FAQ
Quotes / Files
How do I get a quote?
We have 3 ways to do it… You can upload your files from our website (top right “ORDER” button on each page), give us some information and we’ll get back to you with a quote. You can also call us at 512-236-0600, or email us here.
Click the big red “ORDER” button at the top of every page in this website to get started. It will bring up a short HiTail Form where you can upload your file (or a smaller filesize low-resolution version of it for a quote).
How do I get a quote?
We have 3 ways to do it… You can upload your files from our website (top right “ORDER” button on each page), give us some information and we’ll get back to you with a quote. You can also call us at 512-236-0600, or email us here.
Click the big red “ORDER” button at the top of every page in this website to get started. It will bring up a short HiTail Form where you can upload your file (or a smaller filesize low-resolution version of it for a quote).
Types of Equipment
What types of equipment do you have?
API Austin has a wide variety of equipment on site to give you the fastest service and highest quality graphics for your needs, see the questions below for more detail on specific devices. See the Equipment page for more details about this equipment:
Printing Equipment:
EFI Vutek 5R+ with Ultra Drop Technology – 16ft wide / 1,2000 DPI prints for billboards, tradeshow graphics, commercial graphics, textiles and more
Vutek H5 – 10ft wide / 8-color super sharp graphics – direct to board printer
EPSON SC P20000 Professional Printer – 11-color archival inks for high volume printing environments
Cutters and Routers:
Zund G3 Digital Cutter / Router – precision cutouts up to 5×10-ft
Scanners:
Cruse Scanner — for large original fine art up to 4in thick, flat artwork or four color reproductions that would ordinarily be too big for conventional scanners.
Epson Flatbed Scanner — high quality scans, perfect for flat art, 12 x 17, scans up to 2400 dpi
What types of equipment do you have?
API Austin has a wide variety of equipment on site to give you the fastest service and highest quality graphics for your needs, see the questions below for more detail on specific devices. See the Equipment page for more details about this equipment:
Printing Equipment:
EFI Vutek 5R+ with Ultra Drop Technology – 16ft wide / 1,2000 DPI prints for billboards, tradeshow graphics, commercial graphics, textiles and more
Vutek H5 – 10ft wide / 8-color super sharp graphics – direct to board printer
EPSON SC P20000 Professional Printer – 11-color archival inks for high volume printing environments
Cutters and Routers:
Zund G3 Digital Cutter / Router – precision cutouts up to 5×10-ft
Scanners:
Cruse Scanner — for large original fine art up to 4in thick, flat artwork or four color reproductions that would ordinarily be too big for conventional scanners.
Epson Flatbed Scanner — high quality scans, perfect for flat art, 12 x 17, scans up to 2400 dpi
Types of Materials
What are the various materials / substrates you can print on?
Flex Vinyl
Vinyl Mesh
Backlit Vinyl
Adhesive Vinyl — in white or clear
Specialty Materials — such as wallpaper, textured floor graphics, window cling
Metal
Dibond (Aluminum Composite Material) – ACMs such as White or Brushed Aluminum
Acrylic — (Plexi)
Gatorboard
Artboards
Sintra
Styrene
Giclee Fine Art Paper — Watercolor, Sommerset Velvet & Enhanced Matte
Canvas
Photographic papers — Matte, Glossy and Pearl (metallic)
And much more
What are the various materials / substrates you can print on?
Flex Vinyl
Vinyl Mesh
Backlit Vinyl
Adhesive Vinyl — in white or clear
Specialty Materials — such as wallpaper, textured floor graphics, window cling
Metal
Dibond (Aluminum Composite Material) – ACMs such as White or Brushed Aluminum
Acrylic — (Plexi)
Gatorboard
Artboards
Sintra
Styrene
Giclee Fine Art Paper — Watercolor, Sommerset Velvet & Enhanced Matte
Canvas
Photographic papers — Matte, Glossy and Pearl (metallic)
And much more
Types of Printing
What are all the types of printing you can do?
Here’s the quick list, and for a little more detail, scroll down.
Billboards
Banners
Digital Wallpaper
Adhesive Graphics
Giclée Fine Art Printing
Canvas Printing
Direct-to-board Printing
Backlit Signage
Dibond Printing
Acrylic-Prints
Plexiglas Printing
Indoor Systems
Banner Stands
Backdrops / Step and Repeats
Custom Cut-Outs
Can you print Billboards?
We have an 8-color press. We produce vinyl billboards in all standard sizes on MEA approved substrates including mesh and flex vinyl. To see more about our billboards, please click here.
Can you print Building Wraps?
From construction sites to grand openings let your building tell the story. The bigger the better. We can go on and on and on and on. To see more of our building wraps, please click here.
Can you print Banners?
We have an 8-color press that can print 16 ft. wide by almost any length. We can produce graphics for pop-up portable stands or tradeshow booth graphics. Banners can be printed on flex vinyl or a variety of other material including canvas. To see more on our banners, please click here.
We have a variety of banner finishing options:
- Grommets — metal hole reinforcement which you see on most banners.
- Pole Pockets — pole pockets all for rigid poles to be inserted along the edges of the banner. These poles make it easy to change out messages quickly.
- Welded Edges — welded edges reinforce the sides of the vinyl banners, helping to maintain the banner’s shape and prevent stretching. This finish is standard with all banner orders.
- D-Rings — D-rings are typically sewn into large banners that will hang on buildings. These rings allow the banner to be secured with ratchet straps.
- Webbing — nylon webbing sewn into the top and bottom makes the banner stronger and will significantly extend its life.
Can you print Digital Wallpaper?
We have an 8-color press that can print 16 ft. wide by almost any length. Custom wall paper and murals are very popular. You see them often in restaurants, retail and even residential interiors — especially children’s rooms. You design it, we’ll print it. Our printers will produce stunning photo quality on vinyl wallpaper material. You can select permanent or removable and repositionable materials. We also have a graffiti-proof liquid lamination for ultimate protection. Images can be tiled together to create a graphic that’s easy to install.
Can you print Adhesive Graphics, stickers?
We have an 8-color press that can print 16 ft. wide by almost any length. From floor graphics to windows and vehicles, we can print and adhere to almost anything.
Can you print Gicleé Fine Art?
Giclée is a sophisticated inkjet printing method. Giclée mergers the use of professional grade large format printers with archival pigment inks, acid free watercolor papers, and canvas. By using custom profiles, precise color correction and expert scanning, pigment printing can render subtle gradations and many colors that would be out of range with other technologies. We use the latest imaging equipment and profiling technologies. All art substrates used are archival and acid free. Every file sent to us is opened and tested for color, resolution and shadow/highlight information.
We DO NOT retouch, color correct or resize any image provided for Giclée printing unless requested by the customer. Proofs are printed on the final output substrate (i.e., canvas or watercolor), no generic proofing paper. When supplied with original art, we will scan, correct and proof to be as close as possible to the original. We print all items in house. Your art will never leave our premises.
Can you print on Canvas?
Have an awesome photo you want to showcase? Then let’s print it on canvas and wrap it around the frame. This way the frame doesn’t take a way from the beauty of the photo and gives it that gallery quality look.
Can you print “Direct-To-Board/Substrate,” like Gatorboard, brushed or white aluminum?
Our technology provides you with direct-to-board/substrate printing that delivers rich, full color images on a variety of materials. We use UV inks that are resistant to moisture and fading. Here is a list of common materials/substrates we can print directly on:
Flex Vinyl
Vinyl Mesh
Backlit Vinyl
Adhesive vinyl in white or clear Specialty materials such as wallpaper, textured floor graphics, window cling
Metal
Dibond (White or Brushed Aluminum)
Acrylic (Plexi)
Gatorboard
Artboards
Sintra
Styrene
Polycarbonate
And More… (just ask)
Can you print Backlit Signage?
From menu boards to retail point of purchase, backlit has the highest impact and attention grabbing power of all signage applications. We have a broad range of backlit materials to satisfy your requirements. From museum to menus.
Can you print Photographs onto Aluminum, “Dibond Printing?”
Dibond is high definition, photographic imaging on aluminum. This is a unique technology that we’ve been involved with since the beginning. Unlike printing processes that print on top of a coating applied to the paper, our process adheres the image onto the coated finish of the aluminum. The result is better color: richer, deeper, brighter. Dibond prints are printed directly onto the aluminum finish. To ensure longer lasting protection, we can also add a coat of UV liquid lamination.
Can you print directly on Plexiglas?
Printing directly onto plexiglas can have a dramatic impact on the art’s image and is also long lasting. Perfect for lobby graphics and especially for graphics that will get hands-on use such as blue prints and architectural plans.
Can you do color copies? (ZEROX)
Need 50 or 5,000? We can do it. Digital printing is fast and half the cost of traditional offset printing for quantities less than 5,000. Our digital printers print 2400 DPI in sizes up to 12” by 18” (full bleed up to 11” x 17”).
What are all the types of printing you can do?
Here’s the quick list, and for a little more detail, scroll down.
Billboards
Banners
Digital Wallpaper
Adhesive Graphics
Giclée Fine Art Printing
Canvas Printing
Direct-to-board Printing
Backlit Signage
Dibond Printing
Acrylic-Prints
Plexiglas Printing
Indoor Systems
Banner Stands
Backdrops / Step and Repeats
Custom Cut-Outs
Can you print Billboards?
We have an 8-color press. We produce vinyl billboards in all standard sizes on MEA approved substrates including mesh and flex vinyl. To see more about our billboards, please click here.
Can you print Building Wraps?
From construction sites to grand openings let your building tell the story. The bigger the better. We can go on and on and on and on. To see more of our building wraps, please click here.
Can you print Banners?
We have an 8-color press that can print 16 ft. wide by almost any length. We can produce graphics for pop-up portable stands or tradeshow booth graphics. Banners can be printed on flex vinyl or a variety of other material including canvas. To see more on our banners, please click here.
We have a variety of banner finishing options:
- Grommets — metal hole reinforcement which you see on most banners.
- Pole Pockets — pole pockets all for rigid poles to be inserted along the edges of the banner. These poles make it easy to change out messages quickly.
- Welded Edges — welded edges reinforce the sides of the vinyl banners, helping to maintain the banner’s shape and prevent stretching. This finish is standard with all banner orders.
- D-Rings — D-rings are typically sewn into large banners that will hang on buildings. These rings allow the banner to be secured with ratchet straps.
- Webbing — nylon webbing sewn into the top and bottom makes the banner stronger and will significantly extend its life.
Can you print Digital Wallpaper?
We have an 8-color press that can print 16 ft. wide by almost any length. Custom wall paper and murals are very popular. You see them often in restaurants, retail and even residential interiors — especially children’s rooms. You design it, we’ll print it. Our printers will produce stunning photo quality on vinyl wallpaper material. You can select permanent or removable and repositionable materials. We also have a graffiti-proof liquid lamination for ultimate protection. Images can be tiled together to create a graphic that’s easy to install.
Can you print Adhesive Graphics, stickers?
We have an 8-color press that can print 16 ft. wide by almost any length. From floor graphics to windows and vehicles, we can print and adhere to almost anything.
Can you print Gicleé Fine Art?
Giclée is a sophisticated inkjet printing method. Giclée mergers the use of professional grade large format printers with archival pigment inks, acid free watercolor papers, and canvas. By using custom profiles, precise color correction and expert scanning, pigment printing can render subtle gradations and many colors that would be out of range with other technologies. We use the latest imaging equipment and profiling technologies. All art substrates used are archival and acid free. Every file sent to us is opened and tested for color, resolution and shadow/highlight information.
We DO NOT retouch, color correct or resize any image provided for Giclée printing unless requested by the customer. Proofs are printed on the final output substrate (i.e., canvas or watercolor), no generic proofing paper. When supplied with original art, we will scan, correct and proof to be as close as possible to the original. We print all items in house. Your art will never leave our premises.
Can you print on Canvas?
Have an awesome photo you want to showcase? Then let’s print it on canvas and wrap it around the frame. This way the frame doesn’t take a way from the beauty of the photo and gives it that gallery quality look.
Can you print “Direct-To-Board/Substrate,” like Gatorboard, brushed or white aluminum?
Our technology provides you with direct-to-board/substrate printing that delivers rich, full color images on a variety of materials. We use UV inks that are resistant to moisture and fading. Here is a list of common materials/substrates we can print directly on:
Flex Vinyl
Vinyl Mesh
Backlit Vinyl
Adhesive vinyl in white or clear Specialty materials such as wallpaper, textured floor graphics, window cling
Metal
Dibond (White or Brushed Aluminum)
Acrylic (Plexi)
Gatorboard
Artboards
Sintra
Styrene
Polycarbonate
And More… (just ask)
Can you print Backlit Signage?
From menu boards to retail point of purchase, backlit has the highest impact and attention grabbing power of all signage applications. We have a broad range of backlit materials to satisfy your requirements. From museum to menus.
Can you print Photographs onto Aluminum, “Dibond Printing?”
Dibond is high definition, photographic imaging on aluminum. This is a unique technology that we’ve been involved with since the beginning. Unlike printing processes that print on top of a coating applied to the paper, our process adheres the image onto the coated finish of the aluminum. The result is better color: richer, deeper, brighter. Dibond prints are printed directly onto the aluminum finish. To ensure longer lasting protection, we can also add a coat of UV liquid lamination.
Can you print directly on Plexiglas?
Printing directly onto plexiglas can have a dramatic impact on the art’s image and is also long lasting. Perfect for lobby graphics and especially for graphics that will get hands-on use such as blue prints and architectural plans.
Can you do color copies? (ZEROX)
Need 50 or 5,000? We can do it. Digital printing is fast and half the cost of traditional offset printing for quantities less than 5,000. Our digital printers print 2400 DPI in sizes up to 12” by 18” (full bleed up to 11” x 17”).
Finishing, Scanning, Installations and Stuff
Can you do precise custom Cut-Outs?
We can create custom cut-outs for your small or large (life size) graphics. CEO can’t make the tradeshow this year but you’d still like him to make an appearance? Try a custom cut-out of her. Our precision cutting department has the latest technology in fully automated, digital cutting systems. Because it is digital, we no longer have to use expensive and time consuming metal dies. Specialized “i-cut” technology ensures the cut matches the print every time. In additional to life-size cut-outs we can also cut dimensional letters, logos, fine art, displays, point of purchase displays, tradeshow booth graphics, ceiling danglers, and more. We can cut virtually any substrate to satisfy your unique design goals.
What kinds of Mounting and Finishing do you do?
Mounting and Finishing — Great art deserves a great finish.
We can mount on a variety of substrates from foamcore and gatorboard to sintra and acrylics.
We can laminate in a variety of thicknesses and materials that include gloss, luster, and matte options offering UV stabilizing characteristics.
Museum mounts and canvas stretching.
Velcro strips, magnetic strips, black edge binding, grommets, wall mounts, standoffs, french cleats and we also offer a variety of other print hanging solutions.
We will sort, collate, bundle and complete fulfillment by drop shipping via FedEx, UPS, common carrier or local courier service.
What types of Scanning and Retouching are available?
Scanning and Retouching — Our high resolution scanners are capable of scanning everything from an artist’s precious originals to entire archives for museum and libraries. Our expertise in retouching comes from a long tradition of photographic retouching directly onto film and prints. With this intuitive sense of craftsmanship, our artists have a photo realistic way of interpreting their craft. Here‘s more information about our equipment.
Can you re-energize our office or lobby with Indoor graphics?
Looking to reenergize your office and your team? From custom wallpaper, adhesive graphics and prints on acrylic, metal, canvas, etc., we can help you recreate the exact mood you want when people first enter your offices.
What kinds of installations do you do?
If you need professional graphic installation and removal, API Austin has the expertise to do the job. We can make your graphics fit almost any surface — vehicles, walls, fences, buildings…. Spot graphics, signs, tradeshows, photos, even complete wraps.
Can you do precise custom Cut-Outs?
We can create custom cut-outs for your small or large (life size) graphics. CEO can’t make the tradeshow this year but you’d still like him to make an appearance? Try a custom cut-out of her. Our precision cutting department has the latest technology in fully automated, digital cutting systems. Because it is digital, we no longer have to use expensive and time consuming metal dies. Specialized “i-cut” technology ensures the cut matches the print every time. In additional to life-size cut-outs we can also cut dimensional letters, logos, fine art, displays, point of purchase displays, tradeshow booth graphics, ceiling danglers, and more. We can cut virtually any substrate to satisfy your unique design goals.
What kinds of Mounting and Finishing do you do?
Mounting and Finishing — Great art deserves a great finish.
We can mount on a variety of substrates from foamcore and gatorboard to sintra and acrylics.
We can laminate in a variety of thicknesses and materials that include gloss, luster, and matte options offering UV stabilizing characteristics.
Museum mounts and canvas stretching.
Velcro strips, magnetic strips, black edge binding, grommets, wall mounts, standoffs, french cleats and we also offer a variety of other print hanging solutions.
We will sort, collate, bundle and complete fulfillment by drop shipping via FedEx, UPS, common carrier or local courier service.
What types of Scanning and Retouching are available?
Scanning and Retouching — Our high resolution scanners are capable of scanning everything from an artist’s precious originals to entire archives for museum and libraries. Our expertise in retouching comes from a long tradition of photographic retouching directly onto film and prints. With this intuitive sense of craftsmanship, our artists have a photo realistic way of interpreting their craft. Here‘s more information about our equipment.
Can you re-energize our office or lobby with Indoor graphics?
Looking to reenergize your office and your team? From custom wallpaper, adhesive graphics and prints on acrylic, metal, canvas, etc., we can help you recreate the exact mood you want when people first enter your offices.
What kinds of installations do you do?
If you need professional graphic installation and removal, API Austin has the expertise to do the job. We can make your graphics fit almost any surface — vehicles, walls, fences, buildings…. Spot graphics, signs, tradeshows, photos, even complete wraps.
Experience / Overall
Do you use UV Ink?
Yes. We’ve been using UV ink printers since 2001. We are committed to using environmentally friendly substrates suitable for graphics production. UV inks release almost no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) into the air which makes our workplace safer and is better for the environment. If you have a special material you’d like us to consider, please just let us know.
What are your hours of operation?
We are here Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5:30 pm central. We are closed Saturday and Sunday.
5555 N. Lamar Bivd, Ste. J119 Austin, TX 78751
Call Us: (512) 236.0600
How experienced is API Austin with graphics and printing?
API Austin (previously known as Houston Photo Imaging) has been in business since 1998. We’ve had the privilege of working with the area’s leading ad agencies, corporations, architecture firms, retail, real estate and construction companies. We have years of hands-on experience with:
Billboards
Banners
Digital Wallpaper
Adhesive Graphics
Gicleé Fine Art Printing
Canvas Printing
Direct-to-board Printin
Backlit Signage
Dibond Printing
Plexiglas Printing
Banner Stands
4-Color Digital Printing
Custom Cut-Outs
Mounting and Finishing
Scanning
If you’d like to visit with us about your next project, please call us at 512.236.0600 or send us an email. If you’re ready to get started, upload your files and get a quote.
Can you do quick turn-around?
Yes. Quick turn-around projects are our specialty and one of the main reasons we are well respected and highly sought after in the industry. Speed and meeting deadlines is a combination of our state-of-the-art equipment, which is always maintained and ready to go, along with our long-term and knowledgeable staff. Ad agencies, art and marketing directors, sales directors and food service specialists and all our clients know they can count on us to get them what they need when they need it. Size and timing are never issues for us. Most jobs are delivered within 48-72 hours. Rush services available.
Can you do turn-key projects?
Yes. From design, production and printing, to finishing and installation any place in Texas (and beyond), we’ve got you covered.
If you’d like to visit with us about your next project, please call us at 512.236.0600 or send us an email. If you’re ready to get started, upload your files and get a quote.
Do you use UV Ink?
Yes. We’ve been using UV ink printers since 2001. We are committed to using environmentally friendly substrates suitable for graphics production. UV inks release almost no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) into the air which makes our workplace safer and is better for the environment. If you have a special material you’d like us to consider, please just let us know.
What are your hours of operation?
We are here Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5:30 pm central. We are closed Saturday and Sunday.
5555 N. Lamar Bivd, Ste. J119 Austin, TX 78751
Call Us: (512) 236.0600
How experienced is API Austin with graphics and printing?
API Austin (previously known as Houston Photo Imaging) has been in business since 1998. We’ve had the privilege of working with the area’s leading ad agencies, corporations, architecture firms, retail, real estate and construction companies. We have years of hands-on experience with:
Billboards
Banners
Digital Wallpaper
Adhesive Graphics
Gicleé Fine Art Printing
Canvas Printing
Direct-to-board Printin
Backlit Signage
Dibond Printing
Plexiglas Printing
Banner Stands
4-Color Digital Printing
Custom Cut-Outs
Mounting and Finishing
Scanning
If you’d like to visit with us about your next project, please call us at 512.236.0600 or send us an email. If you’re ready to get started, upload your files and get a quote.
Can you do quick turn-around?
Yes. Quick turn-around projects are our specialty and one of the main reasons we are well respected and highly sought after in the industry. Speed and meeting deadlines is a combination of our state-of-the-art equipment, which is always maintained and ready to go, along with our long-term and knowledgeable staff. Ad agencies, art and marketing directors, sales directors and food service specialists and all our clients know they can count on us to get them what they need when they need it. Size and timing are never issues for us. Most jobs are delivered within 48-72 hours. Rush services available.
Can you do turn-key projects?
Yes. From design, production and printing, to finishing and installation any place in Texas (and beyond), we’ve got you covered.
If you’d like to visit with us about your next project, please call us at 512.236.0600 or send us an email. If you’re ready to get started, upload your files and get a quote.