latex printing - HP Latex 360
We print on uncoated outdoor-durable materials, such as 3M Controltac 180-10 cast white self-adhesive
vinyl, perforated window vinyl, 3M Controltac clear adhesive vinyl and 13oz. banner materials - up to 64 inches wide - with our six-color Hewlett Packard Latex 360 printer. The Latex 360 printer adds light cyan and light magenta inks to the usual CMYK lineup, resulting in much smoother highlight areas. The HP latex ink colors are very "pure", resulting in brighter, truer colors, especially for reds, oranges and greens.
Unlike aqueous inkjet printing on coated media, which can run if it gets wet, the low-VOC HP latex inks cure right on the vinyl they are printed on without an inkjet-receptive coating. Unlike eco-solvent and hard solvent inks, there are no smelly chemicals that continue to outgas from the media after printing.
“Latex” is simply a term that describes a stable, aqueous dispersion of microscopic polymer particles. The inks use water as a carrier, but the water is quickly evaporated and the latex polymers, a key innovation of HP Latex Inks, cure completely to form a durable film on the surface of the media that protects the pigments. It works great for all outdoor applications, including signs, vehicle graphics and decals. We run our printers with Onyx Production House RIPs , which really show off the printers' capabilities.
Uncoated self-adhesive materials are printed with the Latex 360, making the printing inherently waterproof. Most of the vinyl products provide a three year minimum outdoor life for vehicle graphics and outdoor signage. We recommend laminating outdoor vinyl products for abrasion resistance and longer outdoor life, and contour cutting of decals (like die cutting) is available.
We print full color banners on both standard 13 oz. gloss banner material and premium "smooth finish" 13 oz. matte blackout banner material. Both are waterproof and outdoor-durable without lamination. Banners over 60 inches wide may be seamed for greater width (like the 2015 Film Festival banner to the left). We also use the Latex 360 to print on specialty materials, such as textured wallcoverings, fabric and static cling.
Transit advertising is also printed on Flexcon Busmark on our HP Latex 360 printer. Busmark is a Santa Barbara MTD and CBS Outdoor-approved self-adhesive vinyl product. Busmark is a relatively low-tack product, is easily removed for up to one year, and has at least a manufacturer-suggested one year outdoor life. We recommend liquid lamination for abrasion resistance. Busmark also works well for temporary outdoor signs, such as event schedules and maps.
If you or your graphic artist are preparing files for latex printing, please see our recommended file specifications here.