Unless you're like us, you probably don't deal with banners on a daily basis. That can mean that when it's time to get one for your business you're at a loss at what materials you want or what will work best for your event! Thankfully, banner signs really aren't all that complicated, but we've spelled it all out for you anyway.

Banner Materials

Banners can be made out of a variety of vinyl, plastics, or fabric. Polyester, vinyl, and other thin and inexpensive fabrics will work fine for temporary banners or banners that will not need to be weather resistent, but mesh or other fabrics will work best for outdoor use.

Banner Stands

Banner stands are your best bet for indoor banners for events. Most banner stands will either be retractable or adjustable, although you can order stationary ones. The nice thing about retractable banners is that they telescope or roll down really easily allowing you to store and carry them. There are also mounting kits and brackets for hanging banners off of existing structures like light poles or building facades. These are much more durable and are best used for more permanent fixures. Outdoor banner stands will either stake into the ground in some way or they will need to be weighted down with either sand or water bags.

Retractable banners are great for presentations or trade shows because they're easy to set up and take down.

Reinforcing Banners

When it comes to hanging banners, especially banners that will be hung outdoors, it's very important to reinforce the areas that will have the most tension. This can be done using clips, tabs, or grommets on the holes. Some clips work like grommets so you won't have to punch holes into the banner to hang it. Where you can use the tabs or clips depends on the strength of the particular brand and model of the tab or clip. Smaller and thinner grips work fine for indoor use but probably aren't strong enough to handle the elements like wind and rain outdoors. Grommets are the strongest possible option and are easily added to banners using a self-piercing grommet machine with setting dies. 

Grommet machines like this one pierce the fabric and attach the grommets in one punch.

Hemming Banners

Although fabric banners should have sewn edges to hem and reinforce the edges, you can always use banner tape to hem plastic or vinyl banners. This will help keep the edges from tearing and will help hide hanging materials for a more seamless look. You can also use certain types of banner tape to reinforce the corners of banners. 

Hanging Banners

Although you'll probably be using banner stands for indoor banners, outdoor banners are more likely to be hung. The thickness and strength of rope you use depends on the material you use for your banner. The thinner and more fragile the banner, the thinner and lighter the rope you should use. For light banners you can also use hook and loop material (essentially Velcro) to attach banners to surfaces. Zip ties also work well in a pinch when hanging banners off of surfaces like chain-link fences. Heavier mesh or fabric banners will require a more substantial rope or cord to hang up.

We used this rope to hang a pirate-themed fabric banner backdrop for the Majestic Photobooth Company

Any more questions about banners? Give us a ring! We'd be more than happy to break down the individual brands and materials that will best fit your banner's purpose and budget. Or, click the button below to get a free quote on your banner displays!