Printing Planet UK
Poster printing decisions come down to three choices: size, paper weight and finish. Getting all three right means a poster that looks professional in the intended setting and survives the conditions it will face.
A-Series Sizes
| Size | Dimensions (mm) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| A4 | 210 x 297 | Notice boards, table-top display |
| A3 | 297 x 420 | Shop windows, internal signage |
| A2 | 420 x 594 | Retail promotions, exhibitions |
| A1 | 594 x 841 | Event posters, large retail displays |
| A0 | 841 x 1189 | Conference backdrops, high-impact outdoor |
A3 and A2 are the most ordered sizes for general business use. A1 and A0 suit events and venue displays where the poster needs to be read from several metres away.
Paper Weights
135gsm is a standard poster weight. Lightweight, cost-effective and suitable for short-term indoor use. Tears and creases more easily than heavier stocks.
170gsm is a mid-weight choice with noticeably better rigidity. It hangs flat on a wall without curling and survives light humidity better. The most popular weight for general indoor posters.
250gsm is a heavy cover stock. It stands upright without framing, is more resistant to handling and has a premium feel. Used for event programmes, display cards and posters that will be moved frequently.
Finish Options
Silk gives a semi-sheen finish. Colours appear rich without the reflective glare of gloss. Suitable for reading text in bright environments. Most popular all-round poster finish.
Gloss produces the most vivid colour saturation. Strong with photographic content and bold graphics. Can reflect light in brightly lit rooms, making text harder to read.
Matte has no sheen at all. Colours appear softer. Best where the poster will be read closely or where glare from overhead lighting is a problem. Often preferred for text-heavy content.
| Finish | Colour Vibrancy | Glare | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silk | High | Low to medium | General posters |
| Gloss | Highest | Medium to high | Photo and graphic-heavy |
| Matte | Medium | None | Text-heavy, reading distance |
Indoor vs Outdoor
Standard paper posters are for indoor use only. For outdoor display, PVC banners or weatherproof print media are the appropriate choice. If a paper poster must go outdoors briefly, laminating adds a degree of moisture resistance, but it is not a long-term solution.
Artwork Setup
Resolution: 300 dpi at the final print size. Posters viewed close-up require higher resolution than banners viewed from metres away.
Bleed: 3 mm on all sides. Content intended to reach the edge must extend into the bleed zone.
Safe zone: Keep critical content 5 mm inside the finished edge.
Colour mode: CMYK. Convert RGB images before submitting to avoid colour shift on press.
File format: Press-quality PDF with fonts embedded or outlined.
For sizes, pricing and turnaround, see the poster printing service page.