Creative Applications of Print on Unusual Substrates

When most people think of printing, they imagine ink on paper: brochures, catalogs, posters, or signage. But the print world has evolved far beyond paper. Thanks to advances in technology, particularly in large format printing and specialty presses, Schiele Group can print on an incredible range of unusual substrates—materials that open new doors for creativity, durability, and brand engagement.

From metal signage to wood displays, from magnetic promotional pieces to vinyl wraps, these innovative applications allow businesses to stand out in a saturated marketplace. Let’s explore how printing on these substrates works, why it matters, and the bold ways brands are using them today.

Why Print on Unusual Substrates?

Traditional paper products still hold tremendous value, but unusual substrates offer benefits that paper can’t always achieve:

• Durability – Materials like aluminum, acrylic, and wood withstand outdoor elements, heavy handling, or long-term display.

• Tactile Appeal – The feel of wood, metal, or textured plastic adds depth and a premium quality that customers remember.

• Differentiation – A wood-printed sign or a magnetic direct mail piece instantly stands out from the stack of paper-based marketing.

• Versatility – Unusual substrates work for both functional and decorative applications, from retail displays to promotional giveaways.

  
  

For companies that want to elevate their brand presence, exploring beyond paper opens endless possibilities.

Popular Unusual Substrates in Print

1. Metal Printing: Strength Meets Sophistication

Printing directly on aluminum or steel creates sleek, modern signage that demands attention. Metal is resistant to scratches, UV exposure, and weather, making it ideal for:

• Outdoor signage (storefronts, parking areas, wayfinding).

• Corporate displays in lobbies or boardrooms.

• Custom art prints with a polished, gallery-quality finish.

UV flatbed printing technology makes it possible to print full-color, high-resolution images directly onto metal surfaces. This means brands can achieve vibrant logos or stunning photography with a durable, industrial edge.

2. Wood Printing: Natural, Rustic, and Memorable

Wood offers warmth and texture that paper and plastic cannot replicate. Printing directly onto plywood, reclaimed boards, or hardwood panels adds character while highlighting sustainability and craftsmanship.

Applications include:

• Event backdrops and booth graphics with a rustic, artisanal look.

• Restaurant menus or signage printed on thin wooden sheets.

• Promotional items like coasters, plaques, or branded décor.

Wood substrates align particularly well with eco-conscious or lifestyle brands who want to emphasize natural quality and authenticity.

3. Magnetic Printing: Stick with Your Customers

Magnets are one of the most enduring promotional products. Unlike paper handouts, customers actually keep magnets—on refrigerators, filing cabinets, and whiteboards—where they remain in daily view.

Magnetic substrates are great for:

• Calendars (a year-round reminder of your brand).

• Business cards that won’t get lost.

• Event reminders mailed directly to customers.

• Interactive signage where pieces can be rearranged.

By combining direct mail strategy with a useful magnetic piece, companies can significantly increase engagement and brand recall.

4. Acrylic and Plastic: Sleek and Modern

Printing on clear or frosted acrylic creates a striking effect for signage and displays. These substrates are strong, lightweight, and adaptable for:

• Point-of-purchase displays in retail environments.

• Tradeshow graphics that need to travel well.

• Awards or recognition plaques with full-color logos and names.

Acrylic combines durability with a modern, professional aesthetic—perfect for brands aiming to highlight innovation.

5. Fabric and Canvas: Soft Yet Impactful

Fabric printing has become a major trend for large-format graphics. Fabric substrates are easy to transport, reusable, and visually stunning. Applications include:

• Trade show booth graphics that pack small but make a big impact.

• Event backdrops with seamless, wrinkle-free finishes.

• Retail displays where fabric banners provide a softer, more upscale look.

Canvas prints also bring photography or branding to life with a textured, artistic feel.

6. Vinyl and Specialty Films: Wrap It Up

Vinyl substrates make it possible to transform almost any surface into a branded space:

• Vehicle wraps that turn cars, trucks, or fleets into mobile billboards.

• Window graphics that allow visibility from one side while promoting on the other.

• Floor graphics for retail or event wayfinding.

Specialty films add options like metallic finishes, holographic effects, or glow-in-the-dark inks for unforgettable presentations.

Real-World Applications: Projects That Push the Limits

At Schiele Group, we’ve worked on projects where unusual substrates made all the difference:

• Cosmetics displays using acrylic and backlit signage in national retailers.

• Custom wood-printed panels for a local brewery’s taproom, reinforcing their handcrafted brand.

• Metal signs for industrial clients that needed both durability and a professional look.

• Magnetic direct mail campaigns, where customers held onto the piece long after a paper flyer would have been tossed.

These projects show how the right substrate not only supports the message but amplifies it.

How to Choose the Right Substrate for Your Project

With so many options, how do you select the best material? Consider:

1. Purpose & Environment

   Is the piece for long-term outdoor use, or short-term event graphics?

   Does it need to resist weather, handling, or travel?

2. Brand Personality

   A tech company might shine on acrylic or metal.

   A craft brewer or artisan shop might resonate with wood.

3. Budget & Quantities

   Specialty substrates may cost more than paper, but the return on impact is often higher.

   For small, targeted campaigns, investing in unusual substrates makes sense.

4. Print Technology Compatibility

   Flatbed UV printing allows direct-to-substrate flexibility.

   Wide-format printers can handle vinyl, fabric, and specialty films.

A trusted partner like Schiele Group can guide you through these choices to ensure the final product aligns perfectly with your vision and goals.

The Future of Printing on Unusual Substrates

As print technology continues to evolve, the boundaries of what’s possible are expanding. Expect to see:

• More sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled composites.

• Interactive printing with QR codes and augmented reality on unconventional surfaces.

• Hybrid projects where multiple substrates combine in layered, 3D displays.

Innovative brands will continue to push the limits, using print not just as a means of communication, but as an immersive experience.

Conclusion: Stand Out by Thinking Beyond Paper

In a world where every brand is competing for attention, printing on unusual substrates offers a way to rise above the noise. Whether it’s a metal sign that lasts for years, a wood-printed display that tells a story, or a magnetic giveaway that customers actually use, these materials deliver staying power and memorability.

At Schiele Group, we don’t just put ink on paper—we bring creativity to life across substrates, shapes, and sizes. With our expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, we help brands push boundaries and make a lasting impression.

Ready to take your next project beyond paper? Contact Schiele Group today to discover how unusual substrates can transform your print marketing.