Custom vinyl banners are a cost-effective way to promote your brand, grand opening, sale, or other event in a big, eye-catching way. However, there are a few things you should know to make the process as seamless as possible when ordering your custom banners.

This blog includes everything you need to know about ordering custom banners, from understanding how banners are made and how much they cost to best design practices and their benefits.

What Material Are Banners Made From?

Custom banners are made from heavy-duty vinyl. Vinyl is a weatherproof material that can be trimmed to size and printed double-sided. It is also tear-resistant and made to last for extended periods of time outdoors. Vinyl is also smooth and opaque, preventing sunlight from shining through and interfering with your design. In addition, even if it is rolled up, once unrolled, it lays flat without any curling.

Depending on your print provider, the thicknesses available for vinyl banners typically range from 10 to 18 ounces. If you will be displaying your banner outdoors, 14 to 18oz vinyl is ideal, as anything thinner may allow the sun to shine through slightly. A thicker vinyl, like 18oz, blocks out the sun and is heavier, eliminating the potential for damage due to harsh environmental conditions.

What Are the Standard Banner Sizes?

Banners are designed to promote your specific message within your specific area. That said, custom banners can be ordered in sizes as small as 1' x 0.5' to 8' x 14' and larger. Some of the most common sizes ordered include the 2' x 6', 3' x 8', and 6' x 10'.

Additionally, while hanging vinyl banners are available in various sizes, retractable and x-stand banners have some limitations since they need to fit within their stand’s dimensions. The most popular x-stand banner size is 31.5" x 79"; for retractable banners, the most common size is 33.5" x 80".

Overall, the size you choose for your custom banner should reflect the location where you will be displaying it. For example, you want it to be large enough for your audience to easily read it but not too large that it overwhelms its environment.

What Are the Different Types of Banners

There are three types of vinyl banners: hanging, retractable, and x-stand.

Hanging vinyl banners, as mentioned above, come in various sizes to meet your needs. They can also be displayed using grommets or pole pockets. Grommets are the most popular displaying method, and each grommet is inserted into the corners of the banner (and along the edge, depending on the banner size). You can then use rope, hooks, or other materials to hang your banner easily. For the pole pocket method, the edge of the banner is taped or sewn together, creating an opening where you can slide your banner onto a pole, similar to a front porch flag.

X-stand banners also use the grommet method, with four grommets on each corner. Then, using an x-stand consisting of two hooks at the top and two at the bottom, you can slide each grommet on each hook to display your message as a standalone sign.

Retractable banners, also known as roll-up banners, are popular for tradeshows and other events as they are convenient and easily portable. These types of banners are made using 14oz vinyl and a special stand that rolls out to display the banner. Then, they can easily be rolled back up to transport or store it.

How Long Can Custom Banners Last?

Because custom banners are made from heavy-duty, thick vinyl, they can withstand long periods of time indoors and outdoors, even in rain, wind, or snow. The average life span for a banner can range from 1 year to 12 years and beyond, depending on the environment and care. For example, while custom banners are weatherproof, if placed directly in the sun or places where hail or high winds are present, the quality of the sign can deteriorate over time and may turn the sign's lifespan from 12 years to 3. In addition, even if your sign is placed indoors if it is displayed low to the ground in high-traffic areas, it may be exposed to debris that can stain it if not properly cleaned. Overall, however, vinyl banners have one of the longest lifespans of wide-format graphics.

Can You Print on Both Sides of the Banner?

For custom hanging 18oz vinyl banners, you can print on both sides of the banner, and, in some cases, it makes your sign more effective as it allows your message to be seen from either direction. However, for retractable and x-stand banners, it is not ideal to print on both sides because of how the stands operate: only one side of the banner is fully visible.

If you are ordering a double-sided banner, it's important to find a printer that offers thick block-out 18oz vinyl so that your sign won't be see-through.

How Much Do Vinyl Banners Cost?

The cost of a custom vinyl banner depends on its size, material quality, type, and whether it is printed single-sided or double-sided. Overall, the cost of a banner can range anywhere from $16 to $600 or more.

What Are Some Banner Design Best Practices?

When designing your custom banner, it's important to keep your goal and audience in mind. You want your design to effectively deliver your message and attract your target audience.

In addition, you want to keep your design simple yet eye-catching. Use minimal text in a readable and large font. Use design elements that make your message stand out, and make sure to use high contrast throughout, including dark text on light-colored backgrounds and light-colored text on dark backgrounds.

What Are the Benefits of Custom Banners?

Custom vinyl banners offer many benefits, from cost-effectiveness and versatility to durability and increased sales. Overall, some benefits custom banners offer include:

Brand Awareness: When promoting your brand, the large size of banners helps increase brand awareness from even far distances.

Cost-Effectiveness: Vinyl banners are one of the most affordable custom sign options available.

Versatility: Banners are suitable for a wide range of uses and are used by all industry types as a means to promote a message, as business signage, as decorations, or to direct traffic.

Increased Sales: When designed and displayed effectively, vinyl banners attract viewers to take action.

Heavy-Duty Signage: Custom banners are designed using durable, long-lasting vinyl that can be displayed indoors and outdoors for several years.

Easy Installation: Whether you order a hanging, retractable, or x-stand banner, vinyl banners are easy to install and can be moved and reused with little to no effort.

Who Uses Custom Banners?

Custom vinyl banners are an affordable, effective, and versatile sign option for all sorts of businesses and even individuals. Their affordability makes them suitable for nonprofit organizations to use during charity events, small businesses to promote a sale or grand opening, and even individuals who need a banner to celebrate a birthday, graduation, or other life event. In addition, due to banners' effectiveness and durability, they are a sign favorite for many industry types, including event planners, corporate businesses, restaurants, retail stores, schools and universities, and any one business type who needs to market their message in a big way.

Now that you know everything about ordering custom banners, you're ready to bring your sign to life. At Kingston Printing, we offer high-quality, affordable banners in several different options to meet your exact needs. If you have any questions, give us a call at 785-690-7222 or click below to request a quote for your banners today.