BannerBuzz July 6th, 2018

Vinyl Banners vs. Fabric Banners

Fabric banners are making their presence known in the marketplace like never before! Advanced printing techniques have made fabric the right choice for many applications.

But vinyl banners aren’t going away. They seem to last forever, and they’re the right choice for many customers.

So which is right for you?

Some say the choice is simple: use fabric indoors and vinyl outdoors. But it’s not quite so easy. Fabric can look great outdoors, and vinyl can really POP indoors.

Here are a few guidelines to help with your choice.

If you’re hanging a banner for long-term outdoor use, vinyl is the right choice for you. It’s more durable, and the colors are much less likely to fade in the sun or be washed out by the rain. You can keep a vinyl banner flying for a year or more, and it will keep looking great!

However . . .

For short-term outdoor use, fabric banners can be a great option. Yes, you’ll have to get them in
out of the rain, but they give you a softer look for graphics and they look FANTASTIC waving in the wind.
If your banner will be used indoors, fabric gives you that same great soft look, and they really look great flowing down from the rafters. They absorb light more efficiently, so even fluorescent lights won’t dampen their spirits.

However . . .

Vinyl banners have more vibrant colors, and they can look great indoors. Sometimes that
“slick” look is just what you want, and the reflected light can really make your banner stand out.

Here are some general pros and cons:

Vinyl	Fabric
Pros: More durable for extended outdoor use Colors and graphics tend to be more vibrant Vinyl banners are 100% opaque Many options are available including mesh banners for high-wind areas Easy to wipe down and clean Cons: Vinyl banners can’t be folded, only rolled-they’re much less portable High-gloss surface catches light, including camera flashes (especially dark -colored banners)	Pros: Softer look for graphics Flow and move beautifully in the wind or even indoors Fabric can be folded into a small package for transport – just iron out any wrinkles Fabric absorbs light, including camera flashes Many fabric options and weights are available Cons: Won’t hold up in rain or extended periods More difficult to wash – detergents can make graphics run Can be more difficult to hang, especially if wrinkled

Vinyl

Fabric

Pros:

More durable for extended outdoor use
Colors and graphics tend to be more vibrant
Vinyl banners are 100% opaque
Many options are available including mesh
banners for high-wind areas
Easy to wipe down and clean

Cons:

Vinyl banners can’t be folded, only rolled-they’re
much less portable
High-gloss surface catches light, including
camera flashes (especially dark -colored
banners)

Pros:

Softer look for graphics
Flow and move beautifully in the wind or
even indoors
Fabric can be folded into a small package for
transport – just iron out any wrinkles
Fabric absorbs light, including camera flashes
Many fabric options and weights are available

Cons: