Banner, Vinyl, Fabric, or Mesh

[legacyborn]

I am making a proposal to our areas largest crab feed. I have done their banners through various companies over the past 6 years. They always go with cheap options.

Their new president is a good friend and we do a lot of business together and I have convinced her that their crab feed needs a professional overhaul, which includes banners that don't use stock images of crabs making funny faces.

I will be doing various banners including a 20'x4' banner to hang over the stage at the hall and various 4'x5' sponsor banners.

I Always hang the banners and take them down, and this year will be offering to store the banners (I get compensated for these things with free tickets and drinks)

My question is, what is the best material for professional looks as well as longevity? I want to really promote that these will be long term options. My big issue with vinyl is how much they curl on the corners (as the bottom corners can't be attached to anything in this Hall) and a 20' pole pocket doesn't seem like a reasonable solution, but the fabric banners are more than twice as much. I have never had experience with fabric or mesh banners so I am not sure if they would be a good solution at all. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

-
Logan

 

[JBusch260]

I haven't printed much in regards to fabric, but we've used Sonnet Mesh Banner for quite a few events. Like any banner, if you take care of them properly, they can last a while.

In regards to finishing mesh, we've always done a 1"-1.5" double stick taped hem along each side. It gives it better rigidity and reinforcement for grommets (if needed). It also doesn't allow it to curl. The Sonnet is pretty rigid, so the hem can be tricky if you don't pre-fold it before taping and applying. I hope this helps!

 

[legacyborn]

Thank you for the input,

Okay updated question,

When using a pole pocket does the pole need to go the entire length of the banner, or can I put 4' poles in each side and be done with it. Just trying to make it all pack up nicely.

Thanks!

 

[tim99]

humm.

Thank you for the input,

Okay updated question,

When using a pole pocket does the pole need to go the entire length of the banner, or can I put 4' poles in each side and be done with it. Just trying to make it all pack up nicely.

Thanks!

Humm. I would not recommend that for the 20' banner, perhaps a peace of good mechanics wire running through it. as far as material goes I tend to like the fabric for indoor settings myself

 

[Kwiksigns]

check out aberdeen fabrics. Grimco has it but the samples I got are super nice and the stuff is affordable.

 

[legacyborn]

Unfortunately I won't be printing these myself, I'll be outsourcing them so material is based on what my wholesalers can supply. Pricing on the fabric is 2-3 times that of vinyl (understandably so)

We'll see what the Crab Feed wants to do...

Thank you for the input!

 

[the graphics co]

Why can't you attach some type of weight to the bottom corners? As the installer i would think you have the option of how to secure the bottom of the banner. Fabric is the nicest option for stage backdrops, if it is indoor and not exposed to any of the elements. It doesn't reflect light or flash photography so they look very clean and crisp in pictures. If there is exposure to the elements, then mesh is probably the way to go, there are a bunch of different types of mesh from 15% blow through up to 70% blow through, much cheaper than fabric too.

 

[TheSnowman]

Just got the email from Signs2Trade on smokin' pricing on 8oz mesh till the 27th. I'd have them print it if you're gonna sub it out.

 

[legacyborn]

Why can't you attach some type of weight to the bottom corners? As the installer i would think you have the option of how to secure the bottom of the banner. Fabric is the nicest option for stage backdrops, if it is indoor and not exposed to any of the elements. It doesn't reflect light or flash photography so they look very clean and crisp in pictures. If there is exposure to the elements, then mesh is probably the way to go, there are a bunch of different types of mesh from 15% blow through up to 70% blow through, much cheaper than fabric too.

We tried this on their current Vinyl banner. The material still curls. And none of the banners can be attached to anything on the bottom due to the restrictions in the hall.

Excellent points on the fabric. I will include that in my presentation. Thank you.