by Chris » 20 Aug 2010, 12:07
Foamex is OK for a permanent site - but not for a portable pros. It would need to be battened all round, or glued onto plywood - but the printed surface is much more prone to abrasion than paint on wood. However for a permanent installation it is splendid - but even then it is better to use vinyl cut letters and logos rather than printed. The ink lasts better on a banner because there is a weave and the ink is absorbed and adheres strongly, and also because between use a banner is normally rolled thus protecting the colours from fading.
Incidentally off the exact topic, but relevant to do-it-yourself printing if you are making posters and display signs to be used outside: Most ink-jet printer inks are dye based and are neither waterproof nor lightproof, they fade rapidly in the sun and run in the rain. Some black inks are pigment inks and are OK for outdoor use. With some printers you can buy sets of archival inks which are probably suitable.
Lazer toner printing washes off in a sharp shower.
You can laminate posters and make them usable outside. Use a hotter heat setting than usual so that the laminate is sealed all over, not just at the edges, otherwise if you cut the poster after lamination the water will seep in. Also use matt laminate, not glossy. Glossy laminates reflect light and reduce visibility.
It's good to squawk!