How to Care for Vinyl Banners to Keep Them in Pristine Condition
Although vinyl banners are durable and weather-resistant outdoor signs, they still need proper care and maintenance to keep them useful for longer. Our guide also shows why maintaining your banner is important for your brand to look professional and reliable.
Businesses often use vinyl banners to promote products and services, decorate entryways and busy pathways, and announce special deals and promotions. These large-format printed materials are durable and weather-resistant, making them excellent for outdoor advertising and event signage. Although vinyl banners are durable, they still require proper care and maintenance to keep them in pristine condition for many years.
3 Types of Vinyl Banner Materials
Before we explain how to properly care for and maintain vinyl banners, we’ll briefly describe the different types of vinyl materials.
1. Standard 13. oz. scrim vinyl is an excellent choice if readability is your priority. Its matte finish reduces light reflection and makes the design or text easier to see.
2. Mesh 9 oz. vinyl has small holes to allow wind to pass through, which allows it to withstand windy environments.
3. 18 oz. matte vinyl is the strongest vinyl material for outdoor signs, thanks to its extra thickness. This puncture-resistant signage has a smooth and durable surface, making it ideal for outdoor and indoor use.
How to Care for Vinyl Banners to Make Them Last Longer
With proper care and maintenance, you can expect your vinyl banners to last up to five years. Here are some tips that can help them last longer.
- Store banners properly
- Clean them every few weeks or as needed
- Keep banners away from direct sunlight
- Hang them correctly
- Inspect them frequently
- Repair minor damages
The best way to store vinyl banners for future use is to roll them and keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid folding your banners, as doing so can cause permanent creases and cracking.
If you see folds in your banner, there are several ways you can improve its appearance, including laying it out in the sun or using some type of heat source (e.g., a hair dryer or an iron at its lowest setting). If you want to use an iron to get rid of the creases, make sure it doesn’t come into direct contact with the vinyl as it can burn easily. Place a cloth between the iron and the banner to prevent damage.
Frequent cleaning prevents permanent stains and keeps the banner’s design looking vibrant. Simply use a soft cloth or sponge, mild soap (dish soap or laundry detergent), and warm water.
Avoid using abrasive materials (e.g., steel wool and heavy-duty scouring pad) or harsh chemicals (e.g., bleach and solvent), even if you see stubborn stains. If you’re dealing with a soiled or grimy banner, mix a small amount of vinegar into the warm, soapy water and use a soft-bristled brush for spot cleaning.
Another option is to soak the banner for a few minutes before scrubbing.
Make sure you rinse your vinyl banner thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before storing it. Even the smallest amount of water or moisture can encourage the growth of mold and mildew.
Although vinyl banners are designed for outdoor settings, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause them to fade over time. So, if possible, display them in a shaded area or rotate them regularly to prevent constant sun exposure.
When displaying your banner, keep the surface taut but not too tight, as too much tension can distort the graphics and warp or tear the vinyl over time.
Use the correct hardware when displaying your vinyl banners. Grommets are a great option if you need them to be installed, removed, and repositioned frequently, while pole pockets are ideal for long-term indoor displays.
Avoid using thumbtacks or any sharp objects when hanging your banners to prevent tearing and damage.
Check for stains, tears, holes, or any signs of damage. Also, conduct periodic adjustments to prevent sagging or flapping.
You can repair tears, holes, and other minor damages using repair patches or tapes designed specifically for vinyl. However, it might be better to replace your banner with a new one if there are signs of extreme wear and tear (e.g., fading, cracking, and large tears).
Note: You can donate old banners to companies that recycle or upscale them into ditty bags, tote bags, laptop sleeves, padfolios, etc.
By following the simple tips in this article, you can extend the life of your banner, keep its design looking vibrant and catchy, and maintain a professional look.
If you’re ready to order vinyl banners, NextDayFlyers can print them and have them ready for shipment as soon as the next business day. In addition to fast turnaround time, we offer printing on both sides of the banner, free templates, and different hardware options to display your signage.
Vinyl banners with eye-catching designs can help you build trust through consistent branding and promote your product, service, or deals to a broader audience
