Design doesn’t stop when you hit ‘export.’ In fact, that’s where a different kind of design begins—the kind that lives in texture, weight, light, and touch. The kind that separates a good-looking digital image from a stunning, memorable piece of printed art.
When your design leaves the screen and enters the physical world, material choice becomes your final design decision. Paper, Foamex, Dibond—these aren’t just substrates. They’re statements.
Let’s walk through the main print materials and explore how designers can elevate their work by choosing the right medium for the right moment.
Why Material Choice Matters
It’s easy to think the digital file does all the work. But in print, the medium becomes part of the message. A high-gloss finish might scream energy and impact, while a soft matte might whisper subtlety and emotion.
Think of material as part of your design language. It sets expectations before the viewer even registers the content.
This is something Legends on Canvas understands innately. Their work spans multiple formats—from premium paper to Foamex and Dibond—each chosen to suit the subject matter and setting. A football legend demands permanence. A cinematic tribute thrives on texture.
So, what should you choose—and when?
1. Premium Paper: The Foundation of Print
Ideal for: Posters, indoor art prints, gallery walls
Premium paper offers:
- High detail retention
- Crisp colour reproduction
- Flexibility in framing or pin-up display
Legends on Canvas uses 350gsm paper—thick enough to feel like a real object, not a flimsy throwaway. This kind of paper holds colour well, making it perfect for detailed designs and bold imagery.
When to use it:
- You’re selling affordable but high-quality prints
- Your work relies on strong lines and colour saturation
- You want the print to work both framed or unframed
2. Foamex: Lightweight, Punchy, Professional
Ideal for: Trade shows, office interiors, home statement pieces
Foamex is a lightweight PVC board. It’s rigid, durable, and much more striking than paper alone. The image is mounted directly onto the board, often with a satin or gloss finish.
Benefits:
- No frame needed
- Durable and warp-resistant
- Easy to hang, even with simple fixings
When to use it:
- You want your print to make a standalone statement
- The client or viewer prefers minimalism (no frames)
- You need to ship something sturdy
Foamex is especially popular for sports prints and pop culture tributes—big visuals with personality. It has presence.
3. Dibond: The Premium Choice
Ideal for: Gallery-grade art, commercial spaces, collectors
Dibond is aluminium composite—two aluminium sheets around a polyethylene core. It’s incredibly strong but still lightweight.
It’s the go-to choice for artists and designers who want to create permanent-feeling pieces. Dibond doesn’t flex, warp, or fade easily. It can take the spotlight and hold it.
Why choose Dibond?
- It looks and feels premium
- Colours appear clean and vibrant
- It adds long-term value to a print
Dibond pieces from Legends on Canvas are often chosen for their longevity. These aren’t posters you rotate every few months—they’re art you live with.
4. Matte vs. Gloss vs. Satin: Surface Finishes Explained
Beyond the material, the finish affects how the image plays with light:
- Matte: Soft, elegant, minimal reflection. Best for subtle tones and softer vibes.
- Gloss: Sharp, bold, vivid. Colours pop, but reflections can distract.
- Satin: Balanced. A gentle sheen without harsh glare. The middle ground.
As a designer, always ask: Where will this hang? Natural light? Office space? Studio wall? Then choose your finish accordingly.
5. Framing vs. Frameless Display
A premium paper print might cry out for a chunky black frame or a minimalist wooden mount.
Foamex and Dibond? They often shine without a frame.
A frameless piece lets the print stand on its own—clean edges, no borders. It becomes part of the wall, not an addition to it.
If your artwork is bold, graphic, or cinematic, going frameless can amplify that power.
6. Digital-to-Print Tips for Designers
Before you commit to material, ask yourself:
- Have I set up the file at 300dpi?
- Is my colour profile suitable for CMYK conversion?
- Will the scale hold at full size?
- Have I accounted for bleed and safe zones?
A few smart decisions at the design stage will make the print flawless.
Pro tip: Request a proof or test print before going big—especially for Foamex or Dibond. A small run can save you big headaches.
Final Thought: Let the Work Decide
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. A minimalist linework portrait might thrive on premium matte paper. A roaring stadium scene might deserve a bold Dibond mount.
Choose the material that matches the tone, purpose, and setting of the design.
Because the art is only half the story.
The rest is told through how it lives.
And when you choose the right material, you’re not just printing.
You’re finishing.
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