Vinyl Banner Material

Vinyl Banner Material

Manufacturers make vinyl banner material by sandwiching a reinforcement of mesh-like in construction called scrim layer between two sheets of vinyl. They then use laminating equipment to apply heat and pressure when bonding these components together. Far from distorting the plastic material, the heat helps the dimensional stability of vinyl and helps to flatten and stabilize it. There is little in common between the laminators used to produce vinyl banner media and those used to encapsulate or mount printed graphics. Industrial-grade laminating machines for vinyl banner material are often structures as high as two stories, and they may occupy space enough for half a football field.

If a client requires vinyl banner material for bigger banners than these laminators can accommodate, they must buy coated banner material. In the case of such vinyl banner material, the production process involves the use of a much tighter scrim than in the case of laminated vinyl. The manufacturer coats it with liquid vinyl.

The manufacturing process used for vinyl banner materials can give the product an apparent surface texture. The pressure used in creating vinyl banner substrates may bring about a pattern that is similar to the scrim. This is especially true if a stronger, heavier scrim is used. These divots in the banner substrate’s surface can cause very apparent pitting in printed graphics. This does not present a big problem when printing vinyl banners for viewing from a log distance. However, it does cause complications in banners meant for close up viewing.

One can buy vinyl banner materials in a variety of different forms, depending on the needs of indoor and outdoor applications. The available grades of vinyl banner materials are usable for indoor, general-purpose outdoor and heavy-duty outdoor banners. Vinyl banner material meant for indoor banners is constructed with blackout material, has two sides and incorporates a very tight scrim. It features a very smooth face and reverse and is available in weights between 10-13 oz. Such vinyl banner material is not very strong, but can be used outdoors for very short periods if the weather is suitable.

Vinyl banner material for general-purpose outdoor applications is usually one-sided and employs a much heavier scrim so that it does not tear easily. Such vinyl banner material is designed for outside use for up to a few months. Heavy-duty vinyl banner material meant for long-term outdoor applications is made to withstand extreme weather conditions. It is commonly available in weights from 15-21 oz. In the case of such vinyl banner material, the reinforcement is more important than the weight.

One should always discuss specialty applications with vinyl banner manufacturers before buying a product. Most manufacturers can offer guidance about the most suitable vinyl banner materials for a particular need. This is of significance in cases where the buyer plans to use a UV inkjet system for the banner printing. Ink compatibility may be an issue and the manufacturer should guide the buyer on whether printing on any particular choice of vinyl banner material will be successful.

Vinyl banners are increasingly used in many display-graphics applications. These applications can range from high-end outdoor graphics for long-term use to rudimentary short-term aisle markers for trade shows. To make the most of one’s investment in vinyl banner material, the buyer should include manufacturers and distributors in the process of selecting vinyl banner material. The buyer should then test the substrates for compatibility with the printing processes and inks before starting production.

Vinyl Banner Material