Every printed billboard in Pakistan, whether it's a hoarding, a sky sign, a wall panel or a pole streamer, carries a panaflex print. A sharp, tight, bright panaflex makes a brand look premium. A faded, blurry or sagging one damages the brand it's meant to promote.
Here is what every advertiser should know about panaflex printing in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, from choosing the flex to getting it installed properly.
What is panaflex?
Panaflex, usually just called flex, is a PVC-coated fabric printed on large-format machines with weather-resistant inks. It's tough enough to survive months of summer sun and monsoon rain, and it's stretched tight across the billboard frame.
Types of flex for billboard printing
| Flex type | Used for |
|---|---|
| Front-lit flex | Standard hoardings and sky signs, lit from the front or unlit |
| Back-lit flex | Glowing signs and light boxes, lit from behind |
| Star flex / premium flex | Thicker material with richer colours, for long campaigns and landmark sites |
| Vinyl | Stuck directly onto walls, glass, shop fronts and vehicles |
The right choice depends on the site, the lighting and how long the campaign runs. We recommend the right material for every board.
How to prepare artwork for panaflex printing
Billboards are huge, so artwork that looks fine on a laptop can print blurry. Follow these rules:
- Design at the exact site size and ratio, for example 60 × 20 ft or 90 × 30 ft
- Use high-resolution images. Stretched low-quality photos look pixelated even from a distance.
- Use vector logos and text (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) for crisp edges
- Work in CMYK and check brand colours against a printed proof, because screens look brighter than print
- Leave a safe margin around the edges for framing and stretching
Not sure your file is ready? Our Creative Studio checks and prepares every file. Read our billboard design rules.
How to make panaflex colours last
Pakistan's summer sun fades cheap inks fast. To keep your print bright:
- Use quality outdoor inks and flex
- Choose bold, saturated colours rather than pale tones
- Replace the flex on long bookings, or after storms
Installation matters as much as printing
A great print badly installed will sag, wrinkle or tear in the wind. Our teams stretch and fix every panaflex tightly on the frame, then photograph the finished site. After that, you get weekly date-stamped photos, so you know the flex is up, tight and visible.
One team: design, print, install, track
With GillANi’s, you don't need a separate designer, printer and installer:
- Design: billboard and campaign design sized to the site
- Print: panaflex printed to the exact size and lighting
- Install: on hoardings, sky signs and streamers
- Track: weekly photos on WhatsApp or email
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between panaflex and star flex?
Panaflex is the general name for printed PVC flex used on billboards. Star flex is a thicker, premium grade with smoother, richer colours, often chosen for long campaigns and landmark sites.
Which flex is used for backlit signs?
Back-lit flex, which lets light pass through, so the sign glows from behind. Standard front-lit flex is used for regular hoardings and sky signs.
What resolution is needed for billboard printing?
Large billboards don't need the same resolution as small prints, but images must still be sharp at full size. Use high-resolution photos and vector logos, and design at the exact site ratio.
Does GillANi’s install the panaflex too?
Yes. GillANi’s prints, stretches and installs panaflex on our billboards, sky signs and streamers, and sends weekly site photos to confirm it stays up.
Get a panaflex printing quote
Need panaflex printing for a billboard, an event or a shop front in Islamabad or Rawalpindi? Contact us or call 0333-5444975 with the size and quantity.
