There are many things to consider during the design and printing phases of your banner advertising from messaging, visuals, fonts, colours, sizes, layouts and more! But, one of the most important of all is the material that you choose. The right material will emphasise your brand identity, product quality and more.

However, the wrong material can show wear and tear, rip if used in the wrong environment, render high-quality imagery poorly and generally give a bad reflection of your business! So, for your next project, speak to the team at Smart Inc who will make sure that you choose the right materials.

 

What are the most common types of materials used in banner advertising

Vinyl banners

Vinyl banners are a popular choice for outdoor use as they’re highly durable and weather resistant. They’re typically made from vinyl mesh or scrim vinyl and are produced in a semi-gloss or matte finish.

Vinyl banners can be printed with a number of vibrant colours using dye-sublimation printing and are often both washable and reusable. They can be finished with grommets or pole pockets for easy hanging on fences, walls, or windows.

Because of this, they’re become a very common choice of banner for companies wanting to advertise outdoors or at exhibition centres.

Fabric banners

Fabric banners are a great option for indoor use as they have both a professional look and a professional feel.

Typically made from polyester fabric and able to be printed with dye-sublimation printing, they can be combined with sharp, high-quality images. Fabric banners are also washable and reusable which makes them a sustainable choice for businesses that want to reduce their advertising cost over time as well as those who want to be eco-friendly.

They can be finished with sewn hems, grommets, or pole pockets for easy hanging on banner stands or frames.

Mesh banners

Mesh banners are ideal for outdoor display as they’re wind-resistant and semi-transparent, making them a great option for fences and building exteriors. 

They’re typically made from vinyl mesh and can be finished with grommets or pole pockets for easy hanging, making them versatile and able to be used for a variety of events or advertising outside of your retail location.

Adhesive banners

Adhesive banners are perfect for indoor display as they have a smooth surface and can be easily applied to walls, windows, or lightboxes. 

They will often be made from adhesive vinyl and with this type of banner you also have the option to have them printed with vibrant colours using dye-sublimation printing.

Adhesive banners are versatile and can be customised to any shape or size which is what makes them such a popular choice.

Specialty banners

Specialty banners are designed for specific events or locations and involve a high level of customisation to meet a business’s specific requirements.. They can be made from a variety of materials, including canvas, and can be finished with grommets or pole pockets. Specialty banners can be used for retail stores, restaurants, sporting events and more.

These are often the banner of choice for companies with higher advertising budgets as the cost of producing a fully bespoke banner is higher than that of other banner types.

 

How to select the right material for your banner

As we’ve mentioned, choosing the wrong material can give your audience the wrong idea about your business – torn banners or low-quality imagery can show your brand in a bad light, especially if you sell premium products or services!


Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the material for your next banner: 

Whether your banner will be indoors or outdoors

If you plan to use your banner outdoors then you need to select a material that is weather-resistant and can withstand wind and rain. Vinyl, mesh vinyl, and polyester fabric are all suitable choices, but mesh vinyl banners are the optimal choice for outdoor use as they’re lightweight, durable, and weatherproof.

For indoor banners, you can choose from a wider range of materials, including canvas, adhesive vinyl, and polyester fabric. This is because they don’t need to be as weather-resistant as outdoor banners; however they should still be durable and able to withstand wear and tear.

How you want your banner to be look

Some materials, such as canvas, provide a more traditional look, while others, such as vinyl, offer a sharper, more professional appearance. If you want more customisation options, some materials are easier for bespoke designs than others, so you should choose a material that allows you to create the design you want.

The size of your banner

The size and shape of your banner will also affect the material you choose. Some materials, such as vinyl, are better suited for larger banners, while others, such as canvas, are better for smaller banners.

If you’re planning to use high-resolution imagery

The material you choose will also affect the quality of the printing and design. Some materials, such as vinyl and polyester fabric, provide sharper, more vibrant images, while others, such as canvas, may not provide the same level of image quality.

 

Speak to our team today to find out more about our banner design and production service.