Life-size cut-out (hard poster) manufacturing

A life-size cut-out, or hard poster, is a full-height advertising display: a plastic panel with an image, cut to its outline, plus a support that holds it upright. It stands at eye level, so it is hard to walk past without noticing.

We make custom life-size cut-outs from your artwork, single- or double-sided. Below we explain what they are made of, how the support options differ and what to consider before you order.

Life-size cut-out photo gallery

What life-size cut-outs are made of

The base is a rigid sheet material. In this category we use PVC in 4, 6 and 10 mm thicknesses and 3 mm aluminium composite panels (ACM). That is why people so often search for a “plastic life-size cut-out”: it is the rigid panel that keeps the cut outline in shape.

The finished product stands up to heavy use as both outdoor and indoor advertising.

Cardboard life-size cut-outs: why we do not offer them

Cardboard and corrugated board come up in searches as often as plastic, so this deserves a separate note. We do not recommend cardboard cut-outs: they are very short-lived and bend at the slightest knock, which leads to extra costs.

That is why this category contains only rigid bases – PVC and aluminium composite.

Support options

The options in this category differ mainly in their support. A stable support is made of chrome-plated or square-section tube: while fairly light, such tubes offer excellent strength, reliability and appearance. There are seven versions:

• No support – the cut-out panel only.
• PVC support – a PVC stand.
• Chrome leg – single- or double-sided cut-out on a chrome-plated tube.
• Steel frame – single- or double-sided cut-out.
• Composite podium – single- or double-sided cut-out on an aluminium composite podium.
• Closed frame – single- or double-sided cut-out.
• Snap frame for a poster – instead of a solid printed panel, the cut-out carries a poster frame; available in A1, A2, A3 and B2.

A single-sided cut-out has the print on the front; a double-sided one has it on both sides.

Life-size cut-out printing: how the image is applied

The image is applied to the hard poster by full-colour printing, giving rich, realistic colours. The outline is cut along the silhouette of the image – a full-height person or the product itself.

For extra protection you can order lamination, available on one side or both sides.

Where life-size cut-outs are used

Life-size cut-outs work well in shopping and entertainment centres, cinemas and all kinds of venues. They are also a staple of the events industry, from weddings to birthday parties.

Photo zones are a special case: people love taking pictures with life-size cut-outs, and celebrity cut-outs that can withstand countless photo shoots are especially popular.

Send us your own artwork or order the design from us. Useful before ordering: Print-ready artwork requirements, Vector or raster graphics and Artwork design.

Production time for a life-size cut-out is 3-7 days.