I'm looking for a source to print a digital file on canvas sized to around 6 feet high x 17 feet wide. It will be displayed in the lobby of a building with indirect light .It will need to last many years without fading or shifting colors. Anyone have any sources capable of taking this on ?
You might want to check out dye sublimation production houses. I’ve used dye sub tensioned fabric with an aluminum extrusions and the projects have worked out very well. The extrusion, with a continuous edge or face groove can be attached to a dye sublimated image on a stretchy fabric using an silicone “grommet”. The dye sub manufacturer applies the “grommet” around the perimeter of the fabric. It fits into a slotted groove on the frame. When the frame and graphic are assembled the visual effect is that of a large floating graphic.
Depending on how you plan it, the aluminum extrusion can becomes a visual framing element or is hidden behind the graphic. Big images are easy to transport, set up and very permanent. Since the grommet and the extrusion have to mate, you get both the frame and the graphic from the same manufacturer. Also, a 6’ x 17’ graphic would probably require internal bracing.
There are several companies in the business. Most tend to deal only with “the trade”. The trade being exhibit display firms. You might check out. AIT fabric frames, Moss Graphics, or Optima graphics out of Fenton MO. I’ve worked with all of the them and they are all professionals although the last two may refer you to a dealer.
