One of the most common questions we get asked at King Print is: how long does poster printing take? And it’s a fair question. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming event, promoting a new product launch, or running a last-minute campaign, knowing your turnaround time is essential. As printers, we understand that time isn’t just money—it’s opportunity. A delay in printing can mean missed footfall, lower engagement, or even a missed event altogether. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand what really affects poster printing times, and how you can get your posters printed quickly without compromising on quality.
Based in Luton, we work with businesses and individuals across the UK, and as experienced printers in Luton, we know how to balance speed with precision. Our aim is to give you clear, honest timelines so you can plan effectively. Whether you need one poster or a few hundred, there’s always a way to get it done—often faster than you might think.
Standard Poster Printing Turnaround Times
In most cases, standard poster printing can take anywhere from 24 hours to 3 working days, depending on several factors. For a simple A3 or A2 poster using standard paper stock and no additional finishing, we can often turn this around the same day if the artwork is print-ready and approved early. However, for larger sizes like A1 or A0, or if you’re ordering in bulk, the process might take closer to two or three days.
That said, at King Print, we’ve built our reputation on flexibility. If you’ve got a tight deadline, let us know—we’ll always try to accommodate your timeframe. We’ve had customers walk in needing posters for events happening the next day, and we’ve delivered. It’s all about communication and knowing what’s possible within your window.
What Can Affect Poster Printing Time?
While some jobs are straightforward, others require a bit more care and time. The type of poster you’re ordering is one of the biggest variables. For instance, standard paper posters can be printed quickly, especially when no extra finishes are needed. But if you’re looking for laminated posters, mounted foam boards, or weather-resistant materials for outdoor use, these may add a day or two to the process due to drying times or cutting and finishing.
The quantity also plays a role. A single poster can usually be done same-day, but if you’re ordering 500 promotional posters for a multi-location rollout, the printing and packing process takes longer—even if the artwork remains the same. We’re set up to handle high-volume orders efficiently, but bulk print still takes time to process properly.
Another key factor is artwork preparation. If your artwork is ready to go and in the correct format (ideally a high-resolution PDF with bleed and crop marks), that speeds things up significantly. But if we need to adjust the design, fix low-res images, or tweak the layout to meet print standards, that can introduce some delay—though our in-house design team works fast to resolve these issues.
Same-Day and Next-Day Poster Printing
One of the biggest benefits of working with a local printer like King Print is our ability to offer same-day or next-day poster printing. This is especially useful for last-minute event posters, urgent notices, or promotional campaigns with tight deadlines. Provided the artwork is ready by a certain time—usually mid-morning—we can often print and have your posters ready by the end of the day.
This service is particularly popular with event organisers, restaurants, bars, and local shops who need quick turnaround without sacrificing print quality. As local printers in Luton, we’re able to offer that extra speed because everything is produced right here in-house. No outsourcing. No shipping delays. Just fast, reliable printing with a local team who genuinely cares about getting it right.
Premium Posters and Custom Finishes Take a Bit Longer
If you’re ordering premium posters—think thicker stock, matte or gloss lamination, or mounting onto display boards—allow a little extra time. These finishes require additional production steps and curing time. Laminated posters, for example, need to dry properly to avoid bubbling or peeling. Similarly, posters that are being mounted onto foam board or Correx (used for sturdier signage) require cutting, trimming, and careful handling to ensure a clean finish.
We typically advise allowing 2–4 working days for these types of custom posters. Of course, if you’re unsure, we’ll always give you a clear time estimate at the point of order. We’d rather set honest expectations than overpromise and underdeliver.
Designing for Print Without Delays
Another way to speed up the poster printing process is to ensure your design is print-ready from the start. Common issues that delay production include low-resolution images, incorrect sizing, missing bleed margins, and fonts not being embedded in the file. If you’re unsure whether your artwork meets the specs, our team can check it for you before printing begins.
We also offer a full in-house design service, so if you don’t have artwork yet, we can help you create something professional that’s ready for print. This adds a bit of time to the overall process, but it ensures your poster looks its best and prints perfectly the first time.
Deliveries and Collection Options
If you’re based in Luton or surrounding areas, you can collect your posters directly from our studio—ideal for those urgent jobs where time really is of the essence. We also offer local delivery and UK-wide shipping. For most UK mainland addresses, we use next-day courier services once the posters are printed and packed.
Just bear in mind that delivery time is separate from printing time, so it’s always worth factoring in courier schedules if you’re working to a strict launch date or event timeline. We’ll always confirm both print and delivery dates with you upfront, so there are no surprises.
Why Choose King Print for Poster Printing?
At King Print, we combine speed with quality. Our Luton-based studio is equipped with professional wide-format printers that deliver vibrant colours, sharp text, and smooth finishes every time. Whether you need one poster or one thousand, we approach every job with the same level of care and attention to detail.
Because we’re local, you also benefit from a personal service. There’s no anonymous helpdesk or generic email chain—just real people who are here to help you get your posters printed fast, and printed right. We believe that fast printing should never mean poor quality, and that customer service should never be sacrificed for scale.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does poster printing take? The short answer is: it depends. For simple jobs with ready-to-go artwork, you could have your posters in hand the same day. For more complex or high-volume orders, expect a turnaround of 2 to 4 working days. But no matter the timeline, King Print is here to deliver high-quality, professional results—on time, every time.
If you’re in need of fast, reliable printers in Luton, don’t leave it to chance. Contact King Print today and let us take care of your poster printing with the speed and precision your project deserves.