Vinyl is a material so diverse in its applications that it can be found all around us, in our clothing, in our cars, and as the preferred material for business signage and advertising. With logical and aesthetic advantages over other materials, choosing a custom vinyl banner for advertising or business display is cost effective and easy.
Not Created Equal
Exact formulas aside, custom vinyl sign banners are created by processing raw materials like petroleum and coal into synthetic polymers; the thickness and quality of the final product can vary, and the greater the thickness and amount of treatment the material undergoes to resist fading and tearing, the more expensive the banner will be. When buying an outdoor sign, it is important to take into consideration the weather it will stand up to, as well as the quality of the printing, and the construction of the sign itself. Choosing proper printing methods for resisting fading is just as important as the durability of the sign, and is the difference between a professional image and a cheap display.
As with durability and superior printing processes, making custom banners, as opposed to picking from an existing computer-generated inventory, is the standard rather than the exception in this competitive market. To find a company to handle the creation of customized vinyl banners, superior quality material, excellent graphic design services, and the use of the best inks for printing are the base requirements. Beyond these qualifications, knowledge and customer service plays a large role in getting business.
Sign Design
Indoor and outdoor banners have great potential to maximize marketing dollars. When placed in the right location, this could mean exposure to hundreds or thousands of potential customers in the targeted demographic every day. Examples of the perfect location for a quality vinyl sign include tradeshows, promenade retail stores, outdoor festivals and events, and restaurants or hotel lobbies. This is not the entire list of course; besides advertising for business or events, these displays are economical enough that individuals can order vinyl announcements for birthdays, homecomings, and other special occasions.
Designing the custom vinyl banner is crucial, however, and the company chosen to print the final product needs to be experienced in assisting clients with converting their vision into an eye-catching display. Find companies who offer graphic design services, and can duplicate existing company logos or artwork. In addition, they should be comfortable with enhancing an image, or creating a fresh look for consideration. Designs should be ready for approval quickly, as well. In this competitive industry, many quality banner printing companies offer 24 hour turn around times. Quick turn around times, quality, customer service, and price can and should be attributes of the business that gets the job.
Custom Possibilities
When we look at some of the large-scale banners produced for stadiums or events like the Cirque de Soleil, the clarity of the artwork and sheer size of the piece has great appeal. The power to draw attention with size and entertaining imagery can be one of the highest benefits of purchasing a tangible advertisement when compared to the cost of alternative media.
To get the highest standard in printing, two processes are used, depending on the size of the order. The first is digital printing, which can render imagery of stunning resolution, and can be printed in inks made to withstand harsh sun and other elements. The second is silk screening. This is a more traditional process, but the only economical option for producing dozens or hundreds of pieces with superior image or graphic rendering. Typically, thin vinyl is used for making these signs, which are often seen at major sports events where successive and identical banners hang around the stadium.
Making the Banner
Getting the vinyl advertisement or sign made is about as easy as having a t-shirt made. Once the company is chosen, the artwork is sent in, usually online, and the parameters of the project are outlined. A good printing company will do it all from there, including making the proper suggestions for the print process and material choices for specific needs.
Two popular machines for professional sign makers are the QS-XLT, which will render images with resolution up to 720 dpi, on signs as tall as 52” of any length; and the DURA-TUF, capable of turning out billboard size works up to 300 dpi. The DURA-TUF artwork is reinforced with double stitching and grommets every two feet.
Both machines offer fade-resistant ink, but billboard size advertisements are made to last for three years and longer, with extra thick vinyl and nylon reinforcement. The life of these banners will vary depending on the region it is displayed.
Ideally, the final product is a show-stopping piece that grabs the attention of the passing foot traffic. Economical, tangible custom vinyl banners stand out in the crowd, and when made right, grab the crowd’s attention and deliver the message.