Buying Printed Banners: Everything You Need to Know Before You Order
Whether you’re promoting a business, advertising an event, or creating impactful displays, choosing the right banner can make all the difference. At Banner World, we’ve been helping UK businesses make informed banner purchasing decisions since 2008. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about buying printed banners, from materials and sizing to design requirements and installation considerations.
Understanding Banner Types and Materials
Vinyl/PVC Banners – The Most Popular Choice
PVC (vinyl) banners remain the most popular choice for outdoor advertising, and for good reason. At Banner World, we use premium grade materials that offer exceptional durability and print quality.
Our Premium PVC Banners are manufactured using 500gsm material, providing excellent weather resistance and longevity. These banners are ideal for:
- Business advertising and storefront displays
- Event promotions and festivals
- Construction site advertising
- Trade shows and exhibitions
Key advantages of PVC banners:
- Waterproof and UV-resistant
- Excellent print quality with vibrant colours
- Cost-effective for both short and long-term use
- Easy to transport and store
For extreme durability requirements, consider our Heavy Duty Banner Printing service. These banners use 650gsm material with nylon inner fibres and are over twice as strong as regular premium PVC banners.
Mesh Banners – Wind-Resistant Solutions
Mesh banners are essential when wind resistance is a concern. At Banner World, we offer several mesh options to suit different wind conditions and applications.
Standard PVC Mesh Banners (330gsm) feature thousands of tiny holes that allow 70% print coverage while letting wind pass through. These are perfect for:
- Scaffold banners and building wraps
- Fence banners in exposed locations
- Lamp post banners
- Large outdoor displays
PVC AirMesh Banners offer even greater wind resistance with larger holes for maximum airflow. These are recommended for extreme wind conditions exceeding 30mph.
Eco Mesh Banners provide a PVC-free, fully recyclable alternative without compromising on performance.
Fabric Banners – Premium Indoor Solutions
Fabric Banner Printing uses dye-sublimation technology to create stunning displays perfect for:
- Stage backdrops and band scrims
- Indoor exhibitions and trade shows
- Retail displays requiring premium appearance
- Environments where fabric aesthetics are preferred
Fabric banners are lightweight, foldable, washable, and fully recyclable, making them an excellent eco-friendly choice for indoor applications.
Banner Size Selection Guide
Standard Banner Sizes and Their Applications
Choosing the right size depends on viewing distance, available space, and intended impact. Here are the most popular sizes and their typical uses:
Small Banners (up to 3×6 feet):
- Express Banners – ideal for quick turnaround projects
- Shop window displays
- Indoor promotional displays
- Vehicle graphics
Medium Banners (4×8 to 6×10 feet):
- Outdoor business advertising
- Event entrance banners
- Trade show backdrops
- Building-mounted displays
Large Banners (8×12 feet and above):
- Large Format Banners for maximum impact
- Stadium advertising
- Building wraps and scaffold banners
- Billboard-style advertising
How to Calculate the Right Banner Size
Viewing Distance Formula: For optimal readability, your banner height should be approximately 1/10th of the viewing distance. For example:
- 10-foot viewing distance = 1-foot tall banner minimum
- 50-foot viewing distance = 5-foot tall banner minimum
- 100-foot viewing distance = 10-foot tall banner minimum
Text Size Guidelines:
- 1 inch of text height per 10 feet of viewing distance
- Minimum 2-inch text height for road-side viewing
- Sans-serif fonts for better readability at distance
Design Requirements and Specifications
File Format and Resolution Guidelines
At Banner World, we accept the following file formats:
- PDF (preferred)
- Adobe Illustrator (AI)
- EPS
- JPEG
- PSD
- TIF
Resolution Requirements:
- 150 DPI at full print size for optimal quality
- Higher resolutions (300+ DPI) won’t improve banner quality but will increase file sizes
- Vector files (AI, EPS) are preferred for text and logos
Colour Mode:
- CMYK colour mode for accurate colour reproduction
- Our large format printing services use advanced colour calibration for consistent results
Banner Design Best Practices
Typography Guidelines:
- Use bold, sans-serif fonts (Arial, Helvetica)
- Minimum 2-inch text height for outdoor banners
- High contrast between text and background
- Limit to 2-3 font sizes maximum
Design Layout:
- Keep text to 7 words or fewer for quick reading
- Use high-contrast colour combinations
- Include clear call-to-action
- Ensure logos are vector-based for scalability
Our Free Design Service: Banner World provides a FREE Design Tool for most products, with correctly sized templates and design elements. Alternatively, our experienced design team can create custom artwork to your specifications.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Banner Considerations
Indoor Banner Requirements
For indoor applications, consider:
- Fabric Banners for premium appearance
- Hanging Banners with pole pockets for trade shows
- Fire retardant materials for venue compliance
- Lighter weight materials for easier handling
Outdoor Banner Durability Factors
Outdoor banners face harsh conditions requiring:
- UV-resistant inks (standard with all Banner World outdoor banners)
- Weather-resistant materials (PVC or mesh)
- Reinforced hems for wind resistance
- Quality finishing (hemmed edges and rust-resistant eyelets)
Wind Resistance Guidelines:
- Standard PVC banners: suitable for winds up to 30mph
- Mesh banners: recommended for winds exceeding 30mph
- AirMesh banners: for extreme wind conditions
Banner Printing Quality and Technology
Advanced Printing Technologies
Banner World utilises multiple printing technologies to ensure optimal results:
Large Format Inkjet Printing:
- Printers up to 5 metres wide
- Dye sublimation for fabric applications
- UV printing for durability
- Eco-solvent and latex inks for environmental compliance
Quality Assurance:
- Pre-press artwork checking
- Colour calibration for consistency
- Print resolution up to 2880dpi
- Quality control at every production stage
Professional Finishing Options
Standard Finishing (included in price):
- Welded hems for durability
- Nickel-plated eyelets every 500mm
- Professional edge sealing
Optional Upgrades:
- Reinforced webbing hems for extra strength
- Custom eyelet spacing
- Pole pockets for banner systems
- Corner reinforcement
Cost Factors and Budgeting
Banner Pricing Structure
Banner World offers transparent, competitive pricing with instant online calculators for all products:
- Express Banners: From £15 per metre
- Standard PVC Banners: Competitive trade rates
- Mesh Banners: From £8 per square metre
- Fabric Banners: £19.95-£24.95 per square metre
Factors Affecting Banner Costs
Size and Quantity:
- Larger banners offer better cost per square metre
- Bulk discounts available for multiple banners
- Our automated processes keep costs low
Material Selection:
- PVC banners: most cost-effective
- Mesh banners: slight premium for wind resistance
- Fabric banners: higher cost but premium appearance
- Heavy-duty materials: premium pricing for maximum durability
Turnaround Time:
- Standard delivery: 5-6 working days
- Express service: 2-3 working days
- Rush orders: premium charges may apply
Hidden Costs to Consider
Design Services:
- Basic design amendments: often included
- Complex custom design: additional charges
- Rush design work: premium rates
Delivery:
- Free delivery on orders over £250 (excluding VAT)
- Standard delivery: £6.50 for express banners
- Installation services: quoted separately
Choosing Banner World as Your Printing Partner
Why Banner World Leads the UK Market
Established Excellence:
- Trading since 2008
- Thousands of satisfied trade clients
- Lowest prices guaranteed with bulk discounts
Quality Assurance:
- Only premium grade materials used
- State-of-the-art printing equipment
- Legendary finishing techniques including lamination, die-cutting, and high-frequency welding
Customer Service:
- Plain packaging for trade clients
- Direct-to-client shipping available
- Expert technical support and advice
Our Range of Banner Applications
Business and Commercial:
- Vinyl Banner Printing for storefronts
- Building Wraps for construction sites
- Scaffold Banners for high-rise projects
Events and Celebrations:
- Festival banners and crowd flags
- Stage backdrops and band scrims
- Wedding and celebration banners
Specialised Applications:
- Cafe barriers for hospitality
- Sports banners and stadium displays
- Exhibition stands and trade show graphics
Installation and Mounting Considerations
Standard Finishing Options
Hem and Eyelets (Standard):
- 12mm nickel-plated eyelets
- Spaced approximately every 500mm
- Suitable for rope, cable ties, or bungee cord installation
Pole Pockets:
- Available for most banner types
- Specify pole diameter (typically 50mm for scaffold poles)
- 150mm flat pole pocket accommodates standard 50mm tubes
Reinforced Options:
- Heavy-duty webbing welded to banner edges
- Recommended for banners over 10 square metres
- Essential for high-wind applications
Installation Best Practices
Tension Requirements:
- Achieve proper tension to prevent wind flapping
- Use large penny washers with screws to protect eyelets
- Consider banner frames for professional appearance
Wind Load Calculations:
- Professional survey recommended for banners over 25 square metres
- Consider local wind conditions and exposure
- Choose appropriate materials based on location
Common Banner Buying Mistakes to Avoid
Design and Specification Errors
Resolution Mistakes:
- Avoid low-resolution images (under 150 DPI)
- Don’t upscale small images for large banners
- Ensure vector logos for crisp text reproduction
Size Calculation Errors:
- Measure installation space carefully
- Consider viewing angles and distances
- Account for hem allowances in final dimensions
File Format Issues:
- Provide files in accepted formats (PDF, AI, EPS, JPEG, PSD, TIF)
- Include sufficient safe area for hemming
- Ensure CMYK colour mode for accurate reproduction
Material Selection Pitfalls
Wind Resistance Underestimation:
- Don’t use solid PVC in high-wind areas
- Consider mesh materials for exposed locations
- Factor in local weather conditions
Indoor vs. Outdoor Confusion:
- Specify UV-resistant inks for outdoor use
- Consider fire regulations for indoor banners
- Choose appropriate material weights
Banner Care and Maintenance
Cleaning and Storage Guidelines
PVC Banner Care:
- Wipe clean with mild soap and water
- Allow to dry completely before storage
- Roll rather than fold to prevent creasing
Fabric Banner Care:
- Machine washable (fabric banners only)
- Air dry to maintain print quality
- Store in dry, clean environment
Mesh Banner Maintenance:
- Check for debris in mesh holes
- Clean with soft brush if necessary
- Inspect fixing points regularly
Maximising Banner Lifespan
Installation Best Practices:
- Ensure adequate tension
- Use appropriate fixings for banner weight
- Regular inspection for wear or damage
Environmental Protection:
- Consider seasonal storage for temporary banners
- Monitor for UV fade in extreme sun exposure
- Replace when showing significant wear
Banner Ordering Process at Banner World
Step-by-Step Ordering
- Choose Your Product: Select from our range of banner types
- Calculate Costs: Use our online calculators for instant pricing
- Upload Artwork: Provide files in accepted formats
- Select Finishing: Choose standard or premium finishing options
- Review and Order: Confirm specifications and complete payment
Quality Assurance Process
Pre-Production Checks:
- Artwork quality and suitability verification
- Size and specification confirmation
- File format compatibility check
Production Quality Control:
- Print quality monitoring
- Finishing inspection
- Final packaging check
Plain Packaging Service:
- No Banner World branding on packages
- Direct-to-client shipping available
- Trade-friendly service throughout
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the minimum order quantity?
A: No minimum order – we cater for single banners or large bulk orders.
Q: Can you match specific colours?
A: Yes, we can match RAL or Pantone colours. Contact us for colour-critical projects.
Q: Do you offer design services?
A: Yes, we provide a free online design tool and professional design services.
Q: What about fire certificates?
A: All our materials are flame retardant to EU/UK standards. Fire certificates available for download.
Q: Can you print double-sided banners?
A: Yes, we offer double-sided banner printing with blockout material.
Get Started with Your Banner Project
Ready to order your perfect banner? Banner World makes it easy:
Contact Information
- Phone: 01253 897 840
- Email: [email protected]
- Online: Complete our easy ordering process
Free Services Included
- Online design tool access
- Artwork checking and advice
- Standard finishing (hems and eyelets)
- Plain packaging for trade clients
Expert Advice Available: Our experienced team, led by director John Leatherbarrow (25+ years printing industry experience), provides expert guidance for any banner project, from simple promotional banners to complex building wraps.
Whether you need a quick express banner for an upcoming event or a large-scale building wrap project, Banner World delivers exceptional quality at the UK’s best trade prices. Our automated processes, premium materials, and attention to detail ensure your banner exceeds expectations while staying within budget.
Start your banner project today and experience why thousands of UK businesses trust Banner World for their printing needs.
