The 5 Common Print Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Dan Hickford explains the 5 common print mistakes that cause delays in large format projects. Learn expert tips from Wallace Print to avoid errors and keep jobs on track.

By Dan Hickford, Print Consultant Wallace Print

Why Small Errors Create Big Delays

In large format print, the tiniest mistake can create huge disruptions. A missing bleed, an incorrectly sized PDF, or a vague installation brief can stall production and push your project off course. We see these challenges every day at Wallace Print — and not just from new clients. Even seasoned agencies and marketing teams run into the same pitfalls, usually when working at pace.

This guide explores the 5 common print mistakes that compromise print jobs, based on years of experience. With the right approach, they’re all avoidable. And if you work with a team that knows how to catch them early, you won’t have to learn the hard way.

1. Artwork That Isn’t Truly Print-Ready

We regularly receive files that look great on screen but fall short in production. Missing bleed, low-resolution images, incorrect sizing, or RGB colour profiles — these issues might seem small but can derail the job completely.

A typical example: a client once sent us A1 artwork intended for a floor graphic, but without bleed and at 72dpi. Had we printed as-is, the end result would’ve been blurry, under-scaled, and impossible to cut cleanly. Because we caught it early, our studio could flag the problem, fix the file, and get everything back on track — but it delayed production by a full day.

What to supply:

• High-resolution PDFs with at least 3mm bleed and crop marks
• CMYK colour profiles embedded
• Outlined fonts and linked or embedded imagery
• Correct scale (especially for large-scale print runs)

“We always encourage clients to book in a pre-flight check with our studio. It only takes 10 minutes, and it can save hours — or reprints.”

— John Lidbury, Head of Client Services

2. Vague Specifications That Cause Bottlenecks

We’ve had projects stall not because of print issues, but because key info was missing. Quantity, material type, delivery location, even the basic deadline — without this, we can’t plan production properly.

The earlier we know what’s needed, the more smoothly the job runs. 

What to include with every brief:

• Final artwork file names that match the versions
• Quantity per version or site
• Material type (or request a recommendation)
• Deadlines for delivery and install
• Full delivery addresses
• Finishing and install instructions

3. Choosing the Wrong Substrate for the Job

Not all vinyl, board, or banner materials behave the same. Choosing the wrong one leads to costly failures — peeling graphics, fading inks, or materials that can’t handle weather or surfaces.

A recent retail window project used a budget static cling vinyl for an externally-facing glass unit. It looked great in-store, but under sunlight, the graphic began to curl within 72 hours. If the team had consulted us first, we’d have suggested an optically clear polymeric film designed for window adhesion.

Our substrate advice always considers:

• Surface texture (e.g. glass, brick, painted wall, wood)
• Environment (indoor/outdoor, weather exposure)
• Duration of display
• Required finish (e.g. matte, gloss, anti-graffiti)
• Installation complexity and safety compliance

Don’t guess your material — ask. We’ve tested hundreds and know which options perform where.

4. Silent Changes After Sign-Off

It’s surprisingly common for projects to go wrong after approval. Clients send an updated file, change the quantity, or shift an install date — but forget to alert the production team. These minor tweaks, if not caught, can lead to major errors.

We once printed and packed 300 estate agent signs before being told the QR code on the artwork had changed. That oversight cost the client a reprint, and it delayed their campaign.

Best practice:

• Flag any artwork updates after approval with “UPDATED” in the subject line
• Always follow up with a call if the job is live
• Use tracked documents to ensure both sides have the same brief

We don’t mind last-minute changes — but we need to know they’ve happened.

5. Underestimating Finishing and Installation

Print is only one part of the job. The complexity often lies in what happens next — finishing, packing, bundling, dispatch, and installation.

Finishing choices can change your entire lead time. Laminating a full roll of exterior hoarding? That adds hours. CNC cutting 300 shaped items? We need to adjust machine slots. If install requires out-of-hours access, it affects crew availability and delivery logistics.

Discuss these from day one:

• Type of lamination (if any) — e.g. anti-scuff for retail, anti-graffiti for street-facing graphics
• Drilling or cutting — CNC shape, router cut, or kiss-cutting on vinyl
• Packing by SKU, region, or drop point
• Installation crew and access requirements

“We’re happy to do the heavy lifting. Just give us the full picture early — not the night before.”
— Dan Hickford, Print Consultant

Key Takeaways

• Don’t assume artwork is print-ready — check bleed, resolution, scale, and colour profiles
• Provide all specs upfront — including finishing and delivery info
• Let the team advise on materials based on environment and application
• Communicate any changes clearly and quickly after sign-off
• Consider the full lifecycle of your project — from finishing to install

Want a print project that runs on time and on budget?

Our team builds print around your schedule and use-case — with expert guidance every step of the way. 👉 Talk to Wallace Print and we’ll help you avoid common mistakes before they cost you.

Author Box

Dan Hickford operates as a Print Consultant projecting managing from supply, to print and installation. His knowledge of process, material behaviour, and setup efficiency is why Wallace Print consistently delivers.

With insight from Mark Folkard and John Lidbury

Mark ensures every spec is operationally realistic, while John champions client clarity at the briefing stage — so that jobs start strong and stay that way.