Banner Making: From Envision to Completion

OUTDOOR BANNERS:

In the previous sections a few of the techniques of vinyl banner finishing, such as grommeting, were introduced. Here we provide a guide to how signmakers prepare a new banner for exposure to wind, rain, sunlight, and other elements.

Permanent outdoor banners

When a banner is designed to be used outdoors continuously, the banner is first of all sturdy enough to withstand a range of seasonal elements, such as wind, water, heat. When constructing an outdoor banner for permanent placement, we usually start by recommending a heavier weight banner material to match the conditions of the outside environment. A sturdy banner can be printed on 10-13 oz. material, but high winds can quickly change is requirement. For especially high stress conditions such as heavy wind, or a banner that is stretched between posts or trees, such additions as reinforced corners, nylon webbing or rope stitched directly into the hem can make a big difference; or you may want to look into a Mesh Banner that is comprised of tiny little holes in the banner material itself that will allow wind to pass through the banner thereby reducing the stress to the banner itself.

Short term outdoor banner

Banners that are used short-term will not likely see quite the same range of temperature change or prolonged exposure. This may include a banner that is used seasonally, so it can be designed with a limited function in mind. For temporary and short-term banners, we usually suggest a standard weight banner, unless outdoor conditions would require a heavier weight banner with standard hemming and grommets.

Other considerations

Installation of the banner should always be planned in advance, based on prevailing weather conditions, at the installation site. Even a light steady breeze can put stress on grommets or pockets on a large banner. It is crucial to the life of your banner to make sure all the grommets points are utilized in hanging a banner to properly distribute the weight of the banner.