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Indoor and Outdoor Printing: The Ultimate Guide for Smart, Sustainable Brand Signage

Did you know that 68% of consumers believe a store’s signage is reflective of its product or service quality?

In this competitive branding landscape, signage is more than visibility — it’s about credibility, safety, and longevity. Whether you’re creating in-store visuals or outdoor billboards, choosing the right print technology and certified materials makes all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

  • The key differences between indoor and outdoor printing
  • Top EFI printers: Roll-to-Roll, Flatbed, Hybrid
  • Canon Colorado M5W for indoor brilliance
  • Why GREENGUARD Gold Certification matters
  • The value of the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty
  • Pain points brands face — and how these technologies solve them

Let’s break it down.

Understanding Indoor vs. Outdoor Printing

Before diving into printers and technologies, it’s important to understand the environments in which your graphics will live.

What is Indoor Printing?

Indoor printing is used for applications within controlled environments — retail displays, exhibition graphics, office décor, POP materials, and wall coverings. Color precision, high resolution, and media flexibility are key for indoor graphics. Since they’re viewed up close, every detail counts.

What is Outdoor Printing?

Outdoor graphics are built to withstand sun, wind, rain, dust, and drastic temperature changes. Think billboards, hoardings, transit ads, and building wraps. The focus here is on durability, UV resistance, and scale, even at moderate resolutions.

What Should Brands Consider?

When planning your next visual campaign, here are 5 must-consider factors:

  1. Application Objective – Long-term branding or seasonal campaign? The location and message intent will define your print choice.
  2. Substrate Compatibility – Indoor prints lean toward paper, fabric, or vinyl; outdoor prints require weatherproof materials like PVC, mesh, or flex.
  3. Ink Technology – UV-curable inks are best for outdoor, while latex and UVgel are popular for indoor due to their low emissions.
  4. Viewing Distance & Resolution – Indoor graphics need ultra-crisp details. Outdoor signage needs large-scale impact.
  5. Sustainability Goals – Today’s eco-conscious audience values sustainable materials and printing technologies. Certifications help build that trust.

Why EFI is a Game-Changer for Indoor & Outdoor Printing

Arrow Digital  leads the print industry with EFI Printers, a powerful solution tailored for versatile signage needs. Whether you’re a brand or a print service provider, EFI gives you speed, scalability, and sustainability.

EFI Roll-to-Roll Printers

Perfect for banners, billboards, backlits, and vehicle wraps, EFI’s roll-to-roll models (like the EFI VUTEk Q5r) offer:

  • Widths up to 208 inches
  • LED curing for energy efficiency
  • UltraDrop™ Technology for precise ink placement
  • Production speeds over 6,000 sq ft/hr

These printers allow multi-roll capability, meaning multiple jobs can run simultaneously with zero compromise on output quality.

EFI Flatbed Printers

Flatbeds print directly on rigid surfaces like wood, glass, foam board, acrylic, and more — great for both durable outdoor signage and luxury indoor displays.

Highlights include:

  • Direct-to-substrate printing
  • LED instant curing
  • White ink support for backlits and dark materials

Ideal for retail POP displays, museum signage, architectural visuals, and durable outdoor boards.

EFI Hybrid Printers

Need flexibility between rolls and rigid sheets? EFI Hybrid models provide dual functionality, perfect for diverse signage needs.

  • Up to 2-inch media thickness
  • High-speed UV LED printing
  • Seamless switch between media types

This is ideal for businesses juggling different signage applications — without switching machines.

Canon Colorado M5W: The Indoor Print Specialist

Canon’s Colorado M5W with UVgel 460 inks is a standout in indoor printing, combining efficiency, low maintenance, and gallery-grade precision.

What Makes It Special?

  • FLXfinish+ Technology: Print matte, gloss, or mixed finishes in one go
  • 159 m²/hr print speeds
  • Odorless, fast-drying UVgel inks – perfect for indoor spaces
  • Low operational costs and minimal manual intervention

Ideal Applications:

  • Retail and showroom graphics
  • Corporate interiors and wall coverings
  • Backlit and promotional displays
  • Event branding

Canon Colorado M5W checks all the boxes for brands prioritizing indoor aesthetics, fast turnaround, and sustainability.

GREENGUARD Gold Certification: Safer Indoor Environments

that poor indoor air quality from high-VOC printing materials can reduce workplace productivity by 10% or more?

Here’s a major concern: Indoor air quality. Research shows poor indoor air can impact employee productivity, customer experience, and even lead to long-term health concerns.

What Is GREENGUARD Gold?

GREENGUARD Gold, certified by UL (Underwriters Laboratories), ensures that materials meet stringent emission standards. It’s widely recognized by green building codes like LEED and WELL.

Why Should Brands Care?

  • Fewer VOCs = Healthier Spaces
  • Certification for Schools, Hospitals, Offices
  • Boosts Brand Trust in Sustainability

Both EFI printers and Canon Colorado M5W support GREENGUARD Gold-certified inks and materials. That means your prints are not only vivid — but safe to breathe around.

3M MCS Warranty: Durability That’s Guaranteed

A common brand concern? Outdoor graphics that fade, peel, or crack after just a few months. The 3M™ MCS™ Warranty solves this.

What Does It Cover?

  • Fading, cracking, peeling, image retention
  • 3M’s Matched Component System (films, inks, overlaminates)
  • Non-prorated protection – full replacement even on the last day

This warranty ensures your outdoor signage performs as promised — no surprises, no replacements, no brand embarrassment.

Common Pain Points Solved for Brands by Arrow

Pain Point

How Our Technology Solves It

Poor Indoor Air Quality

GREENGUARD Gold certified inks reduce VOC emissions

Faded or Damaged Outdoor Graphics

3M™ MCS™ Warranty guarantees long-lasting signage

Inconsistent Print Quality

EFI UltraDrop™ & Canon UVgel ensure crisp, vibrant results every time

High Energy Use and Waste

LED curing and smart automation reduce energy costs and media waste

Limited Versatility

Hybrid and flatbed printers enable endless application possibilities

 

When Should Brands Choose Indoor vs. Outdoor Signage?

Brands should consider indoor printing when the focus is on in-store or in-office branding, where customers engage with graphics up close. If you’re targeting environments like retail displays, corporate interiors, or event spaces — where visual clarity, fine detail, and material texture are paramount — indoor printing is the right choice. These applications demand high-resolution prints that enhance aesthetics and communicate messages effectively within controlled environments.

On the other hand, outdoor printing is ideal when your goal is high-visibility advertising targeted at on-the-go audiences. Whether it’s billboards, building wraps, or vehicle graphics, outdoor signage must withstand varying weather conditions while maintaining impact from a distance. Here, durability, UV resistance, and long-term performance become non-negotiable.

The most successful brands don’t just choose one — they strategically combine both indoor and outdoor graphics to ensure consistent branding, expanded reach, and maximum visual engagement across every customer touchpoint.

Final Word: Print with Purpose, Certify with Confidence

we believe that choosing a printer isn’t just about getting the job done — it’s about doing it smarter, safer, and more sustainably. When you go with EFI, you’re choosing power, performance, and unmatched flexibility for both indoor and outdoor applications. Looking for stunning indoor graphics? The Canon Colorado M5W delivers exceptional detail, vibrant colors, and effortless media handling that makes every print pop.

And it doesn’t stop at quality — it’s also about responsibility. With GREENGUARD Gold certification, your prints are safer for indoor environments like schools, hospitals, and offices. Plus, the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty gives your brand peace of mind, ensuring your graphics stand strong against the elements — protecting your investment and your reputation.

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