretary said "no," but when I go online, there are so many additional product details. Lastly, have you purchased your own paper and what vendor did you use? Thanks!

-Stef

 

 

[zipykido]

My school provides free poster printing so I have no experience buying poster paper but I find it highly odd that any school would make you buy your own poster printing paper (to go in their machine?). If you don't see yourself making a huge number of posters I would just ignore the hassle and have it printed out at staples/fedex kinkos or similar store. They can make it look neat and professional as well as laminate your poster if you're going to be using it multiple times or for travelling. 

[TakeruK]

36" by 100' will go a really long time! That is like 20+ posters! Is this just for your own posters or are you buying paper for the lab and all of its students? If it's the former--I agree with the above, just print it at Staples and get it done. It would be something like $70 for a 4' by 3' poster. But if you actually have to buy a whole roll (reimbursed I hope!), I would go on the printer company's website and buy whatever they suggest. 

 

In my opinion, glossy posters look great and I choose this option when printing at Staples. Another good thing about printing at Staples is that you can print it at the location of the meeting (just call ahead to make sure they have a wide format printer on location) and then you don't have to worry about poster tubes (at least one way).

[Tox Student at Purdue]

Thanks for the feedback. Our department does indeed provide posters, but the paper quality is poorer than the other schools we will be competing against for awards. We want to have the best product available. Since my first post, my department has decided to purchase our own printer and paper!! This is so convenient!