We see it used all over town in a variety of outdoor advertising - the ubiquitous banner sign!

Large format printing capabilities have transformed what used to be laborious, pieced vinyl banners into full color, complex marketing signs.  Granted, we still get requests for simple text banner signs, but when the opportunities present themselves, good graphic design can make banners really stand out relative to "plain Jane" versions.

Banners can be fabricated out of a number of materials, although vinyl (PVC) is a very commonly used material, particularly for outdoor use.  Vinyl banner materials are available in both single- and double-sided varieties.  Double-sided vinyl banner materials, such as those used in pole banners, have a blockout layer in the center of the material construction in order to prevent light from one side coming through to the other side.

Banners can also be fabricated from high-strength poster paper that is suitable for limited outdoor use and that works well for inexpensive advertising signs.

Although banner signs are typically anticipated to be used for short-term use only, windy weather conditions can quickly destroy a banner.  In situations where the banner is anticipated to be exposed to significant wind (on a ball field fence, hanging between posts, etc.), high-quality mesh banner materials are very useful.  The open holes in the mesh allow the wind to pass through, and the closed regions of the banner sign still allow for adequate full color printing of the intended marketing graphics.