We wanted to do an educational piece centered around banner material itself. Over the years, while our business is not centered around banners necessarily, we have provided lots of them. Our major client, Trader Joe’s, uses lots of them for everything from announcing new store openings, to telling potential new employee’s that they are hiring and accepting employment applications, to simply reinforcing their branding. Usually these banners are made from 13 oz. scrim banner material which is strong enough when attached to a solid structural wall, and depending on size, would not require wind slits. That being said, please understand than stormy weather with high winds and rain changes this dynamic entirely as does larger sized building sized banners.
When we worked with the Oshmann Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Palo Alto on 4 large scale banners for the face of their building, we used 18 oz heavier banner stock with a backer because we knew that the weight and size of the banners would otherwise be prone to damage. Sometimes, and again depending on size, adding wind slits to lighter weight stock, is enough. However, weather is a factor as well. If the banners will be in a highly windy locations, consider wind slits and or using a mesh material that is friendlier when it comes to stormy and windy weather, as well as taking the banners down if stormy weather is expected.
Scrim banner material comes in 13 oz, 15 oz and 18 oz material. The 13 oz is the most popular and is utilitarian. It is used on exterior building fascia’s, at sports and other events both inside and outdoors. For a moderately sized banner the addition of wind slits may be enough to handle a little wind as well. When placement on a fence or in extremely stormy/windy conditions, the heavier material with wind slits, or a mesh material that is friendlier in high wind conditions, is perhaps a better choice.
Mesh banners offer extended durability for outdoor use but not the vibrant color of scrim banner based on the porous nature of the material itself. This leads to some particularly important questions that include:
- Is the banner for interior/exterior use and for how long?
- Is the banner attaching to a solid surface or chain link fence?
- Is vibrant color/saturation important?
- Is the weather condition expected to be stormy/windy?
Be sure to mention any of the conditions above (or others that should be considered) prior to placing your order. We want a successful outcome for every single banner we sell! Call us at (510) 357-2000 to discuss your observations and requirements. We are here to listen and to provide guidance as needed. For more information feel free to complete the contact form on our website and/or to read our blog posts about varying signage topics.