| It used to be that vinyl banners were only useful as | | | | typical event banner is used at a conference or |
| short term replacements for more "professional" | | | | convention where there is a stage or podium. A |
| looking signs. But the advent of digital printing has | | | | banner can be hung as a backdrop in order to |
| meant that vinyl banners can be printed in full color. | | | | emphasize the convention theme or display a |
| And they are very inexpensive compared to the | | | | corporate logo. |
| alternatives. This means that vinyl banners have a | | | | Event banner backdrops can be any size or shape, |
| wide range of uses. Here are some of the most | | | | varying from your typical horizontal long and narrow |
| popular. | | | | shape to a more square backdrop shape. Large |
| 1. Banner Signs - Outdoor Banners | | | | backdrop banners can be hung from cords attached |
| Banner Signs are often used in the place of more rigid | | | | to the ceiling either to a curtain rod style pole (using the |
| signage. Because they are outdoor banners, they are | | | | pole pocket technique) or to a number of grommets in |
| printed on very rugged tear-resistant vinyl, and then | | | | the top of the banner. |
| seamed around all four sides for added strength and | | | | 4. Event Banners, Birthday Banners, Anniversary |
| wind resistance. Grommets are applied where | | | | Banners |
| necessary for easy hanging. | | | | Event banners can be either Indoor or Outdoor |
| Banner signs can be tied down, or screwed down, and | | | | Banners. The cost is virtually the same, since only the |
| will last for years without tearing or fading. You can | | | | material is different. In the case of Birthday Banners |
| also mount your banner sign without grommets by | | | | that are used indoors, the vinyl material is often softer, |
| asking for "pole pockets" instead. This way they can | | | | and less tear-resistant. Even paper will work, although it |
| be mounted on poles at either the sides or top and | | | | is much less durable, and not significantly less |
| bottom. The poles can be part of a mounting bracket | | | | expensive. |
| arrangement, or, if it is made of wood or plastic, can | | | | Many Event Banners are meant to be hung or |
| be screwed directly to a wooden surface (such as a | | | | mounted outside, like a Sign Banner. For instance many |
| fence). | | | | churches use event banners to announce programs |
| 2. Trade Show Banners | | | | like Vacation Bible School, or golf courses to promote |
| Vinyl banners are ideal for many trade show | | | | a special tournament. These banners are usually |
| applications. Since they are lightweight and very | | | | printed on a more tear-resistant material, and should |
| flexible, they can be easily rolled and unrolled, and can | | | | include seams and grommets where requested. If you |
| be used for many years. They make perfect banner | | | | need your banner to last for more than one event it is |
| backdrops when hung from the appropriate hardware, | | | | best to print it with durable outdoor inks to make it |
| or can be used as a sign hanging on the front of your | | | | scratch, water, and UV resistant. |
| display table. | | | | 5. Streetscape or Boulevard Banners |
| Vinyl banners are especially appropriate for trade | | | | Vinyl banners are perfect for adding atmosphere and |
| show applications because they are lightweight and | | | | identity to streetscapes. Special hardware allows you |
| can be easily shipped or transported. They can also | | | | to hang your banners vertically from utility poles. Pole |
| be use in other products such as Banner Stands, | | | | pockets top and bottom make it easy to put up and |
| Retractable Jiffy Rolls, or X-Banners. | | | | take down your banners. Streetscape banners are |
| The printing on digitally printed vinyl banners is bright | | | | made more durable and weather-resistant by welding |
| and colorful, and very durable, because they are made | | | | two banners together to make a two-sided banner. |
| for outdoor use. Trade show banners are printed on a | | | | And of course solvent inks are essential for this |
| very smooth, soft vinyl material with solvent based | | | | application since streetscape banners are fully |
| inks. When buying trade show banners, always insist | | | | exposed to the elements. |
| on true solvent-based inks because they are much, | | | | Be sure your vinyl banners are printed with full color |
| much more scratch resistant, and UV-resistant; and | | | | outdoor resistant printing using solvent inks. Because |
| are completely water-resistant as well. Banners printed | | | | the printing process is a digital one, banner designs can |
| with dye-based or pigment-based inks will fade very | | | | include photographs, logos, and special artwork. You |
| quickly in bright light. | | | | can normally use your own vinyl banner design, or your |
| 3. Convention Banners, Conference Banners | | | | supplier can create a banner design for you for a small |
| Every special event can use an Event Banner. These | | | | charge. |
| normally function as focal points or as backdrops. A | | | | |