It used to be that vinyl banners were only useful as short term replacements for more "professional" looking signs. But the advent of digital printing has meant that vinyl banners can be printed in full color. And they are very inexpensive compared to the alternatives. This means that vinyl banners have a wide range of uses. Here are some of the most popular. 1. Banner Signs - Outdoor Banners Banner Signs are often used in the place of more rigid signage. Because they are outdoor banners, they are printed on very rugged tear-resistant vinyl, and then seamed around all four sides for added strength and wind resistance. Grommets are applied where necessary for easy hanging. Banner signs can be tied down, or screwed down, and will last for years without tearing or fading. You can also mount your banner sign without grommets by asking for "pole pockets" instead. This way they can be mounted on poles at either the sides or top and bottom. The poles can be part of a mounting bracket arrangement, or, if it is made of wood or plastic, can be screwed directly to a wooden surface (such as a fence). 2. Trade Show Banners Vinyl banners are ideal for many trade show applications. Since they are lightweight and very flexible, they can be easily rolled and unrolled, and can be used for many years. They make perfect banner backdrops when hung from the appropriate hardware, or can be used as a sign hanging on the front of your display table. Vinyl banners are especially appropriate for trade show applications because they are lightweight and can be easily shipped or transported. They can also be use in other products such as Banner Stands, Retractable Jiffy Rolls, or X-Banners. The printing on digitally printed vinyl banners is bright and colorful, and very durable, because they are made for outdoor use. Trade show banners are printed on a very smooth, soft vinyl material with solvent based inks. When buying trade show banners, always insist on true solvent-based inks because they are much, much more scratch resistant, and UV-resistant; and are completely water-resistant as well. Banners printed with dye-based or pigment-based inks will fade very quickly in bright light. 3. Convention Banners, Conference Banners Every special event can use an Event Banner. These normally function as focal points or as backdrops. A typical event banner is used at a conference or convention where there is a stage or podium. A banner can be hung as a backdrop in order to emphasize the convention theme or display a corporate logo. Event banner backdrops can be any size or shape, varying from your typical horizontal long and narrow shape to a more square backdrop shape. Large backdrop banners can be hung from cords attached to the ceiling either to a curtain rod style pole (using the pole pocket technique) or to a number of grommets in the top of the banner. 4. Event Banners, Birthday Banners, Anniversary Banners Event banners can be either Indoor or Outdoor Banners. The cost is virtually the same, since only the material is different. In the case of Birthday Banners that are used indoors, the vinyl material is often softer, and less tear-resistant. Even paper will work, although it is much less durable, and not significantly less expensive. Many Event Banners are meant to be hung or mounted outside, like a Sign Banner. For instance many churches use event banners to announce programs like Vacation Bible School, or golf courses to promote a special tournament. These banners are usually printed on a more tear-resistant material, and should include seams and grommets where requested. If you need your banner to last for more than one event it is best to print it with durable outdoor inks to make it scratch, water, and UV resistant. 5. Streetscape or Boulevard Banners Vinyl banners are perfect for adding atmosphere and identity to streetscapes. Special hardware allows you to hang your banners vertically from utility poles. Pole pockets top and bottom make it easy to put up and take down your banners. Streetscape banners are made more durable and weather-resistant by welding two banners together to make a two-sided banner. And of course solvent inks are essential for this application since streetscape banners are fully exposed to the elements. Be sure your vinyl banners are printed with full color outdoor resistant printing using solvent inks. Because the printing process is a digital one, banner designs can include photographs, logos, and special artwork. You can normally use your own vinyl banner design, or your supplier can create a banner design for you for a small charge.
