Fabric Backdrops vs. Vinyl Backdrops
Ideal for event advertising, branding, trade shows and more, backdrop printing sends a message that can’t be missed. Smartpress’ online printing services offer custom fabric backdrops and vinyl materials, so you get a look and feel that’s just right for you.
Before you design photo backdrops or custom banners for online printing, compare the two materials to see which one best suits your project. And be sure to order any hardware for an easy install.
Fabric Backdrops
We offer two types of fabric backgrounds: 4.5 oz. soft knit fabric and 10 oz. heavy knit fabric. Both are white and can be printed on one side. It’s important to note, the heavier the fabric, the more opaque the print will be, which means it’ll be harder to see through.
Features
- Softer appearance
- Less reflective, making it ideal for flash photography
- Durable
- Easy to fold (cost-effective because of smaller packaging)
Applications
- Fabric banners can be displayed with grommets, hems and pole pockets:
- Perimeter grommets: Allow many anchor points to secure and hang the banner from all directions, ensuring it’s taught
- Perimeter hems: Make the banner stronger and more durable (if paired with grommets, hems strengthen the banner when installed)
- Grommets and hems are great for hanging your banner on a wall
- Pole pockets: Make it easy to hang your banner from the ceiling with a wooden dowel or on a display stand
- Hanging banners can be hung from the ceiling or a display stand (in an indoor setting)
- We offer fabric on the following products:
Tips & Tricks
- We recommend an image resolution of 150 PPI or greater for artwork
- Ideal for trade shows thanks to durability, cost-effective shipping and aesthetic
- If you want to hang your banner outdoors for an extended period of time, we recommend choosing vinyl
Vinyl Backgrounds
We offer three types of vinyl backdrops: 13 oz. smooth vinyl, 13 oz. scrim vinyl and 15 oz. smooth vinyl. We recommend 13 oz. smooth vinyl for indoor use, 13 oz. scrim vinyl for outdoor use and 15 oz. smooth vinyl for extended outdoor use.
Features
- Vinyl banner printing features UV Curable ink that’s durable and fade-resistant in harsh weather
- Can be printed on two sides on the smooth vinyl only
- Best choice for outdoor displays
Applications
- Vinyl banners can be displayed with grommets, hems and pole pockets:
- Perimeter grommets: Allow many anchor points to secure and hang the banner from all directions, ensuring it’s taught
- Perimeter hems: Make the banner stronger and more durable (if paired with grommets, hems strengthen the banner when installed)
- Grommets and hems are great for hanging your banner on a wall
- Pole pockets: Make it easy to hang your banner from the ceiling with a wooden dowel or on a display stand
- We offer vinyl on the following products:
Tips & Tricks
- We recommend an image resolution of 150 PPI or greater for artwork
- Vinyl banners can catch sunlight and flash photography more easily than fabric
- If folded, wrinkles and fold marks can be difficult to remove
- For storage and transportation, we recommend rolling your banner (which can result in additional shipping fees)
Smartpress is the online printer for banners and custom signage that suits your needs. If you have questions about fabric backdrops or vinyl backdrops, please contact customer service.