Backlit Display Printing of fabric is specifically designed for use with illuminated display systems such as wall-mounted fabric lightboxes, free-standing fabric lightboxes and LED backlit event systems. Backlit fabric prints can made to almost any size and finished to include different types of silicone edge profiles for fitment to tensioned frames.
Illuminated Fabric Prints
Backlit fabric prints have become increasingly popular as a material for the production of lightbox display graphics.
Backlit Fabric Prints are generally sewn with a silicone edging bead (referred to as Keder) around the edge that allows the printed graphic to push-fit into the frame whereby it is held in place under tension.
As fabric lightbox prints fit into a small channel at the frame edge, the finished backlit fabric print can have almost no visible bezel around the edge, providing a modern aesthetic look and feel.
Ordering New Fabric Lightbox Prints For Existing Frames
If you require backlit prints to fit a pre-existing tensioned illuminated fabric frame, it's very important to ensure that the new graphic is made to the exact correct size and sewn with the correct type of silicone edging (Keder) to fit your frame.
If the wrong Keder edging is used or the size is incorrect, the print won't fit as it should or may not fit at all.
If you are looking to order a new backlit print for an existing lightbox frame then the best thing to do is to send us the old print whereby we can measure it and confirm the type of edging that has been used. This will help us to provide you with a new print made to the same specifications as your old one.
If you don't have an old print to send to us then we can work to dimensions and supplied instructions although this carries a risk. You will need to provide the size of the frame and also measure the width and depth of the channel around the edge. We can then check and advise which profile from our stock could be suitable and can even arrange to send a small sample so you can test it before ordering your prints.
What Is So Special About Backlit Fabric
Backlit Fabric Printing differs from other types of fabric printing because the material is specifically designed to avoid an effect known as 'pinholing'.
Most printable fabrics are made from a woven pattern whereby horizontal and vertical threads cross one another and as such, the weave of the fabric contains tiny little gaps invisible to the eye that light can shine through. When you backlight a standard fabric, these tiny holes (pinholes) become obvious when light shines through them and they detract from the look of the graphic.
Backlit material uses either a soft pile or a coating on one side of the material to cover up these tiny holes and diffuse the light thus the 'pinholing' effect is prevented.
Choice Of UV Or Dye Sublimation Backlit Fabric Printing Processes
Backlit fabric can be printed either through dye sublimation or UV process depending on the application.
UV printing gives the best reproduction with the maximum degree of ink density since the ink is 'cured' forming a flexible skin on the surface of the fabric. The drawback with UV printing however is that the fabric cannot be folded without causing damage (bruising) to the cured printed ink. UV-printed backlit prints must only be rolled loosely for transport and storage and should be treated with reasonable care to prevent damage.
Dye sublimation printing involves printing water-based ink to the surface of the fabric which is run through a rotary heat press afterwards. The heating process turns the dried ink into a gas that dyes the polyester fabric. The benefit of dye sublimation fabric printing is that the material is highly durable and can be folded etc without causing any 'bruising' or damage to the ink.
Most backlit fabric prints are printed with the UV process whereby the print is rolled and delivered in a tube or other suitable carton. If you need to fold your print for transport and storage (for example a large backlit exhibition graphic) then dye sublimation prints will provide the durability you need. We offer both printing processes and are happy to advise customers on the most suitable method of production for the backlit fabric printing they require.
Custom Size Backlit Fabric Prints
We can provide backlit fabric prints at widths of up to 3.1 Metres x almost any continuous length.
Our Zund digital cutting systems allow backlit fabric printing to be trimmed to any given size or bespoke pattern quickly and accurately. This is an important factor if the backlit prints are to be fitted to tensioned frames whereby correct sizing is critical.
Our team are happy to provide support and assistance and can work with you to achieve the correct fitment for any pre-existing backlit display system. We can also supply backlit fabric material samples on request should you require them.
Fire Rated Backlit Fabric Printing
Both UV-printed backlit fabric graphics and dye sublimation backlit fabric graphics are fire-rated for use in commercial spaces.
Full material technical data sheets are available for download for both products.
Viewing Backlit Display Prints Without Illumination
Our fabric graphics are designed for rear LED illumination but can be viewed with or without backlighting.
When printing backlit fabric, we usually print with greater saturation which improves the appearance of the graphic and compensates for the backlighting effect. However, this may cause printed graphics to appear darker than expected when they are not illuminated.
If you intend not to backlight your prints from time to time, please let us know as we can print with a normal degree of ink saturation to provide a more natural printed appearance when viewing the image without backlighting.
