How to Get Wrinkles Out of a Vinyl Banner

Sunlight and a low-heat hair dryer are safe, effective ways to flatten wrinkles in vinyl banners.

Keep reading to learn easy, DIY methods to achieve a smooth, even, and wrinkle-free result.

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Your Vinyl Banner With the Heat Method

I recommend these steps to remove fold lines and creases without causing damage, whether you have a trade show banner, YouTube backdrop, or convention banner.

Step 1: Expose your banner to direct sunlight.

Exposure to natural sunlight is an excellent way to relax the creases.

First, clean your vinyl banner properly by wiping it with a damp cloth and drying it with a different towel.

Next, lay it flat on a clean surface in direct sunlight. 

The time it takes to ease creases varies, depending on the vinyl banner thickness, size, and level of wrinkling. Check progress every 30 minutes.

Step 2: Apply mild heat using a hair dryer.

If there are stubborn wrinkles, use a blow dryer on low heat to get rid of unsightly folds.

Apply heat to the nonprinted side (the back of the banner) using slow, back-and-forth motions while pressing and smoothing out the creases with your other hand. 

Be sure to keep the blow dryer 6 to 8 inches away from the banner’s surface, as direct heat will ruin the banner. We’re going for gentle breeze, not hurricane-force winds.

Pro Tip: If your vinyl banner comes with bottom grommets, hang it on a flat wall or any vertical surface facing the sun and attach small weights (like half-filled water bottles) to the grommets to stretch and flatten the vinyl more quickly.

Watch how we fix banner wrinkles in the video below:

Banner Storage and Handling Tips to Prevent Wrinkles

Now that you know how to remove creases from a vinyl backdrop, be sure to follow these vinyl care tips to keep your banner vibrant and less prone to wrinkling during storage:

• Keep your banner away from direct sunlight when not in use to prevent fading and warping. Also, avoid hot attics and car trunks, as heat damages vinyl.
• Roll it around a rigid cardboard or sturdy plastic tube instead of folding so it stays crease-free. It’s best to store banners without heavy items on top.
• Unroll the banner periodically when storing it long-term to prevent stubborn wrinkles and extend its lifespan.
• When displaying your banner, secure it with ropes, zip ties, or bungee cords for a tight, wrinkle-free setup. But don’t overtighten! Too much tension puckers seams and corners. You can also hang a banner without grommets using strong, waterproof velcro strips or tape.

Remember, like any product, banners don’t last forever. Replace yours when colors fade and creases no longer smooth out.

Choose High-Quality Banners That Last

Long-lasting banners start with a trusted printer. At NorthCoast Banners, we print with UV-resistant inks and use premium materials to produce fade-resistant, robust banners in various sizes, shipped anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.

Contact us now for a free quote!