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Banners + Awnings

Fabrics and Banner Materials

Is one solution better than the other?

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You know this: Banners are an absolute staple of the sign industry and they’re here to stay. You can paint, screenprint, apply cut vinyl or digitally print banners. Most cool is that banners can be made from practically any flexible media, such as paper, Tyvek® and polypropylene. Most banner material in use today is smooth vinyl or scrim vinyl, the latter a polyethylene substrate reinforced with a polyester weave that gives it strength and durability. Both ship in varying weights from 8 oz. and up, with the advanced weights offering improved strength and durability. Now, however, we’re seeing a revolution in fabric printing in that traditional digital print machine manufacturers are offering printers designed to either print directly on fabric or transfer paper for dye-sublimation because printed fabric signs, banners and flags are a fast-growing segment in digital printing.

Why choose one media over the other? If cost is an issue, traditional, cut vinyl graphic banners typically cost less to produce, which allows you to offer them for lower prices. However, initial cost isn’t everything, because it’s a different economy if the banner will be shipped for use in tradeshows or conferences. For tradeshow-type use, fabric banners excel. They weigh less, can be packed into smaller packages and thus save your client money over the long run.

No doubt, scrim-based banners are best for most outdoor applications, but remember that weather conditions aren’t predictable, so base any warranties on that detail.

Also, keep in mind that not all fabrics will hold up to rain and UV light, so be sure to select a suitable one. Usually, manufacturers will specify if the fabric is intended for indoor or outdoor use, but it’s good to double check.

Another feature of fabric signs and displays is their ability to conform to contour surfaces and, as well, fold for shipping or storage, but note that scrim-type banners should be rolled, not folded or creased.

What are the production considerations? Generally, printing on scrim-based banner material is easy, but post production may require hemming and adding grommets, wind vents or pole pockets. Hemming can be accomplished by sewing, using banner tape or a heated hem welder. Grommet presses make short work of adding grommets.

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On the fabric side, dye-sublimation requires a heat calendar to transfer the printed, paper-based image to the fabric. Another alternative is directly printing on the fabric with latex and specific UV-cure inks. If you’re looking at adding equipment, explore this method.

As we see it, the popularity of fabric signs, banners and street flags has opened new and exciting markets, so you should explore – or further explore – your clients’ retail uses and tradeshow activities. Still, the vinyl and digitally printed banner market remains robust, so whether you choose fabric printing or standard vinyl method, banners are a cash cow for sign shops.

Wait! Did we mention that heavy-duty, printable fabrics are available for awnings and other outdoor structures? Or that scrim-based banner material can be ordered with a blockout that allows double-sided printing? And, did we mention printed table covers as a sales addition to tradeshow graphic orders?

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