Walk through any city street, airport terminal, or big-box store, and you’re surrounded by signage. Some of it shouts for your attention. Some quietly blends into the environment. But behind the vivid colors, crisp lettering, and jaw-dropping scale is a powerful machine: a signage printer.
Signage printers can turn a blank surface into something bold, clear, and memorable. And while “signage” might sound straightforward, it’s a lot more dynamic (and creative) than you’d expect.
In this article, learn what signage printing really is, the different printing technologies behind it, the materials (or substrates) it works with, and the surprising range of things you can create.
What is signage printing?
Signage printing is the process of producing large-format visuals meant to inform, direct, or persuade. Think banners, posters, or window displays. Today’s signage printers are incredibly versatile — their output can be used to wrap entire buses, personalize retail spaces, transform the walls of an office, or even recreate fine art with gallery-quality detail. The magic is in the ink technology, the media options, and the precision of the printer itself.
Three types of signage printers
Not all signage printers are created equal. The best one for your business depends on the kinds of projects you take on, the materials you use, and where your prints will live (inside or outdoors, short-term or permanent). Epson offers three primary signage printing technologies:
1. Solvent printing: Built for the bold and the outdoors
Solvent printers use solvent-based inks that bond directly to surfaces like vinyl. This makes them a go-to for anything exposed to the elements — such as billboards, car wraps, and outdoor signs.
Epson SureColor® S-Series solvent printers combine industrial-level speed with photo-quality output. You get durable, weather-resistant prints that still look detailed up close.
- Use it for: Vehicle wraps, outdoor signage, and wall murals
- Why it stands out: Scratch-resistant, long-lasting, and impressively vibrant
2. Resin printing: Reliable and ready to go
If you’re looking for indoor signage with a fast turnaround, resin printers are a smart bet. Epson SureColor R-Series printers use water-based resin inks that cure with heat, offering consistent color and instant lamination.
- Use it for: Interior decor, retail displays, fabric graphics, and wall coverings
- Why it stands out: Fast-drying, outstanding print quality, and versatile across applications
3. UV flatbed printing: When you want to print on almost anything
In UV printing, instead of soaking into the material, the ink sits on top and cures instantly with UV light. That means you can print on rigid or textured surfaces without sacrificing detail.
Epson SureColor V-Series UV flatbed printers give you high-opacity, high-adhesion prints on everything from glass to wood to metal.
- Use it for: Custom decor, signage on wood or acrylic, and promotional items
- Why it stands out: Print directly onto non-traditional surfaces — no coating or prep needed
Learn more about Epson signage printing solutions.
Substrates: The unsung hero of every print job
The printer is the engine — but the material you print on, called the substrate, is the road it travels. A great printer gets you nowhere without the right surface beneath it.
The texture, finish, and durability of the substrate all shape the final result, whether you’re aiming for something bold and glossy or soft and subtle. With Epson signage printers, your substrate options are wide open:
- Vinyl for vehicle wraps, window graphics, and floor decals
- Paper and poster stock for in-store signage and promotions
- Canvas for art reproductions and custom wall art
- Fabric for soft signage, banners, backdrops, and decor
- Rigid media like wood, aluminum, and glass for permanent or decorative displays
Applications: Take on more projects
Yes, these are called signage printers — but the possibilities go well beyond signs. With the right setup, you can create:
- Full-scale vehicle and bus wraps
- Eye-catching point-of-purchase and retail displays
- High-end interior decor and wall coverings
- Vivid event graphics and tradeshow visuals
- Even fine art prints worthy of a gallery
All signs point to Epson
Whether you’re printing for the street, the studio, or somewhere in between, it helps to have the right tools for the job. Epson’s lineup of signage printers is designed with different needs in mind — from the durability of solvent to the flexibility of resin to the material range of UV.
Each technology offers its own advantages, depending on what you’re printing, where it’s going, and how long it needs to last. And with Epson, you get thoughtful engineering, color expertise, and a track record of supporting creative professionals across industries.
Need a printer that can handle the everyday jobs and the unexpected ones? All signs point to Epson. Visit Epson.com/signage-printers to learn more and get started.
