Duratrans Printing
High-Resolution Prints That Glow
Custom Backlit Film Printing – NYC • NJ • Philadelphia • Scranton
Duratrans Printing for Lightbox Displays and Backlit Graphics
Originally developed by Kodak, Duratrans is a premium-quality backlit film used for high-resolution, photo-realistic prints. At Signs NYC, we specialize in Duratrans printing for lightboxes, retail displays, exhibits, and promotional graphics where sharpness, vibrancy, and illumination are essential. Whether you’re showcasing luxury products or need bold visuals for trade shows, our Duratrans prints deliver exceptional color depth and detail—especially when backlit.

What Is Duratrans Printing?
Duratrans is the shortened name for the Endura Transparency technique. This technique was developed and so named in Kodak Company in mid-1979. It refers to large sized backlit transparent color films. The Duratrans name has been adapted to encompass all forms of large display backlit display materials.
In the printing technique graphics are printed on a translucent base film. It is also possible to print them on a transparent base. In the latter, a milky backside membrane, the diffuser, is added to increase the light dispersion across the whole surface.
Explore Our Duratrans Printing Designs
Browse our gallery of Duratrans printing designs, showcasing vibrant backlit graphics ideal for lightboxes and illuminated displays.





Technical Specs
As you might notice, duratrans offer so many advantages when it comes to display. Whenever thinking of advertising, it should be among your first choices. Get a couple of trustworthy graphic design printers to help you in this pursuit. You won’t regret it.
- Cost: It requires skill to produce. It also needs specialized printers to produce on the special film. This makes its displays more expensive to produce.
- Backlit Restriction: Unfortunately, the backlit display prints are restricted to the use of backlights. Without the availability of backlights, the pictures tend to appear distorted.
- Usage: If using on large format displays it is the best option to use. If trying on a small signage with clear surrounding light there are cheaper options.
- Period of Use: Due to expense it is best used if your mind is made up on middle to long-term use. If you are bent on changing signage and advert displays frequently, you should consider going for another option.

What are the benefits of Duratrans Printing?
Since its advent Duratrans has been preferred for the following reasons:
- Resolution: Duratrans has a higher resolution than most other forms of print solutions. Under normal print, you can easily get a 1200 dpi print. An optimized print can go up to 4000 dpi for very large prints. As such it is a better choice for large outdoor signages.
- Durability/ Color Lifespan: Ultraviolet light tends to cause decay on photographic prints especially cheaper pigment options. It has a higher lifespan in comparison to other print materials. More reason to use it for outdoor displays.
- Black Opacity: Light blocking is an important feature in making graphic prints sparkle prominently. Dura displays handle this print aspect quite well. They can block transmitted light which results in a lighter color schematic where there are dark image shades.
- Dot Size: It can capture so many dots per inch within a small portion. This results in a rich fine picture. As compared to other inkjet prints, it offers some of the smoothest color transition prints.
- Contrast and Saturation: Due to high pixels and resolution, it can produce high contrast prints. The color saturation on its large format display is the best one can get for any display.
Why Duratrans Printing is High In Demand?
Duratrans are widely used these days because of the superb advantages that they offer. Let’s have a look at some of the benefits of Duratrans below:
Photographic Quality
One of the best ways to set your business apart from your competitor is to create a unique appearance. Having a professional looking sign is a great way of doing so. When you use Duratrans with your sign, it will create a high quality as well as professional looking appearance that you are looking for.
Appeal People Naturally
When the colors are bright, people are naturally more satisfied with them. Duratrans make your sign a piece of beauty and art so that leave your customers noticing and commenting about it. You might also hear your customers saying that the sign was the most memorable aspect of your business that helped them to remember your product or service.
Superior Color Transparency
Creating signs that are pronounced, true, and sharp are essential for the success of your business. Go for the streaky colors or the ones that fades from one area to the next call into the question of what your business offers.
Clarity, Contrast, and Sharpness
If you want the right sharpness, clarity, and focus on your images, nothing can help you better than Duratrans. The manufacturing process of Duratrans make sure that the image is not blurry or cloudy. Most of the business have signs that are muddy and unclear. This problem does not occur when you use Duratrans.
Real-World Applications of Duratrans Printing
Duratrans (backlit film) prints are known for their vibrant colors and illuminated presentation. They are perfect for high-impact visuals in illuminated displays across a variety of industries. Here’s where Duratrans is commonly used:
Retail Stores
Showcase product visuals in backlit displays placed in store windows or lightboxes to grab attention and increase in-store promotions.
Shopping Malls
Highlight fashion, tech, or seasonal promotions with vibrant backlit advertisements throughout mall corridors and common areas.
Restaurants & Cafés
Display menus and daily specials on backlit boards that remain clear and appealing in both bright and low-light environments.
Cinemas & Movie Theaters
Use illuminated poster boxes and “coming soon” frames with Duratrans prints to make movie promotions stand out.
Airports & Transportation Hubs
Promote luxury brands or destinations using high-resolution backlit displays in terminals, waiting areas, and walkways.
Spas & Wellness Centers
Enhance interior design with soft-lit panels featuring calming imagery that promotes a relaxing environment.
Corporate Offices
Brand your space with illuminated company values, achievements, or logos in lobbies and hallways.
Spas & Wellness Centers
Create a calming environment with serene imagery displayed in softly lit panels.
Museums & Galleries
Present exhibition content or artwork with vivid backlit visuals that bring images to life under gallery lighting.
Hospitals & Clinics
Use illuminated signage for wayfinding, healthcare messaging, or branding in reception and patient waiting areas.
Jewelry & Luxury Stores
Elevate the perception of premium products with elegant, glowing displays that reflect brand quality and sophistication.
Point of Purchase Displays
Attract last-minute buyer attention with strategically placed backlit promotional signs near checkout counters.
Lighted Wayfinding Signage
Improve visibility and navigation with bright backlit directional signs in public spaces like malls, airports, and stations.
TV Studio Backdrops
Create professional on-screen environments with glowing, high-resolution Duratrans backdrops featuring logos, skylines, or brand imagery.
We Fabricate and Ship to Your Installer or Contractor
East Coast Areas
- New Jersey
- NYC
- Philadelphia
- Scranton
- Upstate NY
Nationwide
- Chicago
- Florida
- California
- Houston
- Maine
NYC Areas
- Staten Island
- Queens
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Bushwick
About Signs New York City
Signs New York excels in producing Duratrans prints that enhance the visual impact of your displays and signage. Our Duratrans printing process ensures sharp, high-resolution images that are ideal for backlit applications, such as retail displays, indoor signage, and promotional installations. Trust Signs New York for Duratrans prints that illuminate your message with clarity and brilliance.
ILLUMINATE YOUR MESSAGE WITH DURATRANS CLARITY.

Ready to Work Together?
Let’s Get Started.
Illuminate your brand with custom Duratran printing from Signs NYC. Our expert team specializes in high-quality, backlit signage that captivates audiences and enhances your brand visibility. Whether it’s for retail displays, trade shows, or interior décor, we deliver stunning Duratran prints that make a lasting impression.
Contact Signs NYC today to request a personalized quotation for your Duratran printing project. Let us help you shine bright with our professional-grade prints that bring your vision to life. Reach out via our website to discuss your requirements and take the first step toward illuminating your brand with Duratran printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Duratrans (short for “durable transparency”) is a high-resolution backlit film printing process used for creating vibrant graphics for lightboxes and illuminated displays.
We use translucent polyester film designed for backlit applications, combined with latex or UV printing for long-lasting color and clarity.
Yes. While optimized for backlit displays, Duratrans can also be used without lighting, still offering sharp detail and depth.
Duratrans is primarily intended for indoor use, but we offer laminated or outdoor-grade options for short-term exterior displays if needed.
Custom sizing is available. Common sizes include 24″x36″, 36″x48″, and 48″x96″, but we can print to fit any standard lightbox or custom display frame.
They are typically inserted into snap frames, lightboxes, or acrylic enclosures, with front or edge illumination for maximum impact.
Standard production is 2–4 business days, with rush options available for urgent backlit signage needs.
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