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Polyester Banners: Display Options, Durability, and Pros/Cons

Polyester banner

Polyester banners are a popular and versatile option for outdoor and indoor advertising. Made from a durable and lightweight synthetic material, these banners are popular due to their vibrant colors and photographic quality.

Polyester banners are typically printed using dye sublimation, using the CMYO color set for dyes, rather than “dots per inch” digital printing inks. They are printed with high-resolution graphics and text, making them an ideal choice for businesses, events, and organizations looking to attract attention and promote their message effectively.

What is a Polyester Banner?

A polyester banner is a type of banner made from synthetic polyester fibers. Polyester is a durable and lightweight material that is often used in the production of banners due to its gorgeous print (dye-sub) and customizable size and versatility – mainly for indoor or short-term outdoor usage.

Versatile Display Options

Polyester Fabric banners offer a range of versatile display options to suit different display needs. Here are some of the most common options:

Polyester banner

  1. Sewn or Hot Knife Hems: A sewn hem is a fold and stitch along the edges of the banner. It creates a neat and clean edge that prevents the material from fraying or tearing. Sewn hems can be used to attach grommets, pole pockets, or other types of hardware for hanging. If a hot knife is used on the edges of these banners, it melts the edges of the banner in an virtually invisible edge that also prevents fraying. Hemming is more ideal for outdoor usage (again, short term – 6-12 months maximum), whereas the hot knife edges are excellent indoors.
  2. Pole Pockets: Pole pockets are sleeves that are most often sewn into the top and bottom (occasionally a specific use may call for pole pockets on the left and right, or all four sides) of the banner to allow for the insertion of a pole or rod. Pole pockets are ideal for banners that need to be hung from a wall or ceiling with the bottom rod providing weight and smoothing of the banner, or for use in frames that stretch the fabric top to bottom for a smooth appearance.
  3. Grommets: Grommets are metal rings that are punched into the banner material. They are placed along the edges of the banner to provide attachment points for ropes, bungee cords, or other types of hardware. Grommets are a popular option for outdoor banners that need to be secured against low winds or other weather conditions.
  4. Velcro: Velcro strips can be sewn onto the back of the banner to allow for easy attachment to a fabric surface. Velcro strips can be used to attach the banner to a trade show booth or to a wall.
  5. Adhesive: Adhesive backing can be added to the back of the banner for temporary display on smooth surfaces such as windows or walls. This option is ideal for short-term promotions or events. This is not the best solution, but can be used in a pinch if the banners are made with hot knife edges. Hemmed edges are not recommended for this usage.

Overall, the banners are versatile and can be customized to suit different display needs. Depending on the intended use and location of the banner, different display options can be chosen to ensure the banner hangs securely, smoothly and looks professional.

Is Polyester a Cheap Material?

Polyester is an affordable material when compared to natural fabrics such as cotton or silk. Plus it is a polyolefin material that can be dye sublimation printed. Because polyester is a synthetic material that can be mass-produced, resulting in lower production costs, it has become the number one fabric used for many categorical items such as clothing and banners, to name a couple. While polyester banners are generally considered a cost-effective advertising option, it’s important to keep in mind that the overall banner cost may vary widely, depending on the size, design, and display options chosen.

What is the Best Fabric to Make a Banner?

Polyester fabric bannerWhen it comes to making a fabric banner, the best fabric to use depends on the intended use and budget, which usually will be polyester. For indoor banners, fabrics such as polyester or nylon are often preferred due to their lightweight and soft texture. Polyester is a versatile option that comes in a variety of weights and finishes, mainly satins, knits, and sheers, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

Why Do People Prefer Polyester for Banners?

People often prefer polyester for fabric banners due to its versatility, affordability, and durability. It is lightweight, which makes it easy to transport and install. Additionally, polyester is a cost-effective option for those on a budget, especially when compared to natural fabrics such as cotton or silk. Furthermore, it can be printed with vibrant and long-lasting colors, allowing for eye-catching and effective advertising.

Is Polyester Waterproof or Water-Resistant?

Polyester banners are not waterproof, but they dry quickly after a downpour or after being hung dry post-washing. It is most important to make sure the banners are 100% dry before being stored, mainly to prevent mildew. Having said this, polyester fabric does resist mildew longer than natural fibers will, but we still highly recommend storing only when dry.

Do Polyester Banners Hold Up Outdoors?

They are designed to hold up well in outdoor environments. The material is durable and can withstand exposure to various weather conditions, including rain, light wind, and sunlight for up to a year. Additionally, polyester is resistant to mildew, mold, and other types of fungal growth that can occur in humid environments. Except, as noted above, if stored wet.

Does 100% Polyester Fade in the Sun?

Polyester fabric bannerDye-sublimated polyester fabric banners may fade over time when exposed to prolonged sunlight. This is because the UV rays from the sun can cause the dye colors of the banner to break down and fade.

We strongly recommend using a matte finish vinyl banner for long term outdoor usage – they’re cheaper and stronger and digital printing will hold up longer than dye sublimation printed polyester or nylon banners. If you are using feather or teardrop banners, they do require poly fabrics, but plan on replacing those every 6 to 12 months (the poles are reusable, however).

What are Pros and cons of Polyester Banners?

Pros:

  1. Cost-effective: They are an affordable option for businesses and organizations looking to advertise their products or services.
  2. Customizable: They can be customized with high-quality graphics, text, and images to create eye-catching advertising displays.
  3. Lightweight: They are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for events and trade shows.
  4. Easy to clean: They are easy to clean and maintain, allowing for extended use and reuse.

Cons:

  1. Fading: They may fade over time when exposed to prolonged sunlight. We recommend replacing outdoor fabric annually (feather banners, teardrop banners, etc.).
  2. Flammability: They are not fire-resistant and can be a fire hazard if exposed to open flames or heat sources. However, flame retardants are available on request.
  3. Wrinkling: They can wrinkle easily, leading to an unprofessional appearance if not properly stored. Wrinkles are removable, however, with a steam iron (test on a small area to make sure the iron is not too hot, or it may burn the fabric).

Conclusion

Polyester banners are a popular and versatile option for outdoor advertising. They are affordable, customizable, and durable, with the ability to withstand a variety of weather conditions. These fabric banners remain a cost-effective and reliable option for businesses and organizations looking to attract customers and promote their brand.

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Barry K. Brown

Barry Brown has been in the Sign, Banner, Decal and Display Business for over 30 years. It isn't what he thought he'd do with his life, but he says he knows too much now to do anything else!

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