Banners are a common sight in our everyday lives. They are used for marketing purposes, to catch people's attention and draw them in. But what goes into making a banner? This article discusses some of the most common materials and finishes used in banners, as well as their benefits and drawbacks. Common Banner Substrates Polyester The most common substrate (material) used for banners is polyester fabric. Polyester is a durable, synthetic material which is easy to print on. It is made from petroleum products, which makes it quite affordable. Also, polyester is easy to clean and care for, making it a great choice for multi-use banners. Vinyl Vinyl is another popular substrate for banners. Vinyl is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a synthetic plastic polymer. It is more durable than polyester and can withstand harsh weather conditions. However, it is not as easy to print on as polyester, making it a less popular choice for banner printing. Canvas Canvas is a natural fabric made from cotton or linen. It is heavy and sturdy, making it ideal for outdoor use. Canvas is also easy to print on and can be painted or stained. Many people use canvas banners for art shows or events where a more sophisticated look is desired. One drawback of canvas is its weight; it is much heavier than polyester or vinyl. Mesh Vinyl Mesh vinyl has small holes punched through it. This makes it ideal for banners hung in windy areas, as the holes allow wind to pass through. Mesh vinyl banners are commonly seen hanging on fences or on the side of buildings. Banner Finishing Options Banner finishes are the final touches added to the banner after printing. Grommets Grommets are metal eyelets inserted into the banner material. They are used to reinforce holes punched or drilled into the banner. They are used to hang banners, distribute the weight evenly, keep the banner flat, and prevent them from tearing. Grommets allow for easy zip-tying, the most common method of hanging banners. Pole Pockets Pole pockets are sleeves sewn into the top and bottom of banners. They are used to insert poles or rods, which can then be used to hang the banner. Pole pockets are also perfect for parade banners, allowing the banner to be carried easily. Hemmed Edges Hemmed edges are when the raw edges of the banner material are folded over and sewn down. This creates a clean, finished edge to prevent the banner from fraying. Hemmed edges also make it easier to insert grommets or pole pockets. Die-Cutting Die-cutting is a process in which banner material is cut into specific shapes. This is often done for aesthetic reasons or to create a unique shape to better catch people's attention. Die-cutting can be done by hand or with a machine. No Finish Some banners do not have any finish applied to them. This is often the case with vinyl banners, as they are already quite durable. However, it is always a good idea to hem the edges of a banner to prevent fraying and create a more professional look. At FASTSIGNS® of Sacramento/Natomas Airport Area, CA, we can make the perfect banner for your needs. Visit us today to see our work and get started on a custom banner project.