Whether you want a banner for an upcoming trade show or one to erect outside your place of business, banners are crucial when it comes to communicating messages to both prospects and existing customers. But to get a return on investment, you want your banner stands in Penticton to exhibit great performance in terms of longevity, visibility, and aesthetics. Cost, durability, and maintenance are all very important of course. Below is a guide on the two most popular banner materials – vinyl and canvas:

Vinyl Banners

Vinyl banners are made using an amalgamation of different materials for reinforcement. A combination of vinyl, polymeric plasticizers, and scrim create reinforcement to making this type of banner more sturdy and weather-proof. Due to their construction, vinyl banners are resistant to water and sun damage and this is exactly what makes vinyl banners ideal for outdoor advertising. You could keep a vinyl banner out in the sun for a whole year and still have it looking great. 

Again, because of their durability, vinyl banners can be reused over and over again. This, in essence, means vinyl banners are also more cost-effective. Colours and graphics on vinyl banners tend to be more vibrant and will capture attention from a distance. However, this can also be a downside if you intend for the banner be part of a photo opportunity –  their high-gloss surface will catch camera flashes and produce glare in photos.

Vinyl banners are the mainstream in signage, so it’s pretty likely this is the type you see in most places around your neighborhood.

Canvas Banners

If you are looking to show off your banner at an indoor event, canvas banners are the best to use. This type is made using a white woven polyester fabric that features a non-reflective finish that has a matte look. Dye sublimation, the printing method used on the canvas, makes the banner more visually appealing, especially in upscale environments with plenty of lighting. 

Canvas banners are not reflective like the vinyl ones and will therefore require either natural or artificial lighting. But the fact that they are not reflective also means they can be placed in an environment with different lights and not create glare. This feature also makes them perfect for events with a lot of flash photography. Canvas’ ability to absorb light can be a big asset at events with VIPs and professional photographers.

Because the ink used on canvas is permanently bonded to the polyester, this type of banner has a more natural look in regards to aesthetics. Another of their upsides is that they are fairly light-weight and thus, more portable. Canvas can be folded to take up less space and ease transportation unlike vinyl banners which must be rolled. 

But canvas banners, unlike the vinyl ones, are not created to withstand harsh weather. They lack the sturdiness to withstand showers and will fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight. Your best bet is to strictly use them for indoor purposes. If you must use them for an outdoor event, let it just be for a few hours

Each banner material has its pros and cons so really, there isn’t one that is better than the other. Suitability of one material over the other depends on how you intend to use the banner. Consider investing in both types of materials to suit the different types of events you will want advertise at.