Blueback paper
Blueback paper is a 120 g/m² print material used mainly for short-term billboard posters and large-format advertising campaigns. Its blue reverse side helps reduce show-through from older posters applied underneath, keeping the new message more legible and visually clean. It is a practical choice for outdoor campaign cycles, elections, promotions and information posters where cost-effective production and clear print are important.
| Grammage | 120 g/m² |
|---|---|
| Printing technology | UV, Solvent |
| Print resolution | 1440 dpi |
| Maximum material width | 1,60 m |
| Properties | Resistant to weather conditions, the blue back prevents the graphics from being punctured on the bottom |
| Important information | The price applies to printing in UV technology |
Blueback paper is a large-format printing paper designed for advertising posters applied to billboard surfaces and other temporary display media. The material has a blue reverse side, which helps block the visibility of older layers underneath. This is especially important on billboards, where new posters are often glued directly over previous campaigns.
What makes Blueback paper useful?
The main advantage of Blueback paper is the combination of economical production, good print readability and reduced show-through. The blue back improves the visual result when posters are mounted in layers, so the current advertisement remains clear even if the surface below is not perfectly clean or uniform. With a grammage of 120 g/m², the material is intended for typical short-term campaign use rather than permanent installations.
Where does it work best?
Blueback paper is commonly used for outdoor billboard campaigns, promotional posters, election communication, information campaigns and temporary advertising in public or commercial spaces. It is suitable for intensive, large-scale campaigns that run for a limited period, often where the poster will be replaced after the campaign ends. Indoors, it can also be used for promotional and informational posters in venues such as offices, shops, cultural facilities, restaurants or information points.
Print technology and production limits
The material can be printed using UV or Solvent technology, with print resolution up to 1440 dpi. The maximum material width is 1.60 m, which should be considered when planning poster formats and panel divisions for larger layouts. The listed price applies to printing in UV technology.
How to choose this material
Choose Blueback paper when the campaign is temporary, the budget is important and the print will be applied over existing billboard layers. For long-term outdoor exposure, prolonged direct sun or rain may lead to colour fading or surface damage, so the material is best matched to short campaign cycles or indoor use.
Blueback paper is also commonly referred to as BBS paper or Blueback Side paper. In purchasing and production contexts, clients may also describe it as billboard poster paper with a blue back. These names refer to the same functional idea: a paper material for printed posters where the reverse side helps limit the visibility of older graphics underneath.
Practical applications in campaigns
This material is selected most often for campaigns that need fast, scalable and cost-aware production. It is well suited to billboard advertising, election posters, local information campaigns, seasonal promotions and temporary announcements in commercial or public spaces. The material supports short campaign cycles because it is intended to be mounted, displayed and then replaced by the next poster layer.
- billboard posters for short-term outdoor advertising,
- election and public information campaigns,
- promotional posters for shops, shopping malls and showrooms,
- temporary communication in offices, hotels, restaurants and event venues,
- indoor posters where long exposure to weather is not an issue.
What to consider before ordering?
The key decision is whether the campaign duration and installation location match the material. Blueback paper is weather-resistant for typical temporary outdoor use, but it is not intended as a long-term outdoor material. If the poster will be exposed for an extended period to direct sun, rain or frequent mechanical contact, another substrate may be more suitable.
For billboard work, the blue back is particularly useful when the new print is applied over previous layers. It helps reduce show-through and supports a cleaner final appearance. This does not replace correct mounting, but it gives the poster a better chance of staying readable on layered advertising surfaces.
File preparation and production tips
When preparing files for Blueback paper, use the final print size or a clearly scaled production file. Keep important text, logos and legal information away from the trim edge, especially for posters that will be handled, glued or divided into sections. For large billboard layouts, remember that the maximum material width is 1.60 m, so oversized formats may require production planning in panels.
Because the paper is used mainly for campaign posters, strong contrast, large typography and simple message hierarchy usually work best. Small text may lose visibility at a distance, particularly on outdoor billboards viewed from roads or pedestrian zones. If the design includes large dark areas or fine colour transitions, it is worth checking whether UV or Solvent printing is better suited to the expected visual result and installation method.
Typical mistakes to avoid
A common mistake is choosing Blueback paper for displays that are expected to remain outdoors for too long. The material is economical and effective for short-term campaigns, but prolonged exposure can affect colour and surface condition. Another issue is ignoring the mounting surface: if old posters, glue residues or uneven layers are present, correct installation remains important even when using paper with a blue reverse side.
