Have any questions? You may find your answer here, or contact us with any questions.
What is the difference between Duratrans and DeepColor Inkjet™?
- Duratrans is the industry-recognized reference standard for high-quality, commercial-grade backlit graphics. Duratrans is a daylight-sensitive film that is digitally laser- exposed and chemically processed, for supreme color saturation and detail.
- DeepColor Inkjet™ is Blue River Digital’s in-house specialized digital color backlit film process that is several steps above conventional inkjet in color saturation, detail and also durability in the field.
- We think our DeepColor Inkjet rivals Duratrans in many quality categories, and even surpasses it in some areas, including improved visibility of artwork detail when the light source is powered off.
What is the expected color life?
- Backlit graphics will last many years without fading when installed indoors, in a relatively cooler environment, and away from direct UV exposure such as sunlight or bright indoor lighting. The longer your lightboxes are powered on each day, and the more UV and/or heat exposure, the shorter the color life — but usually not less than 2- 3 years unless conditions are extreme.
- For outdoors, the considerations are the same as indoor except of course direct sunlight becomes the most significant factor. The further south, the more sunny days per year, the hotter the climate, and the more hours per day of direct sunlight (depending on which direction the graphic is facing) — the sooner your original colors will degrade. In the most extreme circumstances, outdoor color life for backlit film is usually at least 6 to 9 months, but 3 to 5 years is not uncommon for low to moderate exposure situations.
- Manufacturers of backlit film media and inks do not warrant color life, due to the varying environmental contributors to color fade.
What is the price for backlit graphics?
- You can get an instant quote for the printing of Duratrans or DeepColor Inkjet backlit film here. Duratrans starts at $13.95/square foot, and DeepColor Inkjet starts at $8.95/square foot.
Why doesn’t Blue River Digital have a setup charge?
- We want to be the best value for your investment, in backlit film graphics. That’s why there’s never a setup charge for your print-ready digital files.
How long from when I order backlit graphics to when they ship?
- Standard lead time from when you authorize any proofs (if applicable) to when your backlit Duratrans or DeepColor film ships is 3 working days. Rush turnaround available on request.
How do I upload graphic files for printing?
- Visit our file upload page.
What file resolution is optimal for backlit?
- If your original file is 150 dpi or higher at final print size, this is ideal. 100 dpi or higher at final size is adequate for most retail usages. Note: never “upsample” your file resolution, as this does not add any detail.
What file format should I send?
- We accept JPEG and PDF files as print-ready.
Should I order the laminate option?
- Choose the laminate upgrade option if your graphics are going to be handled and/or replaced frequently, or if they will be exposed to extreme elements such as moisture or excessive direct sunlight. This will extend the durability and color life of your artwork.
What are my proofing options?
- All paid Duratrans and backlit graphics print orders include a free soft proof via email, to confirm content only (this is not a contract color proof). You may also upgrade to a scale proof or test strip proof at $25.00 each plus shipping. “Scale” proofs are a reduced-size hard copy version of your entire artwork, approx. 12 to 18” across. “Test strip” proofs are a full-size section of your final artwork, at your direction.
- For example, if your artwork is a large landscape background with a lady standing to one side, you may want the test strip to include the lady’s face and adjacent background, as the critical detail in your print.