A customer recently asked if we have any information that sheds light on a set of claims by another backlit imaging firm, putting forth archival-quality inkjet printing as a preferred solution over duratrans imaging. Here’s the response we submitted: First, let me clarify — duratrans is designed for transmissive light (backlit) applications only, not reflective. So comparing duratrans to archival papers is apples and oranges. Duratrans is not designed for or claimed as an archival solution. Some of the below comparative claims about archival media’s colorfastness may be true, but the main focus of our comparison should really be between backlit duratrans and backlit inkjet.

Businesses choose backlit graphics with backlit signage for their promotional displays, instead of plain old posters, because they want brighter colors and therefore more “eye-catching and head-turning”. So of course, as the marketing person, you want the backlit artwork in your Duratrans to have lots of bright colors and compelling imagery, to compete for the attention of the passerby. But equally important as color and content, are (a) the amount of black areas in your artwork, and (b) the opacity of the solid blacks.

In a perfect world, every backlit display lightbox that’s being used for back-lighting posters and promotional messages would deliver perfectly uniform brightness from one corner to the other. But the reality is – light intensity always varies to some degree across any surface, including a lightbox or backlit menu board. So the next question is – how can we get the light to be the most uniform possible, within a reasonable budget? Let’s look at seven things you can do to help your lightboxes deliver the best possible diffusion:

Only lightboxes with a backlit fabric graphic can give you a zero-glare graphic surface and still deliver a bright, saturated color image. This is why you’ll find backlit fabric signage in TV studios, corporate lobbies, fashion and cosmetic retailers — any place where a softer, more humanic presentation may be desired without compromising color bandwidth.

One of the most common problems people run into when selecting images for their lightboxes is getting one with the proper image resolution and file format. One of the biggest eyesores is when you select an image that appears