Banner Printing FAQ

6 MIN READ
Level: basic
A custom banner printed with The Kovar Brothers hanging over a stage in front of a crowd.

Have a question about custom banners? Check out these banner printing frequently asked questions and learn about our banner materials, how to install banner stands, double-sided printing and more.

Hanging Banners

Hanging Banner Printing

What sizes are available?

You can design custom Hanging Banners for online printing in our predetermined sizes or use custom dimensions. When you enter your desired dimensions in the Finished Size fields on the product page, a notification will alert you if they are outside our parameters. In that case, you can request a Custom Quote.

What banner material is available?

We offer banner printing in both mesh and vinyl materials:

  • 8 oz. Mesh
    • For indoor or outdoor use.
    • Lightweight material that’s great for windy areas.
    • Mesh weave minimizes wind-resistance and allows air to pass through.
    • Can be printed on one side only.
  • 13 oz. Scrim Vinyl Matte
    • For outdoor use.
    • Scrim refers to the strong fabric mesh sandwiched within PVC vinyl.
    • The face has a smooth surface, the back is slightly textured.
    • Can be printed on one side only.
  • 13 oz. Smooth Vinyl Opaque Matte
    • For indoor use.
    • Has a high-strength polyester fiber weave that’s highly tear-resistant.
    • Can be printed double-sided.
  • 15 oz. Smooth Vinyl Blockout
    • For indoor or outdoor use.
    • Smooth two-sided blockout material (cannot see through).
    • Low-curl formula that helps create a flat appearance.
    • Can be printed double-sided.

Learn more: Fabric Backdrops vs. Vinyl Backdrops

Can you print double-sided?

Our 8 oz. mesh and 13 oz. scrim vinyl banners can be printed on one side only. Our 13 oz. and 15 oz. smooth vinyl banners can be printed one- or two-sided. To print double-sided custom banners, use the Sides dropdown on the product page.

Do banners come with grommets?

Custom banners do not come automatically with grommets, but you can add them to the corners or placed every 24 inches in your choice of color. As a premium online printer, we also offer finishes like stitched hems, webbing loops, pole pockets, wooden dowels and ball bungees to reinforce and secure your banner. Learn more: How to Hang Your Banner

Can you add wind slits to my banner?

No. We do not recommend wind slits because they weaken your banner and increase the likelihood of it tearing. If your banner will be in a high-wind location, we recommend our mesh material, which allows air to easily pass through.

Can I use my banner outside?

This depends on which banner material you choose. We recommend:

  • 8 oz. Mesh – For indoor or outdoor use.
  • 13 oz. Scrim Vinyl Matte – For outdoor use.
  • 13 oz. Smooth Vinyl Opaque Matte – For indoor use.
  • 15 oz. Smooth Vinyl Blockout – For indoor or outdoor use.

Can I create multiple banners in the same order?

Yes. With our Versions feature, you can print various designs to differ content on multiple banners (for trade shows and events or showcasing products and services). Our online printing services require your banners be the same size, material and finish, but your designs and content can change as much as you like. Learn more: Versions

Retractable Banners

Retractable Banner Printing

What sizes are available?

You can design custom Retractable Banners for online printing in our predetermined sizes:

  • 31-1/2″W x 85”H
  • 47-1/4″W x 85”H
  • 59-3/4″W x 85-1/4″H
  • 94-3/4″W x 85-1/4″H

What banner material is available?

We offer banner printing on 13 oz. smooth vinyl. For indoor use, this opaque white material has a high-strength polyester fiber weave that’s highly tear-resistant. Learn more: Fabric Backdrops vs. Vinyl Backdrops

Does my banner come with a stand? A carrying case?

Yes. Pop-up banners come with a stand that corresponds to the size you chose and a soft-sided carrying case for easy transport to and from events and locations.

How much of my banner will be hidden by the stand?

To avoid having your artwork and content cut off or hidden by the stand, we recommend you design your custom banners with these simple tips in mind

  • 0.5” of your artwork will be covered on the top for installation of the hanger.
  • 6” of your artwork will be covered on the bottom for attachment to the base.
  • Leave a minimum of 0.25” bleed on each side.

Learn more: Retractable Banner Stand Guidelines, Bleed

Can I reuse the banner stand and swap out the banner material?

No. Our banner stands are not recommended for interchangeable graphics.

Can I use my banner outside?

Our 13 oz. smooth vinyl material is best for indoor use. We do not recommend it for outdoor use.

Can I create multiple banners in the same order?

Yes. With our Versions feature, you can print various designs to differ content on multiple banners (for trade shows and events or showcasing products and services). Our online printing services require your banners be the same size, but your designs and content can change as much as you like. Learn more: Versions

How do I install my banner into the stand?

It comes pre-assembled with the banner rolled inside the stand.

Can I order replacement stands?

Yes. As a premium online printer, we offer replacement stands in three different sizes. You can find them in Banner Stands and Signage Accessories.

Step and Repeat Banners

Step and Repeat Banner Printing

What sizes are available?

You can design custom Step and Repeat Banners for online printing in our predetermined sizes or use custom dimensions up to 117″W x 98″H x 16-1/2″D. When you enter your desired dimensions in the Finished Size fields on the product page, a notification will alert you if they are outside our parameters. In that case, you can request a Custom Quote.

What banner material is available?

We offer banner printing on 13 oz. smooth vinyl. For indoor use, this opaque white material has a high-strength polyester fiber weave that’s highly tear-resistant and reduces glare. Learn more: Fabric Backdrops vs. Vinyl Backdrops

What finishing options are there?

As a premium online printer, we offer finishes like stitched hems and pole pockets.

Can you print double-sided?

Yes. Use the Sides dropdown on the product page to print double-sided custom banners.

What size should my logo be? What about background color?

For vertical logos, each logo should be a minimum size of 8-10 inches high. For horizontal logos, each logo should be a minimum size of 8-10 inches wide. We recommend images be at 100% scale at 100 PPI. If the file is a JPG, the background color must be white or non-transparent TIF.

If you would like a background color, please leave us a note about the specific color in your Activity Log after your order has been placed (e.g. lilac purple, PMS #222 or royal blue or CMYK build).

Learn more: How to Set up a File for Step and Repeat Banners

What types of files do you accept?

We accept PDF, EPS and AI files in any size and in vector format. Fonts must be outlined/active, and the image file should be large enough to avoid pixelation once it’s scaled to size. We are unable to accept PowerPoint or Word files.

Can you design my banner for me?

Yes. Use the Please Design My Banner for Me dropdown on the product page. When you select ‘Yes’ in the dropdown, our design team creates your banner for an additional fee. All you have to do is provide your logo or graphic in the vector format and describe where and how you’d like your logo placed (e.g., how many across/down, only one logo in the center, not repeated, etc.). Our experts do the rest. Learn more: Vector Graphics vs. Raster Images

Does my banner come with a stand?

No. Step and Repeat Banners do not come automatically with a stand, but you can add one using the Adjustable Banner Stand dropdown on the product page. The telescopic stand adjusts easily to accommodate various banner sizes and includes a soft carrying case.

Can I use my banner outside?

No. We recommend Step and Repeat Banners be used indoors only.

Can I create multiple banners in the same order?

Yes. With our Versions feature, you can print various designs to differ content on multiple banners (for trade shows, events and photo backdrops). Our online printing services require your banners be the same size and finish, but your designs and content can change as much as you like. Learn more: Versions

If you have questions about these banner printing FAQ or other printing services, please contact customer service.