What Material Are Banners Made Of?
Most banners are made from fabric, solid vinyl, mesh, or plastic. The best material for your banner depends on its purpose and where you plan to display it.
Keep reading to explore what material banners are made of and the key advantages of each material.
Popular Types of Materials for Banners
At NorthCoast Banners, we use premium materials, UV-resistant inks, and cutting-edge technology to print sturdy, eye-catching banners.
Our banners are easy to hang with pole pockets, grommets, or retractable banner stands.
Here are the four main types of materials we use:
Cloth/Fabric
Cloth banners set the gold standard in banner printing.
Printed on a polyester cloth, they boast sharp details and high-definition colors that make your design look crisp and vivid. Plus, cloth is the lightest of all banner materials, weighing less than half the weight of vinyl mesh.
We print using dye-sublimated on polyester cloth to ensure stunning quality even for large-format indoor banners. We’ve tested numerous materials over the years and confirmed polyester cloth as the best choice for fabric banners.
Pros:
- Exceptionally vibrant colors with no glare
- Elegant, high-end appearance
- Easy to fold, store, and hang without creasing for travel convenience
- Machine washable (Dye sublimation allows our special inks to penetrate the cloth for a durable, permanent print. We use a heat-sealing process to lock in the bright colors.)
Cons:
- More expensive than other banner materials
- Not ideal for outdoor use
Solid Vinyl
If you want high-resolution, vibrant graphics and a more budget-friendly material, solid vinyl banners are an excellent choice.
Vinyl banners are made from PVC, often reinforced with a polyester mesh in the hems for extra strength. The thicker the vinyl, the sturdier your banner.
10 oz vinyl is lighter and great for indoor displays and temporary outdoor use, whereas 13 oz vinyl offers better durability and a longer lifespan.
Pros:
- Glossy finish elevates your banner’s visual appeal
- Can have double sided printing
- More affordable than cloth and vinyl mesh.
- Optional matte finish minimizes glare at indoor events, like trade shows, with bright lighting
Cons:
- Prone to damage in windy areas
- Heavier than other banner materials
- Wrinkles when folded for extended periods
Mesh
Mesh banners are lightweight and weather-resistant, making them perfect for outdoor display.Â
They combine vinyl and perforated holes that let wind pass through, so your banner hangs sturdily and safely without a billowing motion. (And your message flies high without actually flying away.)
A 70/30 blow-through vinyl mesh, featuring 70% material and 30% holes, is great for most outdoor events.
It strikes the perfect balance between airflow and visibility. Your design looks clear from a distance, while wind and sound pass right through the weave to keep the banner steady, less prone to tearing, and reduce wind load on your outdoor structures.
For extremely windy locations, I recommend a 30/70 vinyl mesh (30% material, 70% holes) for superior wind resistance. However, graphic art becomes less visible, especially on a bright, sunny day or when backlit.
Pros:
- Wind-resistant to reduce flapping, strain, and the risk of the banner tearing
- Excellent outdoor durability
- Lighter than solid vinyl
- Ideal for large-format printing, especially for festival stages, building wraps, scaffolding, and fences where wind load is a concern
Cons:
- More muted appearance, less vibrant colors
- Prone to creasing and wrinkling
Pro Tip: Choose high-contrast colors and a simple, bold design for better visibility. Because of the tiny holes in mesh banners, fine text and elaborate designs may lose some clarity.
Plastic
We print plastic roll banners using low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a widely used plastic material demonstrating exceptional strength, flexibility, and water resistance.
Our plastic roll banners are a 4mil poly, a thinner material that means they are for short term use. Though they can be reused, they need to stored carefully to do so. Due to their disposable nature, our plastic roll banners are recyclable for eco-friendly use.
Unlike the cloth, vinyl mesh, and solid vinyl materials, which allow fully customizable sizing and can be seamed to make larger banners. The size of the plastic roll banners is limited to 18″, 24″, or 36″ tall options. The sizing makes the plastic roll banners less ideal for backdrops, but they work great for stage front runners, fence banners, or merchandise tables,
Pros:
- Great for bulk printing, making them an economical option for large-scale events
- Perfect for repeating logos and designs across long rolls to strengthen your brand presence
- Lightweight and easy to set up
- Optional Perforations –Perforated plastic roll banners cut smoothly for easy distribution to fans, participants, and audiences
Cons:
- Not as vibrant as fabric and vinyl banners
- Limited sizing availible
Choose the Right Material for Your Event
Now that you know the material banners are made of, be sure to work with a reliable U.S. printer who delivers stunning, professional results so your banner makes a lasting impression.
Need help choosing the right banner material? Contact us today, and our banner experts will walk you through every step, from selecting the right material to finalizing your design!
Next, learn what material yard signs are made of with our quick guide.
Mendy Rimler
As CEO of NorthCoast Banners, Mendy has 15 years of experience in the print industry and has worked with brands large and small across the US to bring their branding to life with quality prints.