Fabric Backdrops vs. Vinyl Backdrops
Fabric and vinyl backdrops can both make a big impact at trade shows, events, photo opportunities and other branded environments. The right material depends on where you’ll use your backdrop, how you want it to look and how you plan to transport and install it.
As a general rule, choose fabric for a softer, less reflective appearance and easy transport. Choose vinyl when you need a durable material for outdoor use or extended exposure to the elements.
Before you design a photo backdrop or custom banner, compare the two materials below. And don’t forget to order any hardware you’ll need for installation.
When should I choose a fabric backdrop?
Fabric is a good choice when you want a softer appearance, less reflection and easy storage or transportation. We offer two fabric options: 4.5 oz. soft knit fabric and 10 oz. heavy knit fabric. Both are white and can be printed on one side.
The heavier the fabric, the more opaque the print will be, making the graphic more difficult to see through.
Fabric backdrops are especially well-suited to indoor events and trade shows because they’re durable, lightweight and easy to fold into smaller packaging. Their low-reflective surface also makes them a good choice for photography and environments with flash.
Fabric backdrop features
- Softer appearance
- Less reflective, making it well suited to photography and flash
- Durable
- Easy to fold and transport
How can fabric backdrops be displayed?
Fabric banners can be finished with grommets, hems or pole pockets depending on how you plan to install them:
- Perimeter grommets: Provide multiple anchor points for securing and hanging a banner.
- Perimeter hems: Reinforce the edges of the banner and can add durability when used with grommets.
- Grommets and hems: Can be used together to hang a banner on a wall.
- Pole pockets: Create a sleeve for a wooden dowel or display stand, making them useful for hanging banners from a ceiling or stand.
Fabric is available for products including:
- Feather flags
- Silicone edge graphics (SEGs)
- Tension fabric displays
- Other custom applications through a Custom Quote
Fabric backdrop file tips
- We recommend an image resolution of 150 PPI or greater for artwork.
- Fabric is a strong choice for trade shows because it combines durability, easy transportation and a softer appearance.
- For banners that will be displayed outdoors for an extended period, we recommend vinyl instead.
When should I choose a vinyl backdrop?
Vinyl is a good choice when durability and outdoor performance are priorities. We offer three vinyl options: 13 oz. smooth vinyl, 13 oz. scrim vinyl and 15 oz. smooth vinyl.
For general indoor use, we recommend 13 oz. smooth vinyl. For outdoor use, 13 oz. scrim vinyl is recommended, while 15 oz. smooth vinyl is recommended for extended outdoor use.
Vinyl uses UV-curable ink, which provides durable, fade-resistant graphics for demanding environments.
Vinyl backdrop features
- Durable and fade-resistant
- Well suited to outdoor displays
- Smooth vinyl can be printed on both sides
- UV-curable ink provides durability in harsh weather conditions
How can vinyl backdrops be displayed?
Vinyl banners can be finished with grommets, hems or pole pockets:
- Perimeter grommets: Provide multiple anchor points for securing and hanging a banner.
- Perimeter hems: Reinforce the edges of the banner and can add durability when used with grommets.
- Grommets and hems: Can be used together to hang a banner on a wall.
- Pole pockets: Create a sleeve for a wooden dowel or display stand, making them useful for hanging banners from a ceiling or stand.
Vinyl is available for products including:
Vinyl backdrop file and handling tips
- We recommend an image resolution of 150 PPI or greater for artwork.
- Vinyl can reflect sunlight and flash photography more readily than fabric.
- Avoid folding vinyl when possible, as wrinkles and fold marks can be difficult to remove.
- For storage and transportation, we recommend rolling vinyl banners. Rolled banners may require additional shipping fees because of their dimensions.
Fabric or vinyl: Which is right for me?
Choose fabric if you want:
- A softer, less reflective appearance
- A backdrop that works well for photography
- Easy folding and transportation
- A material well suited to trade shows and indoor events
Choose vinyl if you want:
- A durable material for outdoor displays
- Better suitability for extended outdoor use
- UV-curable, fade-resistant graphics
- The option to print on both sides of smooth vinyl
If you’re still unsure which material is right for your project, contact customer service, and we’ll be happy to help.