Picking the right material for banners impacts the look, durability and effectiveness of promotional signage—ultimately determining whether your sign will help you achieve your marketing goals. Whether deciding between vinyl vs polyester banners or exploring different banner material types, the sign material you choose makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common types of banner materials, so you can confidently pick the best one for your business needs.
- Banner materials affect the durability, appearance and how your banner performs in different environments.
- The most common banner material types are vinyl, polyester, mesh and canvas.
- Mesh and vinyl materials are the best for outdoor banners because they are durable and weather-resistant.
- Polyester and canvas are ideal for indoor promotional banners, offering a vibrant and premium look.
- To pick the right materials for your banners, consider design complexity, budget, environment, durability and portability needs.
What material are banners made of?
The success of your small business sign idea is partly down to the banner materials you choose. But what are banners made of exactly? In this section, we’ll break down the most common types of banner materials, their specific applications and the pros and cons of each option.
Whether you’re comparing vinyl vs polyester banners or exploring different types of banner materials to understand how to make a banner that suits your business needs, we’ve got you covered.
Vinyl banners
Vinyl banners are a common type of banner material for businesses due to their durability, weather-resistance and versatility. Made from tough, fade-resistant material, vinyl is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Customization options like reinforced edges and grommets make vinyl great for different styles of banners.
Vinyl material for banners
Vinyl banners come in two weight options: 13 oz. lightweight material for indoor banners and the sturdier 15 oz. version for outdoor advertising.
One of the most popular types of signage material, vinyl is fire-resistant, NFPA-701 certified and highly durable with a tensile strength of 617 lb. and tear resistance of 66 lb. Vinyl can also withstand temperatures from -40°F to 194°F, making it a top choice for extreme weather conditions.
Lightweight vinyl banner material for indoor use
Sturdy vinyl banner material for outdoor use
When choosing between types of vinyl banners, you’ll have to decide between scrim vinyl vs gloss vinyl. Scrim vinyl is a durable mesh vinyl made with woven polyester mesh, offering added strength and tear resistance, making it a great choice for outdoor applications. Gloss vinyl, with its shiny finish, is ideal for indoor banners with vibrant designs.
Scrim vinyl vs gloss vinyl banners
Benefits of vinyl banners
- Durable
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Resistant to UV rays, rain and wind
- Customizable
Limitations of vinyl banners
- Heavier than other materials, so harder to transport
- Not the most eco-friendly banner material
Polyester fabric banners
Polyester banners, or fabric banners, are lightweight and flexible, making them great for indoor use. Their elevated look and feel means polyester banners work best for high-end signs to market a small business. Fabric banner material is the perfect choice for trade shows, in-store promotions and events, offering vibrant, eye-catching displays.
Polyester fabric banner
Even with double-sided printing, polyester stays light: 5.3 oz for single-sided and 7.7 oz for double-sided. This makes polyester fabric banners easy to handle, transport and install. Plus, they’re machine-washable, which is a bonus for long-term or repeated use.
Double-sided polyester banner material
Benefits of polyester banners
- Lightweight and portable
- Offer vibrant, high-quality prints
- High-end, luxurious look
Limitations of polyester banners
- Less durable
- Wrinkles easily
- Can fade when exposed to direct sunlight
Mesh banners
Mesh banners are built to withstand harsh conditions like strong winds, heavy rain and sunlight. This 70-30 mesh weave is a highly durable material made from PVC-coated polyester thread, with 70% material and 30% small holes that let wind pass through, reducing damage. Mesh vinyl is also lightweight, flame-retardant and NRPA701-certified for safety.
Mesh banner material
An excellent choice for an outdoor advert, mesh banners are water- and UV-resistant, lasting around two years depending on exposure and care. However, the mesh weave can affect color vibrancy and fine details, so if you need sharper graphics, vinyl banners might be a better fit.
Mesh banner material
Benefits of mesh banners
- Wind-resistant
- Durable
- Lightweight
Limitations of mesh banners
- Not ideal for detailed designs due to the perforation
- Less vibrant in color compared to vinyl
When deciding which material to use for an outdoor banner, consider the potential weather conditions. Vinyl is best for rain, whereas mesh banners are made for wind resistance.
Canvas banners
Canvas is a highly durable material that offers a premium look for heavy-duty applications, making it perfect for indoor displays, events or long-term use. The texture adds a sophisticated touch, making canvas banners ideal for galleries, retail spaces and offices.
When designing your banner, consider the best fonts for signs.
Heavier materials like canvas provide a sturdy surface for vibrant, detailed prints, a perfect choice for artwork, promotions, display banners or branding. While not as weather-resistant as other banner materials, canvas banners offer both style and longevity for indoor applications.
Benefits of canvas banners
- Premium look
- Durable and long-lasting
- Eco-friendly
Limitations of canvas banners
- Not suitable for extended outdoor use without protective coatings
- More difficult to handle and install
Promotional banner material comparison table
Choosing the right banner material can be tricky, especially when deciding between options like vinyl vs polyester banners. To help you understand how to design a sign that best suits your needs, we’ve put together a comparison table highlighting the key differences between the most common types of banner materials.
| Banner material | Best for | Durability | Outdoor suitability | Weight | Printing quality | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Outdoor use and trade shows | High | Excellent | Heavy | Excellent | $ |
| Polyester | Indoor use and temporary campaigns | Medium | Poor | Light | Good | $$$ |
| Mesh | Outdoor use in windy areas | High | Excellent | Medium | Fair | $$ |
| Canvas | Art shows, galleries, premium events | High | Medium | Heavy | Excellent | $$$ |
Choose the best banner materials for your promotional signs
By now, you’ve learned about the different materials used for banners, from vinyl vs polyester banners to mesh and canvas. Choosing the right material involves considering the environment and durability needs. Will your banner be used outdoors or indoors? Next, consider the complexity of your banner design. Materials like polyester and canvas work better for intricate designs, while vinyl and mesh are better for bold, large graphics.
Budget considerations are also important—vinyl is cost-effective for large outdoor signs, while canvas or polyester are ideal for premium indoor banners. Finally, think about portability and setup—how easy does it need to be to transport and hang your banner?
Experimenting with different types of banner materials will help you find the best fit. Whether you need a durable outdoor banner, a high-end indoor display or something easy to set up, the right banner material type will help bring your promotional signage idea to life!
Promotional banner materials FAQs
What is the standard banner material?
The most common banner material is vinyl. Vinyl is durable, weather-resistant and affordable, making it an excellent option for both indoor and outdoor banners.
What banner materials are best for outdoor signage?
For outdoor signage, vinyl and mesh banners are your best bet. Vinyl is tough, weather-resistant and great for bold, durable displays, while mesh has small holes that allow wind to pass through, making it perfect for windy conditions.
What types of banners might I want to explore for my business?
Use common materials like vinyl for durability, polyester for a premium look, mesh for outdoor use in windy areas and canvas for high-end indoor branding. Each type of banner material offers advantages depending on your needs.
How does banner material affect my marketing strategy?
The right banner material ensures your promotional signage is durable, visually appealing and functional. Whether it’s a cost-effective vinyl banner for an outdoor advert or a premium canvas banner for a sleek retail store display, the material you choose impacts your brand’s visibility and professionalism.
