OK….this isn’t as entertaining as a Letterman top 10 list….but it will hopefully give you some ideas.
It used to be that vinyl banners were only useful as short term replacements for more “professional” looking signs. But the advent of digital printing has meant that vinyl can be printed on in full color. And they are very inexpensive compared to the alternatives. This means that these banners now have a wide range of uses. Here are some of the most popular.
1. Outdoor Signs
Banner signs are often used in the place of more rigid signage. Because they are used outdoors, they are printed on very rugged tear-resistant vinyl. Grommets are applied where necessary for easy hanging. The signs can be tied down, or screwed down, and will last for years without tearing or fading. You can also mount them without grommets by asking for “pole pockets” instead. This way they can be mounted on poles at either the sides or top and bottom. The poles can be part of a mounting bracket arrangement, or, if it is made of wood or plastic, can be screwed directly to a wooden surface (such as a fence).
2. Trade Shows
Vinyl banners are ideal for many trade show applications. Since they are lightweight and very flexible, they can be easily rolled and unrolled, and can be used for many years. They make perfect backdrops when hung from the appropriate hardware, or can be used as a sign hanging on the front of your display table. They are especially appropriate for trade show applications because they are lightweight and can be easily shipped or transported. The digital printing is bright, color and long lasting a with solvent based inks.
3. Conventions and Conferences
Every special event can use a banner. These normally function as focal points or as backdrops, and are typically used around the stage or podium to emphasize the event theme or display a corporate logo. The banners can be any size or shape, varying from your typical horizontal long and narrow shape to square. They can be hung from cords attached to the ceiling either to a curtain rod style pole (using the pole pocket technique) or to a number of grommets in the top of the banner.
4. Birthdays, Anniversaries and Other Special Events
Paper banners will work for special events like anniversary or birthday parties, but vinyl is much more durable and not significantly more expensive. They can also be hung outside without worry of weather ruining them, such as on a golf course to promote a special tournament. These banners are usually printed on a more tear-resistant material, and should include seams and grommets where requested. If you need your banner to last for more than one event it is best to print it with durable outdoor inks to make it scratch, water, and UV resistant.
5. Streetscapes
Vinyl banners are perfect for adding atmosphere and identity to streetscapes. Special hardware allows you to hang them vertically from utility poles. Pole pockets top and bottom make it easy to put them up and take them down. Streetscape banners are made more durable and weather-resistant by welding two banners together to make it two-sided. And of course solvent inks are essential for this application since streetscape banners are fully exposed to the elements. Because the printing process is a digital one, banner designs can include photographs, logos, and special artwork.
Sign Art Etc can assist with any of your banner projects. We design, print and ship banners all over the US. From Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium to VH-1 and ESPN……Microsoft, GM, Congress, WalMart….and many small and medium size businesses…..we have provided banners, displays and many other signage needs. Give Sign Art Etc a try……we won’t let you down.