Frequently Asked Questions

What is your average turn around time?
Average turnaround time for most jobs is 5 business days from artwork approval. Very large orders may require more time, and up-charges may apply to rush jobs.

Is there a minimum order?
Orders less than $100, are subject to an additional set up fee.

How do I upload files?
Files can be uploaded via the web at www.hightail.com/u/XL-Color-Dropbox
Simply drag and drop the files into the box displayed. You will receive a confirmation email shortly after XL-Color receives the files.

What file format do you work with?
File specifications can be found here.

Does XL Color provide design services?
XL-Color provides basic layout and sizing advice if requested, however, we do not provide primary design services. As a matter of course, artwork must be submitted print ready.

What is a proof and why is it so important?
After you submit your order and upload the artwork, XL-Color will produce a proof and email it as a pdf. We also confirm color, sizing, and finishing details at this time. This step ensures that the final product meets your specifications and expectations. All proofs must be approved before printing.

Can you ship my order?
XL-Color commonly ships orders across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Shipping charges are based on the dimensions, weight, and the transit speed of your order.

Pickup from our Manchester facility is available free of charge Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Do you provide fulfillment services (sorting, packaging, kitting)?
Yes. If your order requires special packaging, sorting, or kitting please include requirements when ordering.

Do you save files?
All files are stored for 3 years from the time of job completion.

Do you install?
XL-Color contracts with a number of installation services across the Northeast. If you require professional installation for your project we can assist in securing an installer for you.

Materials Overview

Banner Vinyl: Our most popular and versatile banner material, 13oz vinyl works equally well indoors and outdoors. Cost effective, high-quality prints make this an excellent choice for everything from corporate events to birthday party banners.

Pole-banner Vinyl: Recommended for projects like pole-banners, street-banners, or banners that hang in windows, this 16oz material prevents light from shining through.

Billboard Vinyl: Our lightest material, this 8-oz vinyl is the industry go-to for billboards and other extremely large banners.

Mesh: Mesh is the right choice for areas with high wind potential. Mesh allows 25-30% airflow to pass through the material, reducing the ‘sail’ effect common in large banners. Typical uses include outdoor concerts, sporting events, building wrap and fencing.

PSV (Adhesive Vinyl): Wall murals, vehicle wraps, and decals are all printed using adhesive vinyl. High adhesion PSV is great for long-term projects, such as decorating interior spaces with wall murals. Removable PSV with lower adhesion makes for great short term applications, and is easy to apply and reposition.

Corrugated Plastic: Also called Coro or Corex, corrugated plastic is primarily used for outdoor signs. The default material for lawn signs, this highly adaptable, rigid material can be used almost anywhere.

Ultraboard: Ultra Board has a foam-core center with a styrene face and is the most popular choice for presentation quality rigid prints. This material resists warping and is recommended for long-term displays in offices, schools, and other places of business.

Foam Board: Cost efficient and effective, foam board has a foam-core center with a paper face. This material is a great choice for short-term or temporary displays such as easel boards, indoor event signage, and exhibition boards.

PVC: When printed on directly these rigid boards of solid plastic are the best choice for smooth-faced outdoor signs. Alternately it can be cut to form 3 dimensional letters and objects, which adds depth to wall graphics.

Paper: XL-Color can print single-piece paper prints up to 52” wide, much larger than is commonly available. This thick paper is ideal for retail locations, banks, and schools to showcase seasonal advertisements and announcements. Note: although excellent for full-size displays, this paper works poorly for small items, like invitations and business cards.

Banner Stands

These are a few of our most popular banner stands. If you don’t see what you are looking for, give us a call – we have the right solution for your display needs.
Retractable: For a display on the move nothing beats retractable banner stands. Most retractable stands can be deployed in less than a minute, yet are durable enough for years of indoor use. Perfect for trade shows.

JN5: These are large format banner display stands. Capable of extending up to 10 feet wide by 10 feet tall, the JN5 is also designed with easy assembly in mind. These stands are particularly well suited for trade show settings and photo backdrops.

A-Frame: Small, portable, foldable, and durable, the A-frame stand is perfect for outdoor or indoor use. Advertise business hours and special announcements just outside your door. It’s quick and easy to change the Corex inserts, so these signs are infinitely reusable.

Spider Stands: An outstanding choice for mobile displays or fixed indoor displays. Spider stands fold out to form an X shape that holds the banner at each of its 4 corners, like a spider-web. This pulls the material taught, giving it excellent visual appeal. Spider stands are frequently seen in business foyers or reception areas and are also popular at trade shows and events.

Mighty Mounts: For free-standing rigid displays, nothing beats the Mighty Mount! Used with single or double sided rigid graphics, the weight and shape of the Mighty Mount provides exceptional stability for indoor displays.

Misc.

Diecut standups: Life-sized and freestanding cutouts add a unique touch to any occasion. Friends, colleagues, celebrities…even your own portrait! These prints are capable of printing up to a maximum size of 4ft wide x 8ft tall and supported with an easel back. Anniversaries, retirement parties, and all kinds of celebrations are enhanced with a life-sized cutout of the guest of honor.