What Materials Can You Print On a Custom Vinyl Banner?

Common Questions from Banner Buyers

What material is a standard vinyl banner made from?

A standard vinyl banner is made from scrim-reinforced PVC vinyl, most commonly in a 13 oz weight per square yard. The scrim is a woven mesh core sandwiched between two layers of PVC, which gives the banner its tear resistance and dimensional stability. Ink is UV-cured eco-solvent, making it scratch and water resistant once cured. If terms like scrim or blockout are new to you, our banner printing glossary defines 50+ common banner terms.

What is the difference between 13 oz and 18 oz vinyl banner material?

Weight refers to ounces per square yard, and heavier vinyl is thicker and more durable. The 13 oz material handles most commercial, event, and retail applications well and is rated 3-5 years outdoors. The 18 oz blockout vinyl adds an opaque core that prevents light bleed-through, delivers extra tear and abrasion resistance, and is the better choice for long-run outdoor installs, high-traffic areas, or true double-sided banners hung from poles or ceilings. For a deeper breakdown of weights, finishes, and printing methods, see our complete vinyl banner printing guide.

Can I print a double-sided banner on vinyl?

Yes, but the material matters. Standard 13 oz vinyl is semi-translucent, so printing both sides will cause text and color on the back to ghost through to the front. For a true double-sided banner, order 18 oz blockout vinyl. The opaque blockout core eliminates light bleed and makes each side fully legible from its own direction.

What banner material works best for outdoor use?

For most outdoor applications, 13 oz scrim-reinforced vinyl is the practical choice. It handles sun, rain, and moderate wind for 3-5 years with proper mounting. For installs over a year in high-traffic or high-wind locations, upgrade to 18 oz blockout vinyl. Fence and chain-link installs perform better with mesh vinyl because the perforated surface lets wind pass through instead of acting as a sail — our guide on the best banner material for windy areas compares mesh and solid vinyl head to head.

What finishing options are available for vinyl banners?

The standard finish for most banners is hemmed edges with grommets every 2-3 feet, which works with rope, bungee cord, or carabiner mounting. Pole pockets (2 inch, 3 inch, or 4 inch) are the right choice for banner stands or hanging displays. For banners over 32 square feet used outdoors, reinforced hems and corners are recommended to handle higher stress loads. We do not recommend wind slits, as they reduce the printable area and are generally unnecessary when the banner is properly mounted — see how to hang a banner outdoors for anchoring methods that hold without stressing the material.

What are standard banner sizes?

Standard vinyl banners range from 12 inches x 12 inches up to 16 feet x 50 feet on 13 oz and 18 oz vinyl. Common retail and event sizes include 2 ft x 4 ft, 3 ft x 6 ft, 4 ft x 8 ft, and 4 ft x 10 ft. Mesh banners go up to 50 ft x 16 ft. Fabric banners on standard SKUs reach about 4.8 ft x 20 ft, with larger custom sizes available. Every banner is printed to the exact dimensions you specify — our banner sizes guide covers standard dimensions and when a custom size makes more sense.

How do I care for and maintain a vinyl banner after use?

Roll banners face-out for storage and never fold them; creases from folding are permanent and cannot be pressed out. Clean the surface with mild soap and warm water, and avoid solvents or abrasive cleaners that can cloud or scratch the printed surface. When mounting outdoors, position the banner 6-12 inches off the ground to keep the bottom edge out of dirt and water spray. Stored properly in a cool, dry place, a vinyl banner can be reused season after season — our guide on how to store and clean banners covers vinyl, mesh, and fabric care in detail.