The Complete Guide to Printed Banners: Materials, Sizes, Finishing & Uses

Printed banners remain one of the simplest, most versatile and cost-effective ways of promoting a business, event, product or message.

From a small banner attached to railings outside a school or business to a huge mesh banner covering scaffolding on the side of a building, the principle is much the same: put a clear message in front of as many people as possible.

But not all banners are the same.

Choosing the correct material, size, finishing and method of fixing can make an enormous difference to how good your banner looks, how long it lasts and how well it performs.

At Sussex Banners, we supply printed banners for everything from exhibitions and corporate events to construction sites, retail promotions, sporting events, festivals and large building displays.

In this guide, we'll explain the main things you should consider before ordering a printed banner.

What is a printed banner?

A printed banner is a flexible graphic display normally produced from PVC or mesh material and printed with your chosen artwork, branding, photographs, text or promotional message.

Unlike a rigid sign, a banner can normally be rolled up, transported relatively easily and installed temporarily or for longer-term display.

This makes banners particularly useful when you need something that is:

• Cost-effective
• Highly visible
• Available in bespoke sizes
• Suitable for temporary promotions
• Easy to transport and store
• Suitable for indoor or outdoor display
• Capable of displaying full-colour graphics and photographs

The important part is choosing the right type of banner for the job.

What are the main types of printed banner?

There are several different banner materials available and simply choosing the thickest or most expensive material isn't necessarily the right answer.

At Sussex Banners, our main banner materials include:

440gsm PVC banners

For most everyday banner applications, 440gsm PVC is an excellent starting point.

It is an industry-standard banner-grade PVC suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications and can be printed in high-quality full colour.

It's an extremely versatile material and can be used for applications including:

• Business advertising
• Events
• Promotions
• Schools and colleges
• Sporting events
• Exhibitions
• Festivals
• Corporate events
• Retail promotions
• Birthday and celebration banners

For a typical promotional banner, 440gsm PVC will often be our first recommendation.

However, there are situations where another material is more appropriate.

500gsm PVC banners

500gsm PVC is a heavier, premium coated banner material.

Like 440gsm PVC, it is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications and provides excellent full-colour reproduction.

It is particularly well suited to tension-frame systems, where the banner is held under tension within a frame.

The important point is that 500gsm isn't automatically "better" simply because it is heavier.

The correct choice depends on how and where the banner is going to be displayed.

We'll cover this in more detail in our separate guide to 440gsm vs 500gsm PVC banners.

What is a mesh banner?

Mesh banners are designed differently from solid PVC banners.

Instead of creating a completely solid surface, tiny openings in the material allow some air to pass through it.

Our 340gsm PVC mesh, for example, has approximately 25% airflow.

Why does that matter?

Wind.

A very large solid banner can behave rather like a sail.

As wind hits the banner, considerable force can be transferred through the banner to its fixings and whatever structure it is attached to.

Mesh allows some of that air to pass through.

For that reason, mesh can be particularly useful for:

• Scaffolding
• Building wraps
• Large-format outdoor banners
• Heras fencing
• Large advertising displays
• Locations where the weight of the graphic is important

Mesh is also lighter than standard solid banner material, which can be an advantage with very large installations.

There is a trade-off, however.

Because mesh contains openings, a solid PVC banner will generally give a denser-looking printed image.

The decision therefore isn't simply "PVC or mesh?"

It is about balancing image quality, banner size, location, installation and exposure to wind.

We'll explore this further in our separate guide: PVC vs Mesh Banners – Which Should I Choose?

What are double-sided banners?

Most standard banners are designed to be viewed primarily from one side.

But what happens when people approach your banner from two directions?

That's where a double-sided banner can be useful.

A double-sided banner allows graphics to be displayed on both faces, making it particularly suitable for locations where both sides of the display are visible.

These could include:

• Suspended banners
• Freestanding displays
• Events
• Retail environments
• Exhibitions
• Areas with pedestrian traffic approaching from both directions

At Sussex Banners, we offer a heavyweight 740gsm PVC material specifically for double-sided banner applications.

Before paying for a double-sided banner, though, consider whether anyone will actually see the reverse.

If your banner is being attached directly against a wall, for example, there is little benefit in having the reverse printed.

What size banner should I order?

One of the great advantages of printed banners is that they can be produced in a huge range of bespoke sizes.

The right size depends on three main things:

1. Where is the banner going?

Measure the available display area rather than guessing.

2. How far away will people be when they see it?

A banner being viewed from across a road needs to communicate very differently from one being viewed from a few metres away.

3. How much information are you trying to include?

Making the banner larger doesn't necessarily compensate for trying to put too much information on it.

In fact, one of the most common mistakes we see with banners is too much information.

How much information should I put on a banner?

Think about how somebody will actually see your banner.

If they're driving past it, you may only have a few seconds to communicate your message.

A banner containing your:

Company name
Telephone number
Website
Email address
Full postal address
Ten services
Six photographs
Five logos
Three accreditations
Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn details

…might contain everything you want to tell someone, but very little they can actually absorb.

Often, less is more.

A strong banner generally needs:

• A clear headline or message
• Strong branding
• Good visual contrast
• An appropriate image where required
• A simple call to action

Ask yourself:

What is the single most important thing I want somebody to understand when they see this banner?

Design around that first.

What are banner eyelets?

Eyelets are reinforced holes positioned around the banner so that it can be attached to a suitable structure.

For many applications, the banner is given a welded hem around the edge before the eyelets are inserted. The hem reinforces the perimeter and helps distribute the load around the banner.

At Sussex Banners, our standard eyelet distribution on applicable banner materials is approximately one eyelet per metre, although different spacing or specific eyelet positions can be requested.

The correct spacing may depend on the banner size, location and method of installation.

What is a welded hem?

A welded hem strengthens the edge of a PVC banner.

The material is folded back and welded, creating a stronger perimeter than simply leaving the material with a cut edge.

This is particularly useful when eyelets are being installed because the fixing point is then passing through the reinforced area.

For many outdoor applications, welded hems and eyelets are a very practical finishing option.

What are pole pockets?

Sometimes eyelets aren't the best way of displaying a banner.

A pole pocket is created by forming a sleeve along an edge of the banner. A pole, tube or similar support can then pass through the pocket.

Pole pockets can be useful for:

• Hanging banners
• Suspended displays
• Tensioning systems
• Event graphics
• Certain frame systems

The required pocket size depends upon the diameter of the pole or support going through it.

If you know the diameter of your pole, the appropriate pocket can be calculated.

How should an outdoor banner be fixed?

This is one of the most important parts of displaying a banner.

A beautifully printed banner can still fail prematurely if it is badly installed.

One mistake is fixing an outdoor banner extremely tightly with rigid fixings and giving it absolutely no ability to move.

Wind creates loads on the banner, eyelets, fixings and supporting structure.

For many outdoor installations, bungee ties or bungee cord can be preferable to rigid cable ties because the elasticated fixing provides some movement and absorbs some of the forces generated by the wind.

Cable ties are inexpensive and convenient, but because they have virtually no "give", more of the load can be transferred directly to the banner's eyelets.

Whatever method you use, the structure you're attaching the banner to must also be suitable for the loads involved.

For exposed locations, unusually large banners or situations where public safety could be affected, professional advice should be sought.

Are printed banners waterproof?

PVC banners are designed for outdoor use and are well suited to normal British weather conditions, including rain.

However, weather-resistant doesn't mean indestructible.

Wind is often a greater consideration than rain.

The larger the banner and the more exposed the location, the more important the choice of material, finishing, fixings and supporting structure becomes.

This is why we may recommend mesh rather than solid PVC for certain large or exposed applications.

How long will an outdoor banner last?

There isn't one honest answer to this question.

The lifespan of a banner depends on factors including:

• Material
• Location
• Wind exposure
• UV exposure
• How it is installed
• How frequently it is used
• Whether it is left outside permanently
• How it is stored
• The condition of the supporting structure and fixings

A banner displayed occasionally for events has a completely different life from one permanently exposed on a windy fence or building.

Good installation and choosing the correct material can significantly affect useful life.

Can printed banners be reused?

Absolutely.

If the information on the banner isn't date-specific, banners can often be rolled up, stored and used again.

This makes them particularly useful for recurring events such as:

• Open days
• Exhibitions
• Annual events
• Sporting fixtures
• Seasonal promotions
• Corporate events
• Festivals

When storing a banner, we'd generally recommend keeping it clean, dry and rolled rather than tightly folding it, which can create creases.

What artwork do I need for a printed banner?

Good print starts with good artwork.

One of the biggest misconceptions with large-format printing is that an image which looks fine on a computer screen will automatically look good when enlarged to several metres wide.

It won't necessarily.

Logos are ideally supplied as suitable vector artwork where possible, while photographs and other bitmap images need sufficient resolution for their intended printed size and viewing distance.

If you're unsure whether your artwork is suitable, it's better to check before printing rather than discovering the problem when the finished banner arrives.

Which banner material should I choose?

As a simple starting point:

For a general-purpose promotional banner:
440gsm PVC will often be the right choice.

For a premium PVC application or tension-frame system:
Consider 500gsm PVC.

For very large banners, scaffolding, Heras fencing or situations where airflow and weight are important:
Consider 340gsm mesh.

For a banner that genuinely needs to be viewed from both sides:
Consider 740gsm double-sided PVC.

But don't choose purely on the material weight.

The most important questions are:

Where is it going?
How large is it?
How long will it be displayed?
How exposed is the location?
How will it be fixed?
How far away will people view it from?

Those answers determine the best solution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Printed Banners

What is the most popular banner material?

440gsm PVC is our most popular general-purpose banner material because it offers an excellent combination of versatility, print quality and suitability for indoor and outdoor applications.

Is a heavier banner always better?

No. The weight of the material is only one factor. The intended application, size, location and installation method are more important when choosing the correct material.

Should I choose PVC or mesh?

For many everyday banners, solid PVC provides excellent results. For particularly large or exposed applications where airflow and weight are considerations, mesh may be more appropriate.

Can I have a banner made to a custom size?

Yes. One of the main advantages of digitally printed banners is the ability to produce them to bespoke dimensions.

Can banners have eyelets?

Yes. Welded hems and eyelets are one of the most common methods of finishing PVC and mesh banners.

Can a banner have pole pockets?

Yes. Pole pockets can be produced where a banner needs to accept a pole or tube for support, suspension or tensioning.

Are banners suitable for business advertising?

Yes. Banners are particularly useful for promotions, events, launches, sales, openings and temporary advertising because they offer a large visual area at a relatively low cost.

Need help choosing your banner?

There isn't one banner material that's perfect for every application.

That's why we believe it's better to choose a banner based on where and how it will actually be used, rather than simply buying the thickest material available.

Sussex Banners offers a range of PVC and mesh banner materials, bespoke sizing and different finishing options to suit different applications.

If you already know what you need, you can order your banner online.

And if you're unsure which material, size or finishing option is right for your application, contact Sussex Banners and we'll be happy to help you choose the most appropriate solution.