Retractable Banners

The terms "retractable banners" and "pop up banners" are typically used interchangeably within the signage industry. Both refer to the functionality of a retractable banner which rolls up into and pulls out of a metal retractable stand or base. Some other names for retractable banners are pull up displays, pull up banners, and roll up banners.

The only bit of confusion that may stem from these terms is that on occasion "pop up banner" is used by some to refer to what we call a "pop up display". A pop up display is a larger, more expensive, and functionally different product (no hard base and a three-dimensional appearance) albeit with a similar end use.

So long as it's clear that retractable banners and pop up banners are the same thing, the only thing you'll need to clarify is whether you want a standard, premium, or deluxe retractable banner. The primary differences between these three, as outlined fully in the next question, are the base, sizes offered, carrying case, and double sided functionality. You can select between standard, premium, and deluxe versions of the retractable banner by selecting the proper size on this page or the design tool. If you're still confused don't hesitate to contact us and we'd be happy to help!

Standard, premium, and deluxe retractable banners all allow for the choice between fabric and vinyl as the banner material. By their nature, the materials differ with the vinyl being a standard vinyl material and the fabric being a gray-backed coated polyester. The gray backing helps reduce backlight issues while the coating produces more vibrant printing. The gray backing is not visible when the fabric banner is displayed in your retractable banner. Beyond this, the primary difference between these versions is the base and double-sided functionality. The carrying case for each is also slightly different.

The standard retractable banner has a basic, albeit sturdy and reliable, base with feet on either end to provide stability when the banner is fully set up. When not in use these feet twist to hide from view and more easily store and/or be transported. Standard retractable banners come in two different sizes: 24"x81" and 33"x81". These banners also cost less when compared to the premium or deluxe versions. The standard retractable is single sided only. It also has a more simple carrying case than that of the premium and deluxe versions. The interior of the carrying case is padded.

Our premium retractable banners have an upgraded base with stepped hardware and chrome end caps to provide a more professional look to the assembled retractable banner. Premium retractable banners are offered in 36"x92", 48"x92", and 60"x92" sizes. Premium banners are single sided and comes with a rigid carrying case as opposed to a soft case. The interior of the carrying case is padded.

The deluxe retractable banner option has an upgraded base with chrome endcaps and sleek attractive hardware. Its base functions similar to the premium version and doesn't have feet like the standard version. The premium version is only available in the size of 33"x81". The deluxe banner also allows you to have a double sided retractable banner unlike the standard or premium options. This is perfect for use when passing foot traffic is coming from both directions past the sign. The double sided functionality allows for the same thing to be printed on both sides or a different graphic for each side of the banner. The deluxe version comes with a soft carrying case that features a shoulder strap and a side pocket that may be used for extra storage. The interior of the carrying case is padded. All three banner types include a padded carrying case (differences noted above). A single LED light is available as an additional option for both standard banners and the 36"x92" premium versions. The two larger premium banners and the deluxe banner allow for the purchase of 2 LED lights.

You can print your graphic on vinyl or fabric. Vinyl is the more affordable option of the two and has more of a matte finish, while fabric banners are more vibrant due to the coating applied to the fabric before printing. Vinyl is also a durable outdoor option since the material is water and fade resistant, but it can also be used indoors. Our fabric material is a great indoor option, and it's also scratch resistant and has curl-free edges. Despite vinyl typically being used outdoors, if your end use is extended or permanent outdoor use we recommend our standard vinyl banners instead of a retractable banner with the vinyl option.

It is important to understand the difference between the listed size of standard, premium, and deluxe banners and their viewable areas. The viewable area is slightly smaller in height due to some of your banner remaining in your base and the metal bar at the top of the display.

Thus, the viewable banner area on a 24" x 81" standard retractable banner is 24" x 77". The viewable banner area on a 33" x 81" standard retractable banner is 33" x 77".

The viewable banner area on a 36" x 92" premium retractable banner is 36" x 88". The viewable banner area on a 48" x 92" premium retractable banner is 48" x 88". The viewable banner area on a 60" x 92" premium retractable banner is 60" x 88".

The viewable area on both sides of the 33"x81" deluxe retractable banner is 33" x 77".

As can be seen for all of the banners the viewable area is 4" less than what the height indicates. The additional 4" of height is bleed that we will add to your design.

This bleed area is noted on the design tool when "Retractable Banner" is selected by a dotted blue line at the top and a dotted blue line and the message "NON-VISIBLE AREA" at the bottom. As noted above, this is due to the fact that the four inches of non-viewable area is made up of one inch for the top bar and 3 inches of material that will stay within the aluminum base at the bottom of your design. Simply make sure to keep your design within these two dotted lines and you will have no problems with your end design.

Alternatively, the width (24", 33", 36", 48", 60", and 33") on all of these areas is unchangeable. If, however, you would like to decrease the height on any of the premium sizes (36", 48", and 60") or deluxe (33") banners, you can simply leave the lower portion of your graphic blank. Then, when you pull your banner out of the base, you simply pull it up to where your graphic ends. Both premium and deluxe retractable banners can be adjusted to be as short as 70" in height as the support pole is telescopic in nature. Alternatively, the standard banners have a fixed height of 81" and the supporting pole isn't able to be adjusted to a different height. The 60" premium retractable banner comes with 2 poles for additional support due to the width of the banner.

Yes, we offer a number of different sizes for your retractable banners. These sizes vary depending on whether the banner is a Standard, Premium, or Deluxe model. These sizes are listed below.

Standard: 24" wide x 81" high and 33" wide x 81" high

Premium: 36" wide x 92" high, 48" wide x 92" high, and 60" wide x 92"

Deluxe: 33" wide x 81" high

The height of your design can technically be decreased to 70" on the premium and deluxe retractable banners. Standard banners are a set height that cannot be decreased. The widths for all banners are unchangeable.

We currently print our banners in full color, meaning you are able to have the graphics on your banner printed in several different colors or just one if that's all you need.

Per our standard policy, any rigid sign over 36" in either dimension will incur a shipping cost. Because all three premium banner sizes have a base of at least 36", we are unable to ship these banners for free. This is true even if your order includes other signs that otherwise would typically get free shipping. Since our deluxe retractable banner along with both of our standard banner sizes are all under the 36" width restriction they ARE ELIGIBLE for free ground shipping as per our shipping policy. Though, this will not be the case if your order contains any rigid sign with either dimension greater than 36" or that requires freight shipping.

No. We print all of our signs in full color, meaning no matter how many colors your banner(s) may have, your cost won't go up. Your cost will be determined by the quantity you order, the shipping options you choose and any applicable taxes.

No. We have a vast range of templates available for you to use or start your design with. You can also contact us to take advantage of our free design services from one of our professional designers. Another option is to upload your file(s) to our design tool to create your custom retractable banner.

Assembly is quick and easy with our retractable banners. Simply remove everything from the carrying case, lock the pole into place, pull the banner out of the aluminum base and then attach it to the pole. Be sure to take care when attaching the graphic to the pole so that it is firmly in place before letting go. Don't let go of the graphic as it will quickly retract to the base and may cause permanent damage. Use care with the pole(s) as they may bend if mishandled or improperly installed. Carefully attach the top of the graphic to the pole. Don't use excessive force as this may damage your retractable banner. If you purchased a display light or lights, simply attach the light(s) to the top of the stand. The entire assembly process should take only a few minutes.

While all three retractable banners come with an included carrying case, the cases are different for each type of banner as well as specific to the banner size. They are not interchangeable.

The standard (both sizes) case is much simpler in nature. It is more like a gym bag or tent pole bag that doesn't have any rigidity. While not as protective as the premium case, it does include some padding. One end of this case zips open and your retractable banner and support pole slide into the bag. It will not fit an LED light or lights if purchased. It has two sewn in handles or a smaller shoulder strap for transport needs.

The premium case (all three sizes) is a padded, hard shell case with some rigidity and is in the rough shape of a rectangle. It has two zippers and opens up like a suitcase. The base, rolled up banner, support pole, and LED light(s) (if purchased) easily fit inside this case. The interior of the case features multiple pockets for poles as well as two velcro straps to hold the stored banner in place during transport. The premium case features sewn handle as well as a shoulder strap for easy travel.

The deluxe case is somewhere in between the standard and premium cases. It is not rectangular in shape nor does it have as much rigidity as does the premium case. It zips open on one end to slide in the support pole and your base with retracted banners. The interior is padded and the one end of the exterior has a leather finish. There is an additional side pocket for extra storage. It has two sewn in handles and a shoulder strap for easy transport.

Included with the 36"x92" and 48"x92" versions is a single pole for supporting the retractable display, while the 60"x92" size has two poles included with the support base. Both the Standard and Deluxe retractable banners only have one pole.

While our retractable banners are built for indoor use, they can be used outdoors for short periods of time. The vinyl banner is your best choice since it's more durable for outside conditions. However, we highly recommend that you refrain from using your retractable banner outside during inclement weather, especially when there are high winds, heavy rainfall and sustained cold temperatures.

With all of our banners, we use durable materials and quality ink, lending to retractable banners that don't fade and are scratch resistant, unlike cheap, low-quality banners. Of course, with any sign there will eventually be some fading, but with the ink we use, your custom banner should remain vibrant for several years down the road.

The base itself, which is a durable metal stand, shouldn't have any problems with damage. It is a sturdy base that provides excellent stability for your retractable banner. But like we explain below, you should never place anything on top of your retractable banner or stand. Also, make sure to strap it into the case (premium case only) before storing and traveling with the banner.

Yes! Our retractable banners are quite durable and can be used repeatedly. Simply store them as per the instructions below and you should have no issue using these banners again and again for years to come. If you'd like to change out the graphic in your retractable stand, we would recommend printing one from us and then having a professional reinstall it into the base.

A retractable banner requires very little assembly and no installation. You simply have to remove everything from the carrying case, lock the pole into place, pull the banner out of the metal base and then attach it to the pole to assemble your retractable banner. For the standard banner option be sure to twist or rotate the feet on the bottom of the base so they are perpendicular to the base. This will help stabilize the standard banner while assembled and in use. If you purchased a display light (or lights), you just need to attach the light to the top rung of the banner of either the standard, premium, or deluxe version. The assembly and takedown process - which is doing the assembly steps in reverse - only takes a couple of minutes to complete.