A Quick Guide to Outdoor Banners

Outdoor banners are large-format signs typically installed in outdoor locations such as roadsides and fences. They are designed to capture attention, stay visible from a distance, and withstand weather conditions such as sun, rain, and wind. 

Businesses, schools, nonprofits, and event organizers often use outdoor banners to promote products, services, events, and share announcements. They’re also a popular choice because they’re affordable, customizable, portable, and easy to install. When you choose the right material, size, and display method, outdoor banners can be both effective and long-lasting. 

In this article, we explain what outdoor banners are made of, including their lifespan, sizes, and display methods. We also share why vinyl banners are the most common choice and provide design tips and care recommendations. 

Anyone who needs to get their message out needs a banner. Banners provide a great way for business owners (and others!) to broaden their reach and communicate important messaging, such as a sale, a new product or event, or a promotion. Like other kinds of outdoor signs, banners offer an affordable and effective way to reach new customers and reconnect with old buyers. Schools can use it for important announcements or celebrations. Non-profits and advocacy groups can use it to raise awareness about issues they care about. Event managers can use it to promote their events and on the actual day of the event itself. And the list goes on. In short, banners are widely used in many different outdoor scenarios due to the variety of advantages they offer. 

If you’re looking to design your own outdoor banner but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help. In this Signage 101 article, we’ve prepared this comprehensive guide with everything you need to know to get your own outdoor banner. 

What are Outdoor Banners Made of? 

Outdoor banners are usually made from vinyl, fabric, or mesh. 

Vinyl banners are the most common banner type and are a reliable choice. They’re weather-resistant, durable, and yield vibrant prints at an affordable price. On the other hand, fabric banners are lightweight and more suitable for indoor use or very short-term outdoor displays. Mesh banners have small holes that allow air to pass through, making them ideal for high-wind environments. 

If wind is not a major concern, vinyl banners offer the perfect balance of durability, appearance, and cost for outdoor use. 

Popular Outdoor Banner Sizes 

Vinyl banners can be printed in almost any size, but one of the most popular options is 6’ x 3’. This size is large enough to be seen from a distance without overwhelming the space and remains cost-effective. 

When choosing a banner size, always consider its location and viewing distance. Think about whether viewers will be walking, standing, or driving, and how quickly the message needs to be read. Larger banners with larger text work best for roadside visibility, while smaller banners can work well for sidewalks, entrances, and other pedestrian areas. 

Why Vinyl Banners Work Best Outdoors 

Vinyl banners are designed to withstand outdoor conditions — they’re waterproof, weather-resistant, and built for long-term display. Their durability comes from a reinforced internal scrim, which prevents tearing and stretching while maintaining a smooth printing surface. This helps vinyl banners perform well outdoors without sacrificing image quality. 

Common vinyl thickness options include: 

• 13 oz. vinyl – Best or everyday outdoor use and temporary displays 

• 18 oz. Vinyl – Great for heavier-duty or longer-term outdoor use 

Choosing the right thickness depends on how long the banner will be displayed and the conditions it will face.

How Long Do Outdoor Banners Last? 

Vinyl banners can last three years or longer outdoors with proper installation and care, their lifespan depends on environmental conditions they’re exposed to and how well they’re secured outside.

Factors That Affect Outdoor Banner Lifespan 

While outdoor banners are designed to be durable, there are still several factors that can still affect their lifespan. These are: 

Pollution 

Banners may fade faster or collect grime in highly polluted areas. Limiting unnecessary exposure and cleaning as needed can help preserve their appearance. 

Sun Exposure 

Constant exposure to direct sunlight can cause colors to fade over time. To avoid this from happening, take down banners and store them properly when they’re not needed. 

Wind 

When not secured properly, strong winds can cause excessive movement, flapping, or stretching that can ultimately damage a vinyl banner. Using enough grommets, bungee cords, or rope helps reduce stress on the material and keeps the banner intact. 

Weather 

Frequent heavy rain and very low temperatures can cause wear and tear on your outdoor banner. Some climates are harsher on outdoor signage than others, so make sure to store your banners to preserve their condition. 

How to Display Outdoor Banners 

The right display method not only improves visibility but also helps extend the life of your banner. 

Here are several ways you can display your banners: 

• Use grommets and screws to hang banners on walls or fences 

• Use rope or zip ties to suspend banners between posts 

• Hang banners from ceilings or awnings 

• Mount banners on tables or frames 

A secure and stable installation is essential when hanging banners to ensure they last longer and look professional. Bungee cords, nylon rope, carabiners, clips, and zip ties are tools commonly used for outdoor banner installation. They help reduce stress on the material and prevent it from moving or flapping excessively, which makes it much more likely to wear out or tear over time.  

Designing Outdoor Banners That Stand Out 

Design plays a big role in how effective an outdoor banner is. A well-thought-out, banner is easier to read, more memorable, and more likely to drive results. Follow these tips to make your banners stand out: 

Set a Clear Purpose 

Keep your message direct and clear. Whether you’re promoting a sale, announcing an event, or directing foot traffic, viewers should understand the message at a glance. 

Choose a Good Display Location 

Where the banner will be displayed influences your design choices. Consider how fast people will be moving and how far away they’ll be when they see it. A good banner can still go unnoticed if it’s placed in an area where people are too busy to give your message a look.  

Select the Right Colors and Fonts 

Choose vibrant, high-contrast colors that do not clash or blend with the surrounding environment and avoid placing dark text on dark backgrounds. Remember to use simple, bold sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, Futura, Bebas, Avenir, and Proxima Nova. They are usually the easiest to read from a distance. Lastly, avoid design clutter and don’t add too much text or too many colors. Keep in mind that the goal of displaying your banner is to ensure that your audience understands your message in just a few seconds. 

Caring for Outdoor Banners 

Proper care helps prolong the life of an outdoor banner. Here’s how: 

• Clean banners with mild soap and warm water 

• Avoid long-term exposure to harsh conditions when possible 

• Keep mounting surfaces clean and free of rust or debris before hanging your banner 

• Display banners securely to reduce movement 

• Do not iron vinyl banners 

• Store your banners rolled, not folded 

In case your banner has wrinkles, place a flat, heavy object on the banner or allow sunlight to warm and relax the material gently.

Outdoor banners remain one of the most cost-effective tools for conveying your message outdoors. Vinyl banners, in particular, offer durability, flexibility, and long-term value when designed well and displayed properly. With the right material, size, design, and care, an outdoor banner can deliver consistent visibility and reliable results. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are outdoor banners used for? 

They are used for advertising, promotions, events, announcements, and directional signage in outdoor environments. 

What is the best material for outdoor banners? 

Vinyl is the most common and reliable material for outdoor banners due to its durability and ability to hold up against the elements. 

How long do vinyl banners last outdoors? 

Vinyl banners can last three years or longer, depending on the placement and care. 

Are mesh banners better for windy areas? 

Yes. Mesh banners have tiny holes that allow air to pass through, reducing strain in windy environments. 

Can outdoor banners be reused? 

Yes. Outdoor banners can be taken down, stored, and reused, as long as they’re still in good condition.