Signage FAQ | How big should I make my banner?

Banners are a relatively inexpensive way of displaying a large sign to promote your company or event. Though your first thought may be to make the banner as big as possible, it’s not quite that easy. There are a number of things to consider when you need to have a banner made. This article presents things you should consider before having your banner made.

Cost
The size of your banner will affect the cost of having the banner made. The intent of a having a banner made is to communicate a message, so hopefully budget constraints don’t impact your banner’s effectiveness.

City Ordinance
Most cities impose limitations on exterior signs. In addition to limiting the size, placement and duration may also be restricted. A search on the internet will often help you find the governing body, and specifics on sign standards may also be published online. While researching, check permit requirements as procuring a permit will affect cost and timeframe. If you’re not able to find what you need online, a call to your local city hall will get you started.

Signage Criteria
If you rent, your landlord or property manager will typically have restrictions on signage. Specifics on signage criteria are often included in your lease agreement.

Visibility and Legibility
All other factors being equal, the larger your banner, the greater the distance it can be seen from. Your design, background, colors and fonts used all affect legibility, and increasing the size shouldn’t be a trade-off for a poor design.

Avoid fancy fonts. They may add style, but are not as easy to read.

Choose a color scheme that provides good contrast. For digitally printed banners, there’s typically no additional cost for covering the entire banner surface, so use this to your advantage to maximize legibility and impact in your design.

Installation
When planning your banner, consider how and where the banner will be mounted as this may impose restrictions on size, design and fabrication.

Try to install your banner where it will be visible head on, not from an angle. Check for visual obstructions when planning your installation. A large banner is of little value if it’s partially obstructed by a tree or building.

Other Tips
Banners can be made from a wide variety of materials. Your sign company can help you choose the material best suited for your application. Lighter weight banner material is less expensive, but isn’t suitable for outdoor use.

When designing your banner, consider if the banner may be reused. If so, you may consider leaving dates off the printed banner, or having a section with an overlay that can be replaced by fastening
the overlay with Velcro.

About Spectrum Signs
Spectrum Signs is an independent, locally owned, full service sign manufacturing company located in south Orange County – Mission Viejo, California. We are affiliated with over 240 independent sign companies with access to resources nationwide. This affiliation provides significant discounts from sign suppliers, and allows us to offer competitive pricing without compromising in quality and service.

For more information, contact:

Spectrum Signs
23382 Madero Suite L
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 297-3800

Spectrum Signs