What is a banner?
Custom Banners are long strips of material bearing a slogan or design, with the intent of representing a company, organization, government, or other entity. They are not rigid, unlike traditional signs.
Though the dictionary may describe banners as being made of cloth, these days a banner can consist of several different materials, all with varying degrees of thickness, pliability, and durability. Banners are differentiated from flags by how they are displayed, rather than by color, shape, or designs. A banner will be attached at both ends, whereas a flag tends to be attached on a single side to a post or pole.
Types of Materials
1. Fabric
Fabric banners, usually consisting of polyester or satin, provide stunning full-colored graphics that will captivate and awe. Machine-washable and crease-resistant (unlike vinyl), these displays are the perfection solution for any business that needs a high-quality banner with little or no setup time.
The show-stopping radiance of a fabric banner discolor outdoors, however, so we recommend using them only for indoor applications. But trade shows, sports event, grand openings, housing promotions, and presentations are all fair game.
2. Vinyl
Vinyl banners are an old standby, and for good reason. It’s hard to argue with the durability of their material. They can be used both indoors and outdoors and they are tear-resistant.
Make sure you have the manpower to lift and transport heavier items. Vinyl banners can be quite heavy in comparison to their cloth counterparts, and they can crease if stored improperly or stepped on.
3. Mesh
Vinyl is popular, there’s no questioning that. But mesh might just…mesh with your current advertising strategy.
The weave of a mesh banner is more permeable, allowing wind to pass through without lifting the banner up like a sail or wing. The major benefit of such a construction is that it allows the banner to brave harsh winds and inclement weather outside, while still serving the primary function of branding or advertising.
Mesh banners are often the choice for extra-large signage applications on storefronts, building sides or even as coverings for entire structures. When serving as building wraps and showcasing, for example, a new soft drink, mesh banners can make an impressive promotional impact. Contractors and developers also use mesh banners to mask the view of construction and instead showcase the finished project! It’s much more attractive to all, especially among potential purchaser or leasers!
Types of Banner By Style
4. Pull-Up & Retractable
Pull-up banner stands are an attractive, double-sided solution for tradeshow events and indoor retail signage. They tend to be around six-feet tall with varying widths dependent on custom specifications. Cheaper than their pop-up alternatives (which we will touch upon later), pull-up banners are easy to collapse and transport.
As you might imagine, their retractable system allows for almost instantaneous setup, but this comes as a price: pull-up banners can’t be built much wider than five feet. If you have a smaller exhibition, or want to supplement your existing signage and displays, perfect; otherwise, you may want to investigate pop-up displays instead.
5. Backwall Displays and POP Displays
Guess what pop-up displays do? They “pop” up! Often made of fabric, these are only banners in the loosest sense of the word, but they have the same end-goal as traditional banners: getting people’s attention. Often, pop-up booths are effective to extend across the entire back of an exhibition’s shell.
Have big expectations for your signage? Because of their sturdier support and dimensional nature, pop-up displays can stretch much wider than a retractable custom banner. Installation may not be as convenient as a pull-up custom banner, but a few minutes should be enough for setup and takedown.
6. Step and Repeat Banners
Neutral backdrops for booths and walls are a necessary evil. Press photos are snapped. Presentations must be listened to. Keynote speakers don’t want to be distracted by their environment.
So, why not take advantage of this drab affair with custom branding? Step and repeat banners allow you to cover up garish wallpapers and boring backgrounds, all while marketing your company’s logo and name. The repetition of your logo or pictograph on their fabric allows them to slip into the scenery, while promoting awareness of your business through photography and video.
7. Pole Banners
Outdoor pole banners, also known as boulevard banners, are often seen on the streets and avenues of downtown districts, promoting festivals, concerts and events. However, they can be effective for a variety of other purposes, such as decorating the main thoroughfares of colleges and universities, promoting retail spaces like shopping malls, or adding a splash of color to casinos, hotels and entertainment spaces.
Usually printed onto durable vinyl material in square or rectangle shape, pole banners are inserted using hardware kits that allow you to affix the custom banner to the pole using two extended arms or brackets. For added wow factor, use two banners side-by-side per pole!
8. Framed
Practically any custom banner can be framed similarly to the framed wall art you see in offices and homes. This is a great way to give the banner a more sleek, professional and permanent appearance. Because the fabric becomes more taught, there’ll be far fewer unwanted wrinkles or environmental disturbances such as wind.
9. Feather Banners (AKA Feather Flags)
Of course, sometimes the wind can be your friend, such as in the case of feather banners. Lightweight, portable, and economical. These roadside staples are effective outside retail spaces. They showcase messages such as “Now Open” or “On Sale.” They’re often made from aluminum poles and polyester fabrics that are durable but also highly moveable. This creates an animated, hard-to-miss signal whenever drivers or pedestrians go by.
10. Suspended & Hanging Banners
Using cables and rods, hanging banners are on display above crowds for maximum visibility and promotional impact. While installation for ceiling displays may be a little more involved, the potential payoff can be well worth the effort.
What comes to mind when you think of a hanging banner? Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with the classic fabric-suspended-by-two-corners design, but almost any shape you can dream up is available.
Types of Banner By Solution
11. Announcement Banners
If you’re opening or reopening a location, changing your hours or updating operating procedures, banners are one of the best ways to announce those changes. Other messages may include “Coming Soon!”, “Now Hiring!”, “Now Leasing!” and more.
12. Promotional Custom Banners
Many retail outlets and shopping malls use large vinyl banners to promote sales and discounts. When used in high-traffic locations, these banners can attract both loyal and new customers. This helps supplement marketing campaigns online and elsewhere.
13. Event Banners
From city fairs, concerts and music festivals to business conferences, almost all events require a carefully thought out system of temporary signs, including a-frames, yard signs and more. Banners are especially effective because of their size and visibility. This allows you to raise your message high above the crowds of eventgoers.
14. Appreciation Banners
We often think of signs as a medium for advertising or information, but what about good old simple gratitude? It’s well known that during the COVID-19 pandemic many individuals and organizations display signs thanking all essential workers. Even outside of such unprecedented events, there’s never a bad time to show appreciation. Custom Banners will allow you to do so in a way that’s memorable and hard-to-miss.
15. Environmental Banners
Large or small, all effective signs should enhance their surrounding environment. However, some take it to the next level by becoming an essential ingredient in the overall visitor experience. Custom Banners are no exception, especially since they can become backdrops for impressive displays.
16. Sports Custom Banners
Whether you’re hosting tryouts or simply showing school spirit, custom banners can be customized with all your sports and athletic needs. This is including logos, mascots, colors and more. They can also be used to get the word out about upcoming events and competitions.
17. Religious Banners
Banners have been around since ancient times, and have long been used to rally worshippers and make religious proclamations. In the Old Testament, for example, the prophet Isaiah was commanded to raise a banner and exalt his voice (Isaiah 13:2).
Today, many churches, temples and other religious institutions continue to use it to decorate processions and places of worship. With changing worship hours and the introduction of virtual sessions due the COVID-19 pandemic, banners announcing such changes are just as important now as they were in ancient times.
If you need custom printing contact CO Print Press 720-734-9994 print@coprintpress.com
