In the world of advertising, there are few tactics you can employ which are more effective for promoting your business or event than banner advertising. Suited for both indoor and outdoor use, and available in a variety of materials, sizes and designs, these are the perfect promotional tool.

However, there are a number of banner types available to choose from. So, let’s break these down to help you understand which type is best for your business:

 

Fabric Banners

Fabric banners are made of polyester or satin and are the perfect choice for displaying high-quality graphics. Crease-resistant and machine washable, this type of banner is a great option for those looking for an option with minimal setup time. Fabric banners are perfect for indoor use and can be hung from ceilings or walls.

They require little to no setup time and are often used for businesses in need of using striking full-coloured graphics to really capture people’s attention. One of the biggest benefits of using fabric banners is the easy maintenance which allows businesses to reuse their banners over multiple events or exhibitions.

Most banner design & printing companies will allow you to fully customise both the design and height & width of your banner, which means that you can perfectly communicate your message to your audience.

Vinyl Banners

Vinyl banners have become a very popular choice for business advertising, being known for their versatility and durability. In particular, they’re made from a PVC material that is very resistant to tearing which means that they can be used over and over, making them a long-term cost effective option for your marketing.

Created using durable and weather-resistant PVC material, vinyl banners are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. You will often find this type of banner available in various colours, designs and sizes and with the ability to make them fully customised to your needs. Vinyl banners are great for long-term advertising and outdoor signage.

Another benefit of vinyl banners is that they’re suitable for storing and transporting which allows you to reuse them year after year – if you look after them in storage! When storing vinyl banners it’s extremely important to make sure that they’re in a safe place, as if stored improperly or if they’re stepped on during storage this can lead to creasing or damage to your banner.

However, vinyl banners can be quite heavy when compared to cloth banners. This means that you will often need additional support when moving and (especially) when hanging these types of banners. 

PVC banners are the most popular choice for outdoor use and are generally hemmed and eyeletted for ease of hanging. We also recommend having them printed with UV resistant ink for longevity.

Mesh Banners

The mesh banner is the ideal choice for outdoor advertising. With extremely small holes that let the wind pass through and not harm or move the banner they are durable and long-lasting. They are made of vinyl material and are suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. Mesh banners are a good choice for trade shows and exhibitions, events, concerts, festivals and more.

Being both lightweight and strong, mesh banners have gained the well-earned reputation of being the sturdier banner option for dealing with mild-to-harsh weather conditions. Being so durable means that they will last longer than other banner types for businesses that require outdoor advertising.

Mesh banners come in different types, including standard PVC mesh with standard airflow, extra airflow mesh for extreme wind, and PVC-free mesh banners that are fully recyclable. You can choose the type of mesh banner that best suits your needs and budget.

Retractable Banners

Retractable banners, also known as roll-up banners, are easily transportable and the perfect choice for businesses that need to transport advertising banners between locations due to their lightweight and portable design. They are made of vinyl material and come with a retractable stand that allows you to easily set up and take down your banner. Retractable banners are well suited for use indoors and for use in retail shops, offices and exhibitions.

This type of banner is a popular and cost-effective option for businesses. They’re often around 6 feet tall and available in customisable widths, depending on your needs. A cheaper alternative to pop-up banners, they’re easy to collapse and carry.

One of the popular benefits of using a retractable banner is the quick and easy setup. The retractable mechanism allows for quick and easy installation, and they can be printed on both sides. They have a maximum width of 5 feet which makes them perfect for smaller exhibitions.

Step and Repeat Banners

This type of banner is perfect for events including photo booths, press conferences and red carpet events. Made of vinyl material, these banners often feature a repeating pattern of images or logos and are best suited for creating a backdrop for videos or photos.

Typically made from high-quality vinyl or fabric materials, these banners have become a popular choice for companies looking for stylish, professional and highly impactful advertising.

As step and repeat banners feature repeating patterns of images, when designing your banner it’s important to consider the size and placement of your logo or graphics. You want to make sure that your logo is visible and eye-catching, without being too overwhelming or distracting.

Hanging Banners

Hanging banners are perfect for businesses that need to display their message from a distance. They are made of vinyl material and can be hung from ceilings or walls. Hanging banners are perfect for events such as exhibitions, trade shows or conferences.

Often used to maximise advertising visibility and impact, hanging banners have become a popular choice for reaching a wide audience. They are suspended using rods and cables which allow them to be displayed above a crowd. Installation can be challenging depending on where the banner is to be located, but the resulting impact on your audience makes it worth the effort!

Hanging banners can be produced in a wide range of shapes and sizes which means that you can customise your design to perfectly match your brand identity and messaging. A primary benefit of this banner type is that they’re perfectly suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, giving you a huge amount of choice as to where and how your banner is used.

When it comes to materials, hanging banners can be made from a variety of options. Fabric banners are an elegant choice, while vinyl banners are durable and versatile. Double-sided blackback fabric and single-sided fabric banners are also available, depending on your needs.

Polyester Banners

Polyester banners are a common choice for use indoors due to their excellent colour dye-sublimation printing. Made of 100% polyester material, which is lightweight, durable and wrinkle-resistant, this type of banner is known for being able to produce amazing print quality – thanks to the thin threads and tight weave of the material. 

These banners are also relatively durable due to the scratch-resistant material. However, polyester banners often aren’t suitable for outdoor use

One of the main benefits of using polyester banners is that they can be easily transported or rolled up for storage without risking damage to the banner itself. They’re relatively easy to  clean and can often just be wiped down with a damp cloth!

Often used for exhibitions, trade shows or various other indoor events, polyester banners have become a great option for showcasing your brand and message in a professional and eye-catching way.

 

For longer lasting signage you should also consider Foamex boards or Dibond.

Now that you know the main types of advertising banners available to you and your company, the next choice is to pick the right option and have your designs and ideas brought to life! Speak to our team today to find out more about our banner design and production service.