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Why Backlit Film is right for you:
- Made of tear-resistant PET polyester for lasting durability.
- Images are enhanced by a light source behind the poster for vibrant, 24/7 visibility.
- Designed for use in LED or fluorescent light boxes.
- Ideal for attracting attention in retail stores, malls, restaurants, cafés, galleries, museums, healthcare facilities, and more.
Backlit Film
Backlit films make your messages shine and are impossible to ignore. Also known as backlit posters, they’re popular in various environments, such as movie theaters, retail stores, and transit areas.
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starting at $46.88
Why Backlit Film is right for you:
- Made of tear-resistant PET polyester for lasting durability.
- Images are enhanced by a light source behind the poster for vibrant, 24/7 visibility.
- Designed for use in LED or fluorescent light boxes.
- Ideal for attracting attention in retail stores, malls, restaurants, cafés, galleries, museums, healthcare facilities, and more.
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What is a Backlit Film?
Backlit films, also known as backlit posters, are polyester-based promotional items. Backlit film printing enhances a poster’s visibility and helps grab passersby's attention. This is accomplished by a light source that glows from behind the poster. They are typically placed in a lightbox that emits LED or fluorescent light. This allows the poster to remain visible 24/7 in any environment.
Print custom backlit films to keep your message visible in dark or dim environments. Since they improve visibility, they are most popular in movie theaters, bus stops, airports, and restaurants. Additionally, the translucent material makes the colors appear vibrant rather than dull. This makes them prominent in department stores, malls, galleries, museums, and healthcare facilities.
We offer backlit film printing at competitive prices. Use our design tool to create your unique design. You can also explore our ready-made business templates to help you get a head start.
Print custom backlit films to keep your message visible in dark or dim environments. Since they improve visibility, they are most popular in movie theaters, bus stops, airports, and restaurants. Additionally, the translucent material makes the colors appear vibrant rather than dull. This makes them prominent in department stores, malls, galleries, museums, and healthcare facilities.
We offer backlit film printing at competitive prices. Use our design tool to create your unique design. You can also explore our ready-made business templates to help you get a head start.
Backlit Film Printing and Materials
We print our backlit posters on PET clear polyester. The material is ideal for light to pass through evenly. Additionally, our UV printing technology produces sharp colors with ink that dries instantly. This creates a professional-looking design with striking images that last for a long time.
Our backlit film printing process results in a long-lasting product designed for optimal exposure. The poster is non-adhesive and comes in a matte finish. It’s lightweight, 8 mil thick, and tear-resistant.
Our backlit film printing process results in a long-lasting product designed for optimal exposure. The poster is non-adhesive and comes in a matte finish. It’s lightweight, 8 mil thick, and tear-resistant.
Backlit Film vs Backlit Decals vs Paper Posters
Backlit film differs from our backlit decals and paper posters in several ways. For one, they differ in material. Backlit film is made out of PET polyester. Backlit decals are made of vinyl, and paper posters are made of photo paper.
All three are placed in different areas. Backlit film prints are placed in lightboxes and mounted on walls or free-standing displays. Backlit decals are often applied to storefronts. Although these two items can be placed indoors or outdoors, paper posters should be placed only indoors. Paper posters should also only be applied to indoor walls.
There are also differences in size, installation procedures, and shape options.
| Feature | Backlit Film | Backlit Decals | Paper Posters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | PET Polyester | Backlit Vinyl | Photo Paper |
| Installation | Non-adhesive; slides into a light box | Applied to a flat surface with a squeegee | Mounted with command strips |
| Thickness | 8 mil | 3 mil | 7 mil |
| Shape Options | Square, Rectangle, Oval, Circle | Square, Rectangle, Rounded, Circle, Oval, Outline, Overline | Square, Rectangle |
| Placement | Indoor or outdoor use; installed in LED or fluorescent light boxes mounted to walls or free-standing displays | Indoor or outdoor use; applied to storefront windows and retail displays | Indoor use; mounted on walls |
Backlit Poster Sizes
Our backlit film print size options range from 4" x 4" to 58" x 1,800". Here are some popular sizes and what businesses use them for.
- 11” x 17” is a smaller size and an excellent choice for menus in restaurants and cafes;
- 18" × 24” is a size that’s most popular in restaurant promotions or department stores;
- 22" × 28" is typically used for bus stops and other areas of transit;
- 24" × 36" is mainly used for retail displays and shopping centers;
- 27" × 40" is the standard size for movie theater posters;
- 36" × 48" is on the larger size and is often used for advertising in airports.
Shape Options of Backlit Posters
Backlit film prints come in four distinct shape options. Square and rectangular shapes are often used for promotional reasons. This includes movie theaters, restaurants, cafes, and more.
Oval and circular shapes are often used for raising brand awareness, or wayfinding and informational texts. These are prevalent in airports, lobbies, and trade shows.
Oval and circular shapes are often used for raising brand awareness, or wayfinding and informational texts. These are prevalent in airports, lobbies, and trade shows.
Specifications
| Material | White PET polyester |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 8 mil |
| Sizes | 4" x 4" - 58" x 1,800" |
| Printing Options | Single-Sided |
| Lifespan Indoors | 2 to 5 years |
| Lifespan Outdoors | 1 to 3 years |
Common Uses of Custom Backlit Films
You can use custom backlit posters in several environments. If you’re struggling to capture attention, then our backlit films are right for you. The backlight feature allows their visuals to stand out day and night.
Healthcare Facilities
Make it easy for guests to navigate through your facility. With 24/7 visibility, guests will know exactly where to go. It will also help avoid confusion. Establish a welcoming environment with messages of hope, care, and resiliency.
Retail Spaces and Malls
Retail spaces and malls use backlit poster printing for promotional displays. They also use them to display store hours, food court menus, and emergency information. Reel in guests and attract customers with translucent backlit film.
Cinema and Entertainment
These posters notify movie-goers about upcoming blockbusters or indie flicks. They can also entice guests with drinks and refreshments in the lobby. Create a unique theater with vibrant backlit film signs that keep the movie magic alive.
Restaurants and Cafés
Printing on backlit film will keep your brand alive and top of mind when patrons enjoy their meal. They can also help highlight new items or best sellers. You can use these items to notify customers of special deals and discounts. Additionally, you can update your community with menu changes or upcoming local events.
Bus Stops and Airports
Backlit posters display timetables and updates that are easy for travelers to read. They also remind travelers about the dos and don'ts of traveling, and encourage proper etiquette. Businesses and governments also use them for promos or to showcase special sponsors.
Galleries and Museums
Backlit film printing is ideal for sustaining patron interest. They help with community engagement by displaying information regarding artist meet-and-greets. You can include them in your marketing strategy by announcing new exhibits or exciting educational programs.
Design Guidelines for Backlit Film Prints
There are a few guidelines you should follow when designing your backlit film print. These guidelines will allow you to get the most out of your sign and avoid mistakes.
Know your exact dimensions before you order your sign. Since the lightbox’s frame can cover the poster’s border, you should allow bleed room. The standard size for bleed is ⅛” to ¼” on all sides.
We recommend that you use a high-resolution image, increase the image’s contrast, and decrease its brightness. These three steps will help with the glow effect.
Furthermore, avoid thin fonts. Use bold typography instead. Sans-serif fonts like Helvetica and Futura are popular fonts for backlit posters. Keep all texts at least 0.5” to 1” away from the light box frame.
Know your exact dimensions before you order your sign. Since the lightbox’s frame can cover the poster’s border, you should allow bleed room. The standard size for bleed is ⅛” to ¼” on all sides.
We recommend that you use a high-resolution image, increase the image’s contrast, and decrease its brightness. These three steps will help with the glow effect.
Furthermore, avoid thin fonts. Use bold typography instead. Sans-serif fonts like Helvetica and Futura are popular fonts for backlit posters. Keep all texts at least 0.5” to 1” away from the light box frame.
FAQ
- Yes, backlit films and backlit posters are the same type of customized signage. They both require a box-type display with a light source behind the graphics in order to function properly. They’re made of PET polyester.
- Square Signs provides backlit poster printing in various shapes and sizes. Our platform also allows you to fully customize the design for your specific business needs.
- Backlit films are most popular in movie theaters. You can also find them in retail stores, cafes, and bus stops.
- Our product is non-adhesive.
- You should place backlit illumination film in LED or fluorescent lightboxes.
- At this time, we do not offer the lightbox.
- We print our posters on 8 mil thick clear PET polyester.
- We use UV inks. They dry instantly, produce sharp images, and are scratch-resistant.
- Yes, since the lightboxes protect the material.
- Yes. In fact, they are often used indoors. Many venues place lightboxes indoors to keep the electrical components involved in the signage away from possible rain or snow.
- Our backlit posters last 2 to 5 years indoors, and 1 to 3 years outdoors.
- Yes. Even without the lightbox. The PET polyester is tear and water-resistant.
- It depends on the size. The film typically weighs less than a pound. Most lightboxes weigh between 5 and 30 lbs.
- Our backlit posters are 8 mil (2mm) thick.
- We print our product in sizes ranging from 4" x 4" - 58" x 1,800"
- Our backlit film posters come in a matte finish.
- Yes. This is the pain point that backlit film posters solve.
- Know the exact dimensions of your design. Allow for bleed room. The standard size for bleed is ⅛" to ¼" on all sides. How should I make sure the text will be visible from a distance?
- Since we print our graphics with UV-printed ink, our graphics remain vibrant for years.
- Keep it away from heat and avoid exposing it to long hours of direct sunlight. Clean it while wearing gloves, and avoid using any harsh cleaning chemicals. Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any dust on the product. Roll and don’t fold when not in use.
- Every order time is unique. Typically, a fast turnaround time on custom backlit films is one business day. Standard turnaround time is two business days.
- Yes, and if you do, you’ll get a discounted rate.
- We also offer vinyl banners, paper poster printing, and backlit decals. They differ in material, size, and installation procedures. They also have different use cases and shape options. Choose vinyl banners if you want to promote your message outdoors. If you want to have a cost-effective way to advertise indoors, go with paper posters. Backlit decals are ideal for storefront displays.
- Yes. Most lightboxes allow your backlit displays to slide into a frame with absolute ease. If you have a lightbox that already houses a film, all you need to do is open it, remove the old graphics, and slide the new film into its place.
- Choose thick, bold text like Helvetica or Arial. Have your letter height range from 6 to 10 inches. Optimize your color contrast. If the text is dark, make sure the poster colors are lighter and brighter. If the poster itself is dark, print your letters in white or a similarly bright color.
