Large-Format Printing Services
Large-format printing services in Johannesburg involve far more than pressing “print.” Whether you are launching a new product, rebranding a retail space, or preparing for an exhibition, the right print solution can transform how people see your business. There are several important stages to understand. Knowing them upfront means you get the results your brand deserves.
At Brandoll Branding, we help businesses across Johannesburg and Randburg navigate this process with confidence. This guide walks you through every step.
What Is Large-Format Printing and Why Does It Matter for Your Brand?
Large-format printing covers any printed output that exceeds the standard A3 size. Think billboards, building wraps, exhibition displays, vehicle graphics, floor decals, and window graphics. These are not just decorative. They are powerful branding tools that communicate your identity in the public spaces where your audience lives, works, and travels.
In a city as visually competitive as Johannesburg, standing out is not optional. Brands that invest in high-quality large-format print command more attention. They also build stronger credibility than those relying on generic or low-resolution signage. Furthermore, large-format print complements your digital marketing strategy. It keeps your brand consistent whether someone finds you online or passes your premises on William Nicol Drive in Randburg.
The Brief and Design Consultation
Every successful large-format print project begins with a clear brief. Before submitting artwork, a professional branding company will want to understand your goals, your target audience, the installation environment, and your brand guidelines. This step is crucial. Large-format print carries unique technical requirements that standard graphic design files often do not meet.
Resolution and File Specifications
One of the most common mistakes businesses make is submitting designs that look sharp on a laptop screen but appear pixelated on a 3 x 6 metre billboard. Large-format printing typically requires files at a minimum of 100–150 DPI at actual print size. Alternatively, you can use high-resolution vector formats such as AI or EDF. If your design team is unfamiliar with these specifications, a specialist branding company will guide them through the process or handle the artwork adaptation entirely.
At Brandoll Branding, our design team produces print-ready artwork that is both visually compelling and technically correct — no guesswork, no costly reprints.
Choosing the Right Large-Format Print Product
Once you approve the design, the next decision involves selecting the right product for your application. Large-format printing covers a wide spectrum of materials and substrates. Choosing the wrong one can result in fading, poor adhesion, or a finish that does not suit the environment.
Banners, Posters, and Indoor Displays
For indoor environments, events, and short-term promotions, banners and posters remain one of the most cost-effective large-format options. They work well in retail environments, trade shows, and corporate lobbies. Material choices range from vinyl to fabric and even eco-friendly substrates, depending on your needs.
Billboards and Outdoor Signage
For maximum visibility and reach, billboards are in a class of their own. Whether you target commuters on the N1 or foot traffic in Randburg’s retail corridors, a well-designed billboard communicates your brand message 24 hours a day. Outdoor prints must withstand UV exposure, wind, and rainfall. This makes substrate and ink technology critically important.
Building Signage
Building signage projects your brand at a scale no other medium can replicate. From aluminium composite panels to illuminated lettering, it transforms your premises into a brand asset. It also enhances credibility — a professionally branded building signals that you mean business.
Exhibition Displays
Trade shows and exhibitions are high-stakes environments. Brands compete for attention in an enclosed space. Exhibition displays must be lightweight, easy to install, and visually striking. Retractable banners, fabric display systems, and backlit panels are all popular choices. Brandoll Branding supplies and installs all of these across Johannesburg and Randburg.
Floor Graphics, Window Graphics, and More
Brands that think beyond the wall gain a significant edge. Floor graphics guide customers through your space, create memorable brand touchpoints, and promote offers in unexpected ways. Similarly, window graphics transform plain glass into a dynamic brand canvas — ideal for retail stores, offices, and showrooms across Gauteng.
Proofing and Approval
After the team finalises the artwork and selects the product, the proofing stage begins. Many clients underestimate the importance of careful review at this point. A digital proof shows you how the final print will look in terms of layout, colour, and proportion. However, it does not always show how colour will appear on your chosen substrate.
For large orders or critical projects — such as a vehicle fleet wrap or a permanent building installation — request a physical sample proof. It adds a small amount of time to the project. However, it eliminates the risk of expensive reprints and ensures your full satisfaction before production begins.
Discuss colour accuracy with your supplier upfront. Print colours render differently from screen colours. Working within a CMYK colour profile from the start saves significant time. It also avoids frustrating colour discrepancies on the final product.
Production and Turnaround Times
Once you approve the proof, the production team gets to work. Modern large-format printing technology — including UV flatbed printers and solvent-based wide-format printers — has dramatically cut turnaround times. Suppliers in Johannesburg typically complete standard orders within two to five business days. This depends on order size and complexity.
Rush orders are possible, but they usually attract a premium. Plan your print projects ahead of time. This is especially important when your deadline ties to an event, a store opening, or a seasonal campaign. Communicate your deadlines clearly at the outset. This allows your branding partner to manage timelines honestly.
According to the Printing Industries of America, advances in digital wide-format printing now allow suppliers to produce high-quality large prints faster and with less waste — benefiting both brands and the environment.
Installation
Professional installation is where large-format print projects either shine or fall apart. Even a beautifully printed banner can look amateurish with bubbles, misalignment, or poor finishing. Always work with a company that handles both print and installation. This ensures consistent quality from start to finish.
What to Expect on Installation Day
Before the installation team arrives, make sure the installation area is clean, accessible, and free of obstructions. For outdoor installations such as billboards or building signage, your supplier should conduct a site inspection beforehand. This helps them assess surface conditions, access requirements, and any structural considerations.
Installation timelines vary widely. A single retractable banner takes minutes. A full building wrap or a fleet of vehicle graphics can take several days. Your installation team should provide a clear schedule upfront so you can plan around any business disruptions.
Aftercare and Longevity
Large-format prints are built to last. However, longevity depends on material quality and ongoing care. UV-resistant inks and laminated finishes significantly extend the life of outdoor prints. For indoor displays that people handle frequently — such as exhibition banners — protective laminates also reduce wear and tear over time.
The Speciality Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) provides industry guidelines on print longevity and substrate performance. These guidelines are worth consulting when you specify materials for long-term or outdoor applications.
Why Choose a Local Johannesburg Branding Company?
Working with a branding company based in Johannesburg and Randburg brings distinct practical advantages. Local suppliers understand Gauteng’s specific environmental conditions — intense UV exposure, frequent summer storms, and Highveld dust. They specify materials that stand up to these conditions.
Beyond the technical benefits, local companies respond faster. They communicate more effectively and take greater accountability for their work. When a deadline is tight or an installation needs adjustment, proximity makes all the difference.
At Brandoll Branding, we serve clients across Johannesburg, Randburg, Roodepoort, Sandton, and the wider Gauteng region. We combine design expertise, high-quality production, and professional installation under one roof — one team from start to finish.
Large-Format Printing and Your Broader Brand Strategy
Large-format printing does not exist in isolation. The most effective brands integrate their physical print presence with a strong digital footprint. A branded building or vehicle fleet reinforces the same identity that customers see on your website and social media. Consistency across all touchpoints builds trust and drives recognition.
This is precisely why Brandoll Branding goes beyond print. Our services include SEO, web design, digital marketing, and vehicle branding. Together, they ensure your brand delivers a unified message — whether someone spots your billboard on the M1 or finds you on Google. If you are not yet visible online, explore our SEO services in Johannesburg and make sure your digital presence matches your physical one.
Ready to Start Your Large-Format Printing Project in Johannesburg?
The journey from design to installation does not need to be complicated. It does, however, require a partner who understands the creative and technical demands of large-format printing. Whether you need a single exhibition banner or a full building signage solution, Brandoll Branding delivers quality that speaks for itself.
Get in touch with our team today. Let’s bring your brand to life — at scale.
Brandoll Branding is a full-service branding and digital marketing company based in Little Falls, Roodepoort, serving Johannesburg, Randburg, and the greater Gauteng region. Call us on +27 67 893 6190 or email info@brandollbranding.co.za.
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