How Are Posters Made? A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Process

Posters are made by creating a digital design, which is then printed using high-quality methods like inkjet or laser printing on durable paper with a specific GSM, often finished with a matte, glossy, or satin coating. The choice of paper and printing technique ensures that the poster is vibrant, long-lasting, and suitable for display.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is The Modern Poster-Making Process?
• What Materials are Used in Poster Production?
• How long does poster paper last?
• What is The Legacy of Vintage Posters?
• What is the Right Paper Weight for My Fine Art Posters?
• Behind the Scenes at Paw Prints
• Conclusion

Introduction

Why Posters Are a Big Deal

You’ve probably noticed that posters have become a staple in home decor. They’re everywhere—from quirky coffee shops to your friend's eclectic living room. And for a good reason: posters blend all kinds of art forms, from the classics to modern vibes, into something that feels totally unique. At Paw Prints, we believe this mix of styles is what makes art truly special. There are no strict “rules” to follow, just pure, creative freedom. And honestly, that’s as important to us as the freedom of the animals we’re helping.

Who We Are at Paw Prints

So, what’s our deal? At Paw Prints, we’re all about making fine art that doesn’t just look good but does good too. We use sustainable, eco-friendly paper for all our posters because taking care of the planet is a big deal to us. Plus, a chunk of our profits goes straight to the charities that are really making a difference in animal rescue. We’re careful about where our donations go because we want to support the causes that actually help animals, not just talk about it.

What is The Modern Poster-Making Process? 

Today, digital printing uses inkjets and laser printing onto a paper finish of your choice. 

Digital Design: From Inspiration to Creation

These days, most poster designs start on a computer screen. If you’re just dipping your toes into this world, tools like Canva are great for whipping up ad posters, event flyers, or even song art. But if you’re aiming for something more in the fine art realm, programs like Sketchbook, Krita, Adobe Fresco, or Procreate (especially if you’re an iPad user) are where the magic happens.

It all kicks off with inspiration—an idea that just won’t leave you alone. Once that idea hits, it’s time to sketch. Sketching is like thinking out loud but on paper (or a digital screen in this case). It’s where you let your thoughts take shape visually. After the sketch is done, you’ll dive into bringing that vision to life with color, texture, and detail. At Paw Prints, we believe those final touches—the little tweaks and polishes—can make a piece 90% better, turning a great idea into something truly special.

Printing Technology: Making Your Design Pop

When it comes to printing, technology has come a long way. There are several methods out there, but let’s talk about the big ones that really make posters shine.

Digital Printing is the go-to for most modern posters. It’s versatile, quick, and perfect for making vibrant colors pop. Within digital printing, Inkjet Printing is our method of choice at Paw Prints. This technique uses tiny nozzles to spray ink onto the paper, producing prints with vivid colors and sharp details. It’s perfect for posters because it delivers high-quality results even in small print runs.

There’s also Laser Printing, known for its speed and efficiency. While it’s great for documents and labels, it doesn’t quite match the richness of inkjet prints for artwork.

Then there’s Screen Printing—an old-school method still popular for apparel and large-volume posters. It’s labor-intensive but produces bold, durable prints. However, it’s not as practical for small quantities or detailed artwork.

Offset Lithography is another traditional method, often used for large-scale projects like magazines. It’s great for big runs, but the setup is lengthy, and it’s not as flexible for one-off designs.

Environmental Considerations

Here at Paw Prints, we’re committed to sustainability. That’s why we stick to Inkjet and Giclée printing. Both methods have a much lower carbon footprint compared to something like laser printing. Giclée, in particular, is a type of inkjet printing that uses high-quality archival inks, making it perfect for fine art prints that last.

By choosing these methods, we’re not just ensuring your posters look amazing—we’re also making sure we’re doing our part to protect the planet. After all, it’s about creating art that feels good and does good.

What Materials are Used in Poster Production?

Paw Prints uses eco-friendly ink and Matte paper finish to encourage lasting sustainable and recyclable art. 

Paper Types and Quality

When it comes to posters, the type of paper you choose makes a big difference in how the final product looks and feels. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common options:

• Matte Paper: This is the go-to choice for fine art prints. Matte paper has a semi-gloss texture but without the shiny finish of glossy paper. It’s great for reducing glare, and because it’s less sensitive to fingerprints and light, your poster will look sharp for longer. Plus, it has a more natural, understated vibe, making it perfect for art that emphasizes natural elements or a soft aesthetic.
• Satin Paper: Satin paper strikes a nice balance between matte and glossy. It’s resistant to smudges and fingerprints, which is a big plus if your poster will be handled a lot. Satin paper is slightly thicker and more durable than glossy, giving your poster a solid feel while still offering a bit of shine.
• Glossy Paper: If you want your poster to really pop, glossy paper is the way to go. It has a sleek, shiny finish that gives colors extra vibrancy, making your design stand out. Glossy surfaces have a fresh, modern look, ideal for retail displays or any setting where you want to grab attention. Just keep in mind, it’s more prone to fingerprints and light reflections.

Specialty Paper

At Paw Prints, we mostly use matte paper, but some of our products are available in semi-glossy paper too. No matter which type we use, all our posters are printed on FSC Certified Paper, ensuring that they’re eco-friendly and sourced from responsibly managed forests. High-quality, eco-friendly paper not only looks great but also supports our commitment to sustainability.

Ink and Finishes

• Eco-Friendly Inks: We’re all about being kind to the planet, so we use environmentally friendly inks for our posters. Inkjets, in particular, are a better choice than laser printing because they use less energy and the cartridges are easier to recycle.
• Finishes and Coatings: The right finish can extend the life of your poster and keep it looking great. Matte paper, for example, has a special coating that helps it resist wear and tear, dirt, and moisture. This smoother surface not only enhances the print quality but also ensures that your poster stays in top shape, even in challenging environments.

How long does poster paper last?

Matte poster paper made with Inkjets can last for more than 50 years. 

Factors Affecting Poster Durability

• Paper Quality: The right paper stock, like matte paper, can make a big difference in how long your poster lasts. Matte paper dries quickly and resists fingerprints, so the quality stays true over time. Its textured surface also helps prevent smudges and scratches, making it more durable and easier to handle.
• Environmental Factors: Light, humidity, and temperature can all impact how long your poster holds up. Heat and pollutants are the main culprits, but even things like adhesives and materials that produce sulfur compounds (like rubber and wood) can cause fading and instability over time.

Preservation Tips

To keep your posters looking fresh for years, consider conservation framing. Placing your artwork behind glass protects it from environmental damage, and using 100% cotton fiber, acid-free mount boards will help prevent deterioration. UV protective glass is also a smart choice, as it reduces the impact of bright light exposure.

What is The Legacy of Vintage Posters?

Without modern printing technology, vintage posters utilized stone Lithography to create posters and art prints. We can use vintage designs and colors to combine it with modern printing materials. 

How Vintage Posters Were Made

• Historical Printing Techniques: Back in the day, vintage posters were often created using lithography and screen printing.
• Lithography: This traditional method was commonly used for newspapers, magazines, and large-scale projects. It produced high-quality images but required specialized equipment and had a longer setup time, making it ideal for big print runs.
• Screen Printing: This method involved creating a stencil and pushing ink through it, making it perfect for printing on various surfaces like fabric, paper, and metal. Screen printing was known for its vibrant, durable prints but was labor-intensive and not cost-effective for small batches.

Materials and Longevity

The earliest full-color posters were made using stone lithography, where each color required a separate stone, and the image was printed in layers. Later techniques included zinc plate lithography, photo-offset, silkscreen, and letterpress. While these methods created rich, pixelation-free images, they weren’t as efficient as modern processes. Today, we can achieve more defined colors and durability with modern poster finishes and advanced inkjet technologies.

Modern Vintage-Inspired Posters

Thanks to modern technology, we can now recreate the timeless vintage look with better durability and sustainability. At Paw Prints, we blend the aesthetics of classic designs with the quality and eco-friendliness of modern materials, giving you the best of both worlds.

What is the Right Paper Weight for My Fine Art Posters?

Fine Art posters should have a minimum GSM of 150 to ensure proper paper longevity and strength. 

Best Paper for Posters

When choosing paper for posters, pay attention to thickness, texture, finish, and environmental impact. Paper thickness is measured in GSM (Grams per Square Meter). For lightweight applications like flyers, a lower GSM (around 80) is sufficient. Most office papers fall between 70 and 90 GSM. For fine art posters, aim for heavier paper with a GSM above 150. This ensures durability and a premium feel.

Recommendations for Different Styles

Higher GSM paper is great for fine art, but don’t go for the highest GSM available. Too thick a paper can make framing difficult. For bohemian or eclectic designs, a balanced GSM that provides durability without overwhelming the framing process is ideal. Look for paper that complements the style and aesthetic of your poster.

Can You Print Posters on Normal Paper?

Normal paper, like that from FedEx or UPS, is not the best choice for high-quality posters. It tends to fade and wear out quickly. For fine art and high-quality prints, invest in durable paper that resists smudges, humidity, and has a higher GSM. This ensures that your poster maintains its quality and longevity.

Behind the Scenes at Paw Prints

Our Commitment to Quality

At Paw Prints, we’re all about ensuring top-notch quality every step of the way. Here’s how we do it:

• Paper Finishing: We use matte paper with a smooth, non-reflective surface for a clean look.
• Paper Weight: Our posters are printed on sturdy, 170 gsm (65 lb) paper to ensure durability.
• Environmental Impact: We choose FSC-certified paper, supporting sustainable practices.
• Packaging: Each poster is shipped in robust, protective packaging to arrive in perfect condition.

Transparency in Production

We believe in being upfront about our impact. We publish annual reports detailing our earnings, donations to animal charities, and our environmental practices. This ensures that you know exactly how your support is making a difference.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts on Poster-Making

When it comes to posters, choosing the right materials and techniques is crucial for creating lasting art. Here’s a quick recap:

• Poster Finishes: Matte, Glossy, and Satin offer different looks and benefits.
• Modern Printing: We use inkjet and laser printing for high-quality digital art.
• Paper Quality: Paw Prints uses higher GSM paper and a matte finish to ensure durability, resist smudges and scratches, and reduce reflections for a clear view of the artwork.
• Eco-Friendly Production: Our commitment to sustainability includes using FSC Certified Paper and inkjet printing to minimize our carbon footprint.

Explore our collection at Paw Prints and see how our commitment to quality and sustainability makes a difference. Your purchase not only supports fine art but also contributes to positive environmental impact and animal rescue.

Lets answer these questions together:

1. What makes matte paper the best choice for fine art posters?
2. How does GSM affect the quality and durability of a poster?
3. Ever wondered how modern printing techniques recreate vintage poster aesthetics?