For a long time, banners have been quintessential promotional and marketing items. Over the years, they have become highly sophisticated as printing technology continues to evolve. Today, you can get a banner for every purpose.
The different types of banners are ideal for various purposes. Depending on your situation and the reason you need a banner for, you will find in the list above a type that is just perfect for you. Before commissioning a printer to produce a banner for you, think about its purpose, and where it will be erected since some banners are perfect for indoors while others do very well outside.
Below are some of the most popular types of banners.
1. Vinyl Banners
These types of banners are also known as polyvinyl banners. Vinyl banners are currently among the most popular. Polyvinyl banners are preferred over other types of banners due to their durability. They can be used both indoors and outdoors. In the 21 century, digital printing has become quite affordable. One can get a full-colour banner at a reasonably low price compared to the single colour banners of the 90s.
Typically, a vinyl banner weighs around 13 oz., which represents the weight of material per square foot. The weight can range from 8 oz. to 22 oz. per square feet. Polyvinyl banners come in a variety of textures. You can choose from gloss or matte finish. Most clients prefer the matte finish since it’s more refined and does not look like plastic.
If you are planning to erect the banner outside, a gloss finish is preferable since it does not get dirty as quickly as the matte finish variety.
2. Fabric Banners
The fabric banner is a sub-category of poly banners. Fabric banners are, in some cases known as polyester fabric banners. Their popularity has continued to increase due to their durability, which makes these types of banner great for outdoor use. Besides, the printing technology applied to fabric banners produces incredible colour durability.
The reason colours on fabric banners last longer is because, during the printing process, the pressure and heat application makes the fabrics cells expand and open up, resulting in better absorption of ink. As a result of heat and pressure application, the ink is later converted into a gaseous state and then fused with the fabric, making it an integral part of the latter.
The printing process results in a continuous print tone, which when printed in full colour is quite similar to an actual photograph. Fabric banners are some of the most aesthetically appealing banners. There are heavy duty polyester fabrics that are ideal for outdoor use, but they can still be used indoors when attached to a banner stand.
3. Poly Knit Banners
A member of fabric banners, poly knit banners have been popularized by the easy availability of polyester materials in the market. The most popular material under this category is the poly knit fabric, which features a stretchy fabric that makes it ideal for use in trade shows and hanging displays.
The non-stretchy variant of this banner is used to create attractive banners that can be suspended from the ceiling. Poly knit banners usually feature a weight at the bottom pole pocket that makes it easy to hang them without creasing.
4. Poly Satin Banners
A poly satin banner is also a member of the fabric banners category. It is highly amenable to wrinkling. It should therefore be always rolled up when in transit. A poly satin banner comes in a variety of knits. These include heavy-weight knits, medium knits, and lightweight knits.
5. Mesh Banners
Mesh banners are great for outdoor large-scale advertising, especially in areas where weather conditions are problematic. This banner usually features crisscrossed, see-through fibres, but to an extent; hence the name, ‘mesh banner’.
Although this banner is semitransparent, its surface can still be printed on. Mesh banners use a polyester material that lets air blow through it. It contains holes throughout to keep the sail effect at bay. Mesh banners are commonly used on sports ground fences, or in construction areas as a temporary fence to separate pedestrians from construction workers.
Mesh banners can be printed in full colour. If you like, you can add as many background colours, photographs, clip arts and texts. You are only limited by your design ability. In terms of finishing options, you can choose between grommets and heat-welded hems. When hanging this banner, use ball bungees to prevent it from being torn by the wind.
6. Pull-up Banners
Roll up banner stand. Blank template mockup. Exhibition stand roll-up banner, isolated screen for you design.
Pull-up banners are also known as pop-up banners. They are renowned for their versatility and portability. Once you are done using it, simply fold it and then put it back in its case. Doing this helps to save on space. Pull-up banners are ideal for indoor use, especially in offices and exhibition halls.
The good thing about these types of banners is that they can be used for multiple events, and they are also cheap enough to justify a one-time use purchase.