Banners are large, flat pieces of fabric, vinyl, or other similar materials. They are typically hung on walls and fences, from ceilings, and carried in parades. They usually display a message or advertisement. In addition, they are often used as temporary signs at events such as conventions, trade shows, and political rallies. Today, we look at how these sign products are made.
Banner Substrates
The first step in making a banner is to choose the substrate or base material. The most common substrates used for banners are vinyl and mesh.
- Vinyl is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a durable plastic. This plastic is treated with various chemicals to make it more flexible and pliable. Then it is pressed into a thin sheet and used as a substrate for banners.
- Mesh is made from various materials, including polyester, nylon, and fiberglass, woven into a tight grid. This grid produces small openings allowing air to flow through the banner. This makes mesh banners ideal for use in windy conditions.
Printing Process
Once the substrate has been chosen, it is cut to size with a large cutting machine. Then the image and text are printed onto the substrate.
For vinyl banners, the printing is done with a large format printer and special inks which bond to PVC. The inks used for vinyl banners are typically solvent-based or UV-curable.
For mesh banners, the printing is done with dye sublimation. The ink is printed onto a sheet of transfer paper during this process. The transfer paper is then placed on the banner material and heated. This causes the ink to turn into a gas and bond with the fibers of the banner.
Finishing Touches
The final steps in making banners involves adding finishings, such as grommets, hemming, or pole pockets.
- Grommets are metal rings inserted into the banner material to make a hole used for hanging. They are added with a grommet machine which punches a hole in the banner and then attaches the grommet.
- Hemming is the process of folding over the edges of the banner and stitching them in place. This forms a finished border to prevent the banner from fraying. There are a few hemming options, including double-needle stitching, hot knife cutting, and welding.
- Pole pockets are horizontal or vertical sleeves sewn into banners. They allow a pole to be inserted through the pocket and used for hanging or carrying the banner.
At FASTSIGNS® of Sacramento/Natomas Airport Area, CA we make banners and other sign products for businesses in Sacramento County and the surrounding areas. Contact us today with any questions you may have.
