Mesh Banner Vs Vinyl Banner Pros and Cons

I’ll compare the pros and cons of mesh and vinyl to help you choose the best banner material for your event.

Let’s explore these banner materials in detail!

Mesh Banner Vs Vinyl Banner: What Are Their Advantages and Disadvantages?

At NorthCoast Banners, we’ve printed hundreds of sturdy custom banners for various events in the U.S. and worldwide.

I recommend mesh for outdoor large-format banners, as it balances durability and visual clarity. Solid vinyl makes a strong visual impact in indoor events.

Look closer at the features of mesh and vinyl:

Mesh Banner Pros

Want a banner that won’t turn into a sail and take flight during your outdoor event? Mesh banners have got your back (and your event’s reputation).

• Superb weather resistance, so they are less likely to tear and get damaged or dislodged in severe windy conditions, making them safer for attendees
• Quick-drying mesh weave, as mesh allows airflow
• Flexible, elastic mesh fabric resists wrinkles, keeping the banner smooth even after being folded and rolled. Remember, treat your banner like a high-maintenance houseplant—store it carefully!
• Semi-transparent look with soft colors that work great for large displays, especially in natural outdoor lighting
• Lightweight and durable for smooth installation, easy transport, and a long lifespan
• 70/30 vinyl mesh is perfect for indoor and outdoor use, especially festival stage backdrops and concerts. It boasts excellent acoustic transparency (blow-through), which means air and sound pass through easily with no billowing sail effect. 
• 30/70 vinyl mesh is the ideal weave for maximum blow-through in extremely windy conditions, like beach events. 

Mesh Banner Cons

• Less vibrant graphics because of the perforated design, particularly in the 30/70 vinyl mesh weave where the image may appear washed out from a close distance or in low-light settings
• Not ideal for highly detailed and intensely vibrant designs
• Costs more than vinyl banners

Key Takeaway: Mesh banners are the superior option in windy conditions, as they offer excellent outdoor durability and acoustic transparency. They’re ideal for large, simple graphics and texts.

Vinyl Banner Pros

Vinyl banners are the Instagram filters of the banner world—crisp, colorful, and ready to make your graphics look sleek and professional.

• High-resolution, vibrant graphics, ideal for elaborate designs that make a bold statement. We digitally print vinyl banners on 10-ounce and 13-ounce vinyl, with a full-color printing option of up to 600 dpi for crisp visuals, easily readable text, and pixel-perfect clarity.

• Matte finish offers no-glare visibility and a better viewing experience indoors, particularly at tradeshows and conventions where lights create bright spots
• Glossy finish ensures rich, vivid colors and an eye-catching appearance that makes an impact outdoors for large banners
• Printable on both sides for enhanced visibility from all angles
• Water-resistant, non-porous material holds up well in rainy conditions, keeping the design visible during downpours
• Often less expensive than mesh for a more budget-friendly option

Vinyl Banner Cons

• Can tear or get dislodged in windy settings
• Wrinkles and creases when stored improperly or folded for long periods
• Heavier than mesh banners, making installation and transport more challenging for larger displays

Key Takeaway: Go for vinyl if you want an attention-catching display with intricate details and striking colors at a more affordable cost (great for budget-conscious event planners!). While ideal for indoor use, vinyl banners are also excellent for outdoor displays with minimal wind exposure.

Mesh vs Vinyl Banner Ideal Uses

Here are the ideal applications for mesh and vinyl banners: 

Choose the Right Banner Material for Your Event

After comparing mesh banner vs vinyl banner pros and cons, find out exactly where and how to install your banner to determine the right material and size for your event.

At NorthCoast Banners, we digitally print custom mesh and vinyl banners with UV-resistant inks and quality materials to withstand the elements, whether you’re promoting your business in the U.S. or any part of the globe.

Not sure what’s the best choice for your event? Let us know the purpose of your banner, and our friendly specialists will guide you throughout the banner printing process!