Post #443016 by Kiki von Tiki on Fri, Mar 27, 2009 3:15 PM

Well, I can offer up this info, gleaned from 25 years in the graphics production management industry.

A drum scan is best if the material is flexible. You can do a high res flatbed scan as long as the scanner can accomodate the size. You will need as scan at 100% and at least 200 dpi (up to 400 dpi is preferrable if you want to make a print larger than the original) to do good quality reproductions. If the item has dimension, you'll want to get a studio produced high-res digital photo. Then you'll want to check the image and do color corrections as needed to get the image quality you want.

Then yes, you can send it out to a printer on disc, but you want to be careful which kind of print you get, as some of them do not hold up well over time. Lambda vs giclee, etc. There's also paper to consider, there are many kinds and you'll want to choose depending on how you are using the final print. ie: lower quality posters or high quality prints suitable for framing (archival). The options just depend on the quality and longevity desired.

Just my personal opinion; you should go with the best quality that you can that makes sense for the subject material.
Thegreenman, feel free to pm me if you want to discuss.

That image is very cool! It would be great to have nice prints of it available!