Outdoor banners are designed for durability and high visibility, making them perfect for roadside advertising, branding, public announcements, and raising awareness. These versatile, large-format signs are made from weather-resistant, durable materials like vinyl and mesh, making them suitable for long-term use in public spaces.
Still, they require care and maintenance to help keep them in pristine condition and last for many years. In this guide, Signs.com shares tips and best practices to extend the life of outdoor banners and keep the print looking new and vibrant.
1. Choose the right banner material.
Banners are made from different materials, including heavy-duty vinyl, mesh vinyl, and polyester fabric. Vinyl material is typically used for banners meant for long-term use because they are highly resistant to UV rays, water, humidity, and harsh weather conditions.
However, not all vinyl banners are created equal. At Signs.com, our vinyl banners have a tear resistance of 67 lbs. x 64 lbs. and a temperature resistance of -2 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, which meets the California State Fire Marshal, NFPA 701 Flame Test.
Mesh vinyl is another suitable material for outdoor banners, and they are perfect for windy locations. Mesh banners have a perforated design that allows wind to pass through, preventing excessive stress on the material and mounting points, thereby reducing the risk of tearing.
2. Use banners with a durable edge finish.
Adding an edge finish or hem can significantly improve your banner’s durability. By contrast, outdoor signs with no hem (i.e. they are flush cut) are less resistant to tears and damage, especially along the edges.
There are two common methods to construct a durable edge finish: welded hems, which are created using heat, and sewn hems, which are made using an industrial sewing machine.
3. Install your outdoor banners correctly.
Outdoor banners typically have grommets, which are also called eyelets or rings, for threading ropes, bungee cords, or zip ties. Other banners, meanwhile, have pole pockets that need to be hung between two poles.
Whether you equip your banners with grommets or pole pockets, it’s important to display them in a way that their weight is evenly distributed across the mounting points. The goal is to reduce sagging and creasing, which can damage the material over time.
Apply adequate tension when installing banners; too much can cause warping or tearing. Hang them taut but not overstretched, especially in windy conditions, to prevent the wind from pulling and tearing the material.
4. Clean your banners frequently.
Wash your banners every few months, or as often as necessary, depending on how frequently they are exposed to dust, dirt, and pollution. Regular cleaning prevents grime buildup and maintains the graphics’ vibrant colors.
When cleaning an outdoor banner, avoid using abrasive products, stiff brushes, and power washers, as these may cause fading and damage the material. Instead, use soapy water (a mild dish soap will do) and a soft cloth or sponge to remove stains or grime buildup on the surface. Rinse the banner thoroughly with clean water and let it dry completely before storing or re-hanging it.
5. Take preventive measures during severe weather.
Removing banners during severe weather prevents them from tearing or being damaged, which helps extend their life. If you must leave them up, ensure they are made from a durable material designed for outdoor use and are properly installed.
6. Choose a shaded spot for banner installation.
Constant exposure to UV rays can break down the chemical bonds in the ink, causing the graphics to fade over time. If possible, place banners in areas where they receive minimal direct sunlight, like shaded spots near buildings or trees.
Related article: Vinyl Banner Placement Strategies
7. Store your banners correctly.
When not in use, roll up your banners and store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures. Keep them in a protective tube or container to prevent stains and dust buildup. Avoid folding your banners because wrinkles can damage the print and affect the overall longevity of the material.
The most important step to extend the lifespan of your outdoor banners is to choose a durable, weather-resistant material with reinforced hems. Proper installation, care and maintenance, and storage also play a crucial role in the longevity of your signs.
If you don’t have a print-ready banner design yet, you can use Signs.com’s pre-made templates or online design tool, or request a professional design service for high-quality banner printing designed for outdoor durability.
