Introduction, The Cost You’re Not Checking (And Losing Money Over)
You’re ready to print a show‑stopping 24×36 poster but when you ask for a quote, prices range from £15 to £80+ and you’re left wondering why.
Here’s the twist
Most business owners think a poster price is just “paper and ink.”
What most business owners don’t realise is:
👉 The real price comes from material, finish, turnaround time, and strategic value not just size.
And if you wait to optimise your print spend,
your competitor might already be using high‑impact posters while you overpay or underperform.
In this guide, you’ll discover what a 24×36 print costs in the UK, why pricing varies, and how to make every penny work harder.
What Is a 24×36 Print?
Simply put:
A 24×36 print is a large‑format poster (approx 61 × 91 cm) that’s commonly used for:
- Retail displays
- Shop windows
- Promotions & events
- Trade shows
- Photography or art
In the printing world, this size is often treated as a premium large print and it’s priced accordingly.
Key Questions People Ask (And Simple Answers)
💬 1. How much does a 24×36 print cost in the UK?
Typical costs range from £15 to £80+ depending on quality and options.
💬 2. Why do prices vary so much?
Because of paper type, finish, turnaround time, and extras like lamination or mounting not just size.
💬 3. Can I get cheaper 24×36 prints?
Yes, but beware: ultra‑cheap posters often use thin paper and low resolution, which looks unprofessional.
💬 4. Is it worth paying more for thicker stock or finishes?
Absolutely strong visuals lead to stronger engagement and better return, especially in shopfronts or events.
Typical 24×36 Print Costs (UK Prices)
| Print Type | Price Range | When to Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Matte Poster (Thin Paper) | £15–£30 | Temporary events, indoor only |
| Standard Gloss Poster | £25–£45 | Retail promo, indoor display |
| Premium Thick Paper (200–300 GSM) | £40–£65 | Longer‑term visibility |
| Laminated or Mounted Print | £55–£80+ | Frequent handling or outdoor use |
💡 Here’s what most business owners overlook:
The impact of a poster is linked to thickness, finish, and longevity, not just size and cheap prints rarely perform when it matters most.
Features → Advantages → Benefits
📌 Feature: Gloss vs Matte vs Laminated
- Advantage: Gloss enhances colour and contrast
- Benefit: Your message stands out, gets noticed faster
📌 Feature: 200–300 GSM Thick Paper
- Advantage: Less curling, stays flatter
- Benefit: Looks premium and lasts longer saving you reprint costs
📌 Feature: Quick Turnaround Options
- Advantage: Same‑day or 24‑hour printing
- Benefit: Ideal for last‑minute promotions avoids lost opportunity
👉 Scarcity trigger: If you wait to order at standard turnaround, your competitors might already have their posters up.
Why Buying the Cheapest May Cost More
Cutting cost on your poster isn’t always saving money:
- Thin paper curls quickly → replaces sooner
- Low resolution printing → image blur → weak impact
- No lamination → vulnerable to moisture and wear
Loss aversion psychology:
Customers often notice what’s wrong before what’s right.
A cheap, blurry print can hurt your brand more than no poster at all.
Expert Tips: How to Save Without Sacrificing Quality
✔ Choose standard gloss stock for most business posters looks great and is cost‑effective
✔ Use PDF print export + CMYK colours for accurate output sharp print every time
✔ Ask for proofs ensures no surprises before printing
✔ Order in multiples some printers drop unit cost at higher quantities
Want to understand paper thickness and printing materials? Check our guide on what is the best thickness for posters to match quality to purpose.
How to Choose the Best 24×36 Print for You
Step‑by‑Step
- Define purpose: Short‑term vs long‑term display
- Choose finish: Matte for indoor info, gloss for visuals, laminated for durability
- Select paper weight:
- Event posters → 135–170 GSM
- Retail posters → 200–250 GSM
- Long‑term or outdoor → 250 + GSM
- Ask for a proof: Saves money and avoids errors
👉 If you’re unsure what material suits your campaign best, our professional printing team at Social Media Max can advise you before you print.
Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Printing at screen resolution
❌ Using cheap web images
❌ Choosing the smallest possible paper stock
❌ Not including bleed on files
❌ Ignoring lamination when needed
Authority bias: Professional printers plan projects to avoid these errors and that’s why experienced businesses get better results from the same poster size.
Before vs After (Real Business Transformation)
Before:
Ordered the cheapest 24×36 print → thin paper → curled edges → weak visibility → low engagement.
After:
Upgraded to premium stock with gloss finish → flat, vibrant print → standout display → higher footfall and enquiries.
That difference isn’t magic it’s strategic printing.
Conclusion
So, how much does a 24×36 print cost?
👉 Anywhere from £15 to £80+ in the UK, depending on quality, finish, and durability.
But here’s the real secret:
📌 The best investment isn’t always the cheapest print.
When you prioritise quality, finish, and strategic presentation, your poster becomes a silent salesperson that attracts attention and drives engagement.
👉 Ready to grow your business with professional 24×36 printing?
Contact Social Media Max today.
Don’t wait your competitors won’t.