Buffalo Poly Banner Media Roll — Professional Polypropylene Film for Photos, Posters, Displays & Signage
Buffalo Poly Banner Media Roll is a professional-grade white polypropylene film engineered for wide-format aqueous inkjet printing. Available in two finishes — Matte (6 mil, 120 gsm) and Glossy (8.2 mil, 145 gsm) — this polypropylene media is designed for photos, POS/POP displays, posters, tradeshow and exhibition graphics, and GIS/CAD output. Both finishes use a porous ink-receptive coating on a durable, water-resistant, curl-free, tear-resistant polypropylene base — delivering the durability and image quality that paper-based media cannot match, at a lower per-square-foot cost than vinyl.
Matte vs. Glossy — Full Comparison
| Specification | Matte (Buffalo PPM) | Glossy (Buffalo PPF) |
|---|---|---|
| Caliper | 6 mil | 8.2 mil |
| Weight | 120 gsm | 145 gsm |
| Base Material | Polypropylene | Polypropylene |
| Coating | Porous | Microporous |
| Surface | Matte — low glare | Glossy — maximum vibrance |
| Color Reproduction | Brilliant, rich colors | Extremely sharp, vivid color |
| Opacity | High | High (key feature) |
| Dry Time | Fast (porous) | Extremely fast (microporous) |
| Water Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Tear Resistance | Yes | Yes |
| Curl Free | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | Economical PP solution | Premium display quality |
| Applications | Photos, POS/POP, Posters, Tradeshow, GIS/CAD | Photos, POS/POP, Posters, Tradeshow, GIS/CAD |
| Roll Length | 100ft | 100ft |
| Lamination | Optional | Optional |
| Shelf Life | 1 year / 6-month coating warranty | 1 year / 6-month coating warranty |
Choosing the Right Finish
Choose Matte When:
- You need an economical polypropylene solution without compromising image quality
- Prints will be displayed under fluorescent or LED lighting where glare would reduce legibility
- You’re producing roll-up banner stand graphics, tradeshow displays, or retail aisle banners
- Viewers will be standing close to the print where glossy reflections would be distracting
- You want a refined, gallery-style look for posters, POS displays, or exhibition graphics
Choose Glossy When:
- Maximum color saturation, sharpness, and visual impact are the priority
- You’re producing photo-realistic output — portraits, product photography, photo enlargements
- You need extremely fast dry times for high-volume production runs
- You’re producing retail graphics, window displays, or exhibition pieces viewed from a distance
- You need the higher opacity and weight of the 8.2 mil / 145 gsm base for premium feel
- You’re producing detailed GIS maps or CAD graphics where fine line sharpness matters
Applications at a Glance
| Application | Matte | Glossy | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photos and photo enlargements | ✅ | ✅ | Both deliver brilliant color on polypropylene base |
| POS / POP displays | ✅ | ✅ | Tear-resistant polypropylene survives high-traffic retail |
| Posters and promotional prints | ✅ | ✅ | Ultra-white base produces vivid, accurate color |
| Tradeshow and exhibition graphics | ✅ | ✅ | Matte reduces glare under event lighting; Glossy maximizes impact |
| GIS maps and CAD output | ✅ | ✅ | Both support precise line detail and color accuracy for technical graphics |
| Roll-up and banner stand graphics | ✅ Best | ⚠️ | Matte preferred — lightweight, low-glare, curl-free for retractable stands |
| Retail window display graphics | ⚠️ | ✅ Best | Glossy maximizes visual impact from street-facing displays |
| Short-term outdoor (laminated) | ✅ | ✅ | Water-resistant polypropylene handles brief outdoor use with lamination |
| Grommeted hanging banners | ✅ | ✅ | Tear-resistant polypropylene base holds grommets well |
Why Polypropylene Film vs. Paper and Vinyl
| Property | Buffalo Poly Media | Coated Paper | Vinyl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tear resistance | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Poor | ✅ Good |
| Water resistance | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Poor | ✅ Excellent |
| Dimensional stability | ✅ Won’t stretch or warp | ⚠️ Warps in humidity | ⚠️ Can stretch under blade |
| Curl resistance | ✅ Curl-free | ⚠️ Curls with humidity | ✅ Stable |
| Contour cut quality | ✅ Clean precise cuts | ✅ Clean cuts | ⚠️ Can distort |
| Indoor durability | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Poor | ✅ Excellent |
| Cost vs vinyl | ✅ Lower per sq ft | ✅ Lowest | ⚠️ Higher |
| Grommet / sew capable | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Compatible Wide-Format Printers
Buffalo Poly Media Roll is compatible with pigment and dye-based aqueous inkjet inks used in all major wide-format printer brands and models:
Epson SureColor Series
- Epson SureColor T3470 / T5470 (24in / 36in)
- Epson SureColor T5770D / T7770D / T7770DL (36in / 44in)
- Epson SureColor P6570 / P7570 / P8570 (roll mode)
- Epson SureColor P9570 / P20570 (44in / 64in roll mode)
Canon imagePROGRAF Series
- Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100 / PRO-4100 / PRO-6100
- Canon imagePROGRAF TM-200 / TM-300 / TM-305
- Canon imagePROGRAF TX-3100 / TX-4100
- Canon imagePROGRAF GP-200 / GP-300 / GP-4000 / GP-6400
HP DesignJet & PageWide Series
- HP DesignJet T520 / T525 / T630 / T650 / T730 / T830 / T930
- HP DesignJet Z6 / Z9+ (24in and 44in)
- HP PageWide XL 4000 / 5000 / 6000 / 8000
Note: This media is engineered for aqueous (water-based) inkjet printers using pigment or dye inks. Not recommended for solvent, eco-solvent, or UV-curable printers without testing. ICC profiles available — contact Buffalo Imaging with your printer and RIP details.
Printing and Storage Guidelines
- Printing temperature: 59–86°F (15–30°C) / Humidity 30–60%
- Storage: 50–77°F (10–30°C) / Relative humidity 50% / Original packaging / Away from direct sunlight
- Shelf life: 1 year in original packaging at recommended conditions. Coating warranty guaranteed for 6 months from date of purchase.
- Lamination: Optional for indoor use. Recommended for outdoor, floor, or high-wear applications.
- Contour cutting: Adjust blade pressure to slightly below your standard vinyl setting for cleanest cuts on polypropylene
- ICC profiles: Available from Buffalo Imaging — call or contact us with your printer model and RIP software
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Buffalo Imaging |
| Base Material | Polypropylene (Poly film) |
| Matte — Caliper | 6 mil |
| Matte — Weight | 120 gsm |
| Matte — Coating | Porous |
| Glossy — Caliper | 8.2 mil |
| Glossy — Weight | 145 gsm |
| Glossy — Coating | Microporous |
| Roll Length | 100ft |
| Compatible Inks | Pigment and dye (aqueous) |
| Key Properties | Tear resistant, water resistant, curl-free, high opacity, dimensionally stable |
| Lamination | Optional |
| Shelf Life | 1 year / 6-month coating warranty from purchase |
What is Buffalo Poly Banner Media Roll used for?
Buffalo Poly Media Roll is a professional polypropylene film for wide-format aqueous inkjet printing. Both the matte and glossy finishes are designed for the same core applications: photos, POS/POP displays, posters, tradeshow and exhibition graphics, and GIS/CAD output. The polypropylene base is tear-resistant, water-resistant, and curl-free — producing durable, high-quality prints that paper media cannot match. It is available in matte (6 mil / 120 gsm) and glossy (8.2 mil / 145 gsm) finishes in multiple widths from 24in to 60in.
What is the difference between the matte and glossy poly banner media?
The matte finish (6 mil / 120 gsm porous coating) is the economical solution — it delivers brilliant color reproduction with a low-glare surface ideal for environments where ambient lighting would cause reflections. The glossy finish (8.2 mil / 145 gsm microporous coating) is the premium option — it is slightly heavier and thicker with extremely fast dry times, high opacity, and sharper, more vivid color expression for maximum visual impact. Both finishes are suitable for the same range of applications — photos, posters, POS/POP displays, tradeshow graphics, and GIS/CAD output. The choice comes down to the display environment and desired visual effect.
What wide-format printers are compatible with Buffalo Poly Banner Media Roll?
Buffalo Poly Media Roll is compatible with all major aqueous wide-format inkjet printers using pigment or dye inks including: Epson SureColor T3470, T5470, T5770D, T7770D, T7770DL, P6570, P7570, P8570, P9570; Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2100, PRO-4100, PRO-6100, TM-200, TM-300, TM-305, TX-3100, TX-4100, GP-200, GP-300, GP-4000, GP-6400; HP DesignJet T520, T525, T630, T650, T730, T830, T930, Z6, Z9+, and HP PageWide XL 4000, 5000, 6000, and 8000 series. ICC profiles are available — contact Buffalo Imaging with your printer model and RIP software for a matched profile.
Is polypropylene media good for photos and photo enlargements?
Yes — both finishes are specifically listed for photo applications. The matte finish produces brilliant, accurate color on a non-reflective surface ideal for studio, gallery, or exhibition photo display. The glossy finish uses a microporous coating for extremely sharp color expression and vivid, photo-realistic output — ideal for high-impact photo enlargements, retail display prints, and any application where color vibrancy and sharpness are the priority. The ultra-white polypropylene base on both finishes provides a wide color gamut and accurate neutral tone reproduction.
Is this media suitable for tradeshow and exhibition graphics?
Yes — tradeshow and exhibition graphics are a primary application for both finishes. The tear-resistant polypropylene base handles the repeated rolling, transport, and setup that tradeshow graphics endure. The matte finish eliminates glare under fluorescent and LED event lighting for clean, readable graphics at any viewing angle. The glossy finish maximizes color impact for high-visibility display applications. Both finishes are curl-free and dimensionally stable — important for large-format graphics that need to hang flat in banner stand and retractable display hardware.
Can this polypropylene media be used for GIS maps and CAD output?
Yes — GIS/CAD output is listed as a supported application for both matte and glossy finishes. The polypropylene base provides dimensional stability that paper maps and technical drawings lack — important for large-format GIS prints that will be handled, rolled, and referenced in the field. The glossy finish is particularly well-suited for GIS and CAD applications where fine line detail, color accuracy for layer differentiation, and sharp edge definition are critical. The matte finish works well for prints that will be used under bright overhead lighting where glossy reflections would reduce readability.
What widths are available and what is the roll length?
Buffalo Poly Media Roll is available in 24 inch, 36 inch, 44 inch, 50 inch, and 60 inch widths. All rolls are 100 feet long. Not every finish is available in every width — select your Finish (Matte or Glossy) and Width from the dropdown before adding to cart to confirm availability. If you need a width not listed, contact us for availability.
How long does unused poly media last in storage?
Shelf life is one year when stored in original packaging at recommended conditions: temperature 50–77°F (10–30°C) and relative humidity 50%, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The coating warranty is guaranteed for 6 months from the date of purchase. Keep rolls stored vertically on proper roll racks to prevent pressure deformation. Once a roll is loaded in your printer, plan to use it within a reasonable production window for best ink adhesion and color consistency.
Do I need to laminate polypropylene media?
Lamination is optional for indoor applications. Both matte and glossy finishes are water-resistant and durable enough for standard indoor display, retail, and tradeshow use without lamination. For outdoor applications, floor graphics, or any high-wear environment where the printed surface will face cleaning chemicals or physical abrasion, a clear overlaminate is recommended to extend lifespan and add scratch resistance. The polypropylene base is already more durable than paper — lamination adds an extra protection layer for demanding applications.
Are ICC profiles available for Buffalo Poly Media Roll?
Yes. ICC profiles are available for specific printer and RIP software combinations. Contact Buffalo Imaging with your printer model and RIP software details and we will provide the appropriate profile to optimize color output on both the matte and glossy polypropylene media. Using a matched ICC profile significantly improves color accuracy, reduces ink consumption, and eliminates the need for manual color correction on most printers.








































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