When you're commissioning a banner for your business or event, there are a number of design decisions to be made, but selecting the right banner material for your needs is arguably the most important decision in the process. Choosing the wrong material can shorten the lifespan of your banner or convey the wrong message to your customers about your brand. So, here's an overview of four types of banner material for you to consider:
Polyester
Polyester banners are inexpensive and designed for single-use events or short-term promotions. Graphics do transfer well onto polyester, so you can still achieve an end product that looks professional, but these banners don't hold up well outdoors. It's possible to use them outdoors during the summer months, but a little rain or wind can quickly damage a polyester banner and leave customers unable to determine what message you were trying to communicate.
Mesh
Mesh banners have a crisscrossed construction that allows air to pass through them. This makes them durable and wind-resistant, so they're ideal for outdoor use. They are digitally printed, so text and images remain vibrant even with long-term use, but the mesh construction can look out of place indoors. It can be easier for your eyes to decipher what's printed on mesh banners from a bit of a distance, so they're ideal for advertisements being placed at height or when you need a large banner.
Vinyl
Vinyl banners are durable, lightweight and versatile. They can be installed indoors or outdoors, and like mesh banners, they are digitally printed, so the graphics are high-quality. Vinyl is ideal for banners that will have periods of prolonged use, and these banners typically have grommet holes around the perimeter for easy hanging. As they are of solid construction, when used in windy conditions these banners can be a noisier option compared to mesh banners.
Fabric
Fabric banners are designed for indoor use, such as at a trade fair or open day, and have a soft, luxurious appearance that conveys quality. Images are transferred onto fabric banners using a process known as direct dye sublimation. This differs from other printing methods, as the ink impregnates the material rather than simply sitting on top of it, and the result is a colour transfer that's more vibrant.
When selecting your banner material consider how the banner will be used and what impression you want it to give. If you're unsure of the best type of material for your needs, discuss your requirements with your local sign production company before committing to a final design.
Share10 February 2020
Hello, my name is Melissa. As a former branding consultant and designer, I know a lot about creating images and signs for companies. I also know that you cannot just read generic advice and get ahead. Someone in the natural healthcare field, for example, needs to use different colours, shapes and designs than someone in another field. If you want to know which colours, designs, styles and graphics relate most effectively to the natural health care field, you have come to the right place. I am going to include tips, advice, analysis, facts, colour guides and more on designing signs for natural companies. Welcome and enjoy!