Buffalo Eco-Solvent Backlit Film 275 gsm | Solvent, Latex & UV | Glossy & Matte

Buffalo eco-solvent backlit film is a 275 gsm translucent PET film used for applications where the print is illuminated from behind. Common applications include lightbox graphics in retail stores and hotels, backlit trade show display panels, department store promotional displays, luminous advertising surfaces, bus shelter and metro transit advertising panels, and airport corridor displays. Available in Glossy and Matte finishes across 36 in, 54 in, and 60 in widths on 100 ft rolls. Compatible with eco-solvent, solvent, latex, and UV-curable inks.

Both Glossy and Matte finishes use the same 275 gsm translucent PET base at 8.2 mil. Glossy backlit film produces the highest color saturation and maximum light transmission — vivid, high-impact output for product advertising and brand displays where maximum visual impact is the goal. The Glossy finish also adds a waterproof, scratch-resistant coating that eliminates the need for lamination in most indoor applications. Matte (semi-matte) backlit film diffuses transmitted light more evenly, reducing hot spots and glare — preferred for portrait-heavy graphics, text-heavy displays, and high-traffic environments where viewers approach from varied angles. Both deliver high contrast, high image density output with the light on or off.

Buffalo eco-solvent backlit film (both Glossy and Matte) is compatible with eco-solvent, solvent, latex, and UV-curable wide format printers. This includes Roland, Mimaki, and Mutoh eco-solvent systems; HP Latex 300, 500, 700, and 800 series; Epson SureColor SC series; Canon latex printers; and UV roll-to-roll systems. Use the backlit film or transparent media type preset in your printer RIP for both finishes.

Buffalo eco-solvent backlit film is available in 36 in, 54 in, and 60 in widths in both Glossy and Matte finishes. All rolls are 100 ft long on a 3 in core. Select your width and finish from the dropdown above. The 36 in width suits most standard lightbox systems. The 54 in and 60 in widths cover wider display formats and production runs where multiple panels are ganged on one roll.

For most indoor applications, lamination is not required. The Glossy finish includes a waterproof and scratch-resistant coating that provides sufficient surface protection for lightbox graphics, trade show displays, and retail signage in protected indoor environments — no secondary lamination step needed. The Matte finish is also suitable for unlaminated indoor use. For outdoor applications including bus shelters and transit panels, a UV-resistant overlaminate is recommended for both finishes — it extends outdoor durability from 1 year to 2 years and improves resistance to UV degradation and moisture.

Yes. Buffalo eco-solvent backlit film in both Glossy and Matte finishes is rated for outdoor illuminated signage applications including bus shelter panels and metro transit advertising. Without overlamination, both finishes are rated for up to 1 year of outdoor exposure under normal conditions. With a UV-resistant overlaminate applied after printing, outdoor durability extends to 2 years. VTM-2 flame rating meets the fire resistance requirements of most outdoor transit and public space installations.

VTM-2 is a vertical thin material flame resistance rating from the UL 94 test standard for polyester film. It means the material has been tested and certified for restricted flame spread on thin flexible polyester substrates. Both the Glossy and Matte versions of Buffalo eco-solvent backlit film carry VTM-2 certification, meeting the fire resistance requirements for most trade show venues, convention centers, retail installations, hotel lobbies, and public transit advertising environments.

Use the backlit film or transparent media type preset in your printer RIP for both Glossy and Matte finishes. Calibrate ink density carefully before a full production run — heavier ink loads on translucent PET increase opacity, reducing light transmission and potentially creating uneven illumination when the lightbox is on. Print a density test strip and view it in your actual lightbox at production brightness before committing. Print at 59–86°F with 30–60% relative humidity for best ink adhesion. Allow the print to dry fully before installing in the lightbox frame — typically 15–30 minutes depending on ink system and load.

It depends on the graphic content and viewing environment. For product photography, lifestyle imagery, and high-impact brand graphics where vivid color is the priority, Glossy is the better choice — maximum color saturation and light transmission with a clean, professional finish. For graphics with significant text, portrait photography, or fine detail work, Matte is preferred — even light diffusion reduces glare and hot spots that can make text harder to read and fine detail harder to see. For trade show environments where viewers approach from multiple angles and distances, Matte typically produces a more consistent-looking display. If in doubt, request a test print on both finishes before ordering a full production roll.