How Long Does It Take to Print a Banner?

Good question! We thought you might ask.

It takes about 1 week to print a banner. Add in ship time, and design time before we start, it’s about 2 – 3 weeks from start to finish. Sometimes, we print and ship out banners in 2 – 3 days.

Here’s the various factors that go into turnaround time.

Factors That Affect Banner Printing Time

Type of Banner

The type of banner you choose significantly influences the production time. Here are some common options:

• Mesh & Vinyl Banners: These are durable, weather-resistant, and popular for both indoor and outdoor use. Due to their material and printing process, vinyl banners often take about 3 to 5 business days, depending on the design and size.
• Cloth Banners: These vibrant printed banners are great for indoor use. The dye sublimation process frequently takes 5 to 7 business days. 
• Retractable Banners: These are perfect for trade shows and events. These smaller banners usually require 2 to 3 days.
• Plastic Roll Banners: The type of roll banner printing can affect the print timeline for plastic roll banners. Digital roll banners are usually printed in 5-7 business days. Flexographic roll banners, which use plates for printing can take 4-6 weeks. 

Order Size and Complexity

Smaller banners and small quantities can be produced faster than large orders. For most digital printing, the complexity of the design will not affect the printing time, but the size will. 

If your banner is large enough to require seams, this can add to the production timeline. Many large format printers can produce vinyl and mesh banners up to 16’ without a seam or cloth banners up to 10’ without a seam. Any banners larger than this will have to be seamed which can add a day or two to the production time. 

If you’re adding custom finishings like extra grommets, velcro, or having the piece cut to shape this can also add a few days to the production time. If you have a custom order, or you’re ordering in bulk, plan ahead to avoid delays.

Need your banner ASAP? Check with your printer about express options!

Turnaround Time of the Printing Company

Different printing companies offer varying turnaround times. Many professional printers in the United States offer:

• Same-Day Printing or Next-Day Service: Available for rush orders, typically for a premium fee.
• Standard Turnaround: Typically 3 to 5 business days for most banners.
• Custom Orders: Complex or oversized banners may require 7 business days or more.

The time of year may affect the production time. Many printers are busy in the summer months, printing outdoor shade cloth banners for stages and festivals or trade show banners, but are not as busy in the winter. This may add a few days of production time in the summer, and make the production a few days shorter in the winter.

Design Approval and Proofing

Design delays can add time to the process. Most companies send a digital proof for approval before printing. If revisions are needed, this can add 12 to 24 hours to the timeline. 

Pro-tip: Have your design finalized and ready to go to avoid delays.

Shipping Time

Once your banner is printed, shipping time will vary depending on your location and chosen shipping method. Standard shipping within the U.S. typically takes 2 to 5 business days, while expedited options can deliver within 1 to 2 days.

How to Speed Up the Banner Printing Process

If you’re on a tight schedule, here are some tips to minimize production time:

1. Choose a Reputable Printer with Fast Turnaround Options Look for companies that advertise same-day or next-day printing services. Many offer expedited options for urgent needs. (Hint: we do!)
2. Prepare a Ready-to-Print Design Ensure your design meets the printer’s specifications, such as file format, resolution, and dimensions. This can save valuable time during the proofing stage.
3. Opt for Expedited Shipping If time is critical, choose local pickup (if available) or pay for overnight shipping to get your banner faster.
4. Communicate Clearly with the Printer Provide detailed instructions and respond promptly to any questions or proof approvals. Delays in communication can add unnecessary time to the process.

Key Takeaway: Finalizing your design and choosing a printer with fast turnaround options are the best ways to get your banner printed quickly.

Example Timeline for Banner Printing

Let’s look at a typical timeline for printing a standard vinyl banner:

• Day 1: Submit your design and place the order.
• Day 2: Review and approve the proof.
• Day 3-4: Banner is printed and ready for pickup or shipping.
• Day 5-6: Receive your banner via standard shipping. If you’re across the country, plan on up to 5 – 6 days ship time.

With rush service, this timeline can often be condensed into 1 to 2 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get a banner printed the same day? Yes, many printers offer same-day printing for rush orders, especially for simple designs.

2. What’s the fastest way to get my banner? Submit a print-ready design, choose a company offering same-day service, and expedited shipping.

3. Are custom banners slower to produce? Typically, yes. Custom banners with unique sizes, materials, or designs may take an extra day or two to complete.

Final Thoughts

Printing a banner doesn’t have to be a stressful, last-minute scramble! Most banners can be ready in 3 to 5 days, but if you’re in a pinch, same-day or next day printing is often an option. To keep things smooth and stress-free, it’s best to have your design ready in advance and work with a reliable printer who can meet your timeline.

Want to make sure your banner turns out perfectly and on time? Contact us to get started today!