Blueprint Printing in Denver
By Mike Bannoura
Blueprint printing remains essential for construction, architecture, and engineering despite the digital shift. Contractors need physical plans on job sites. Permit offices require printed sets. Design review meetings work better with full-size drawings that everyone can mark up. At PostNet Denver, we print architectural and engineering documents daily for firms, contractors, and homeowners across the Denver metro area.
Modern blueprint printing uses large format inkjet technology rather than the traditional ammonia-based diazo process. The result is cleaner, more durable prints with true black lines on white or blue-tinted bond paper. Standard architectural drawing sizes are ARCH D (24 by 36 inches) and ARCH E (36 by 48 inches). Engineering drawings typically use ANSI D (22 by 34 inches) or ANSI E (34 by 44 inches). We print all standard sizes and can accommodate custom dimensions up to 42 inches wide with unlimited length.
Paper choice depends on how the prints will be used. Standard 20lb bond is the most economical option for review sets and general construction use. For permit submissions and presentations, 24lb bond offers a slightly heavier, more professional feel. Vellum is translucent and used for overlay comparisons. For prints that will be used outdoors on job sites, we recommend lamination or printing on water-resistant synthetic paper that can handle rain, dust, and rough handling.
File preparation for blueprint printing is straightforward. PDF is the preferred format since it preserves scale and line weights accurately. Make sure your PDF is set to the correct sheet size, with no scaling applied. If you are printing from AutoCAD, Revit, or similar software, use the DWG to PDF driver with a monochrome plot style for the cleanest output. Color drawings print well too, which is useful for site plans, renderings, and presentation boards.
PostNet Denver offers blueprint printing starting at $8 per sheet for ARCH D size on 20lb bond. We can print single sheets or full sets with collating, folding, and binding. Half-size reductions (11 by 17) are available for field use. Most blueprint orders are ready within a few hours, and we offer while-you-wait service for urgent jobs. We are located at 1312 17th Street in downtown Denver, just minutes from the Denver Building Department for permit submissions.
