Nowadays, vinyl banners have become a popular solution for outdoor advertising. Many organizations opt for these because they’re durable, versatile, and ensure that they grab attention from every corner, even on busy streets, at events, on storefronts, or at trade shows. However, there’s no doubt that your banner won’t leave a memorable impression on the audience if it begins to fade, tear, or peel after some time.
This is why it’s essential to learn how to ensure your custom vinyl banners stay up, even in harsh weather conditions. We’ll walk you through some important tips and steps so that you can make your banner weatherproof and guarantee that it lasts for a longer period.
Pick the Right Material
You should clearly keep in mind that not all vinyl is created equal, and you need to choose high-quality materials when you aim to make your custom vinyl banner weather-resistant. For outdoor use, you can go with 13 oz or 18 oz vinyl, as these weights offer greater durability, allowing them to withstand UV rays, rain, and strong winds effectively.
You may save money if you buy thinner materials, but they can deteriorate more quickly than others. Instead of saving money, you may have to replace the banners frequently, which in turn can exceed your budget.
Go for UV-Resistant Inks
It would be incorrect to deny that printing plays a significant role in determining the lifespan of your custom banners for business. Your banner with standard ink can quickly fade away when you use standard ink. To avoid that mishap, you can use solvent-based or UV-resistant inks, as these are designed to resist sun exposure and prevent damage, such as fading or losing their colors.
With UV-resistant printing, you can ensure that your banner’s design retains its shine and maintains your brand’s visibility even after being placed outdoors for months. You should also invest in UV-stable ink, especially when you’re putting your banner in a sunny location.
Conduct Lamination or Apply Protective Coating
If you use sunscreen, think of it similarly to lamination. Protective coatings and lamination can extend the life of your custom vinyl banners, as their transparent layer helps resist dirt, scratches, and, most importantly, sun damage. You can request your banner provider to add a laminate film or apply a liquid laminate after the printing process.
Although these may cost a bit more, the enhanced durability is well worth it, especially when you plan to display the banners for an extended period or intend to use them for multiple events.
Install the Lamination Properly
Even if you select the most durable and versatile banner, it can still get damaged if it’s not installed correctly. Additionally, flapping in the wind can cause wear and tear, allowing it to be stretched and secured at all anchor points. For fence or wall installations, you can use bungee cords, strong rope, or zip ties to keep the banner securely in place.
Here’s a pro tip for you: Avoid using a thin string or tape, as they may not be able to hold the banner securely. Choosing this option can save you from stress and guarantee that your banner lasts longer.
Wrap Up the Edges Properly
A common failure point in banners is the edges, especially where grommets are placed. If you fail to reinforce the banner edges properly, your banner can be pulled and torn from its mounting points due to strong winds.
To avoid these issues, you can try:
- Hemming the Edges
If you fold and heat-seal or, even better, stitch the edges, you can create a hard-to-tar layer on your banner.
- Using Strong Grommets
You can use metal, rust-resistant grommets, and place them at even intervals to distribute the tension evenly.
These upgrades may seem like a minor consideration to you. However, they can play a significant role in enhancing the weather-resistant capabilities of your custom banners for business, especially in storm-prone or windy areas.
Clean and Maintain Regularly
You might be thinking that keeping your custom design banners online clean isn’t a big deal, but debris and dirt can actually break down the vinyl over time. Consistent care can help you maintain the integrity as well as the appearance of your banner’s material.
To care for your banner, you can:
- Avoid using harsh chemicals
- Let it try completely before installing.
- Use a sponge or a soft cloth with mild soap and water.
Here’s a pro tip for you: make sure to roll your banner, but don’t fold it and store it in a cool and dry place so that you can avoid any creases and damage.
Invest in a Professional Banner Company
To be honest, DIY is undoubtedly a fun activity, but working with well-skilled professionals is crucial, especially when it comes to professional marketing tools like custom design banners online. The reason is simple: these experts know what materials will work best for your banner, along with using the right techniques to ensure a longer and durable lifespan for your banner.
Make sure to specify where and how you’ll use your custom vinyl banners when placing your order. It can help you get proper customized options according to your specific requirements, whether you plan to display it on an outdoor signage for a year or for your week-long trade show.
Final Thoughts
Making your custom banners for business long-lasting and weather-resistant is not just about one feature; it’s the perfect combination of creative design choices, using the right materials, and proper maintenance. Even if you want to inform your audience about an outdoor event, a seasonal sale, or promote a grand opening, a well-designed vinyl banner is all that you need as an effective marketing tool.
So, make sure you’re thinking beyond when you shop for custom design banners online next time. Your hard work will not stop right here; you also have to consider ways to extend your banner’s lifespan. All this is a bit frustrating, right? You can seek help from experts like Banner Craze to create a banner that can effectively communicate your brand’s message for a longer time span, even in the most crowded areas.
