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SUBSTRATE SATURDAYS WITH STEVE

Vinyl Banners: Choosing the Right Type for Your Business

Substrate Saturdays with Steve is a weekly series where we dive into the many substrates we work with at Thysse—breaking down what they are, how they function, and why they matter. In this episode, Steve Peetz walks us through vinyl banners, one of the most common yet versatile materials in the world of wide-format printing.

What Are Vinyl Banners?

Vinyl banners are a staple in the world of wide format signage, offering a mix of durability, affordability, and customizability. Used both indoors and outdoors, they are a go-to solution for advertising, promotions, events, and branding efforts. But not all vinyl banners are the same—understanding their differences can help businesses choose the right material for their specific needs.

Three Key Types of Vinyl Banners at Thysse

At Thysse, we work with three primary types of vinyl banners, each suited for different applications. Steve breaks them down:

1. Mesh Banners – Your GO-TO For Outdoor Use

Mesh banners are made with small perforations, allowing wind to pass through. This makes them perfect for outdoor signage in windy areas, such as construction sites, fences, and building exteriors. Key benefits include:

 

  • Wind-resistant design – Reduces the “sail effect” seen with solid banners.
  • Lightweight yet durable – Holds up against outdoor conditions.
  • Single-sided printing – Ensures clear, visible messaging.

 

While mesh banners are great for long-term outdoor use, they are not ideal for highly detailed, small text graphics, as the perforations can slightly affect clarity.

Mesh Banners

2. Scrim Banners – A Versatile Indoor & Outdoor Option

Scrim banners are reinforced vinyl materials that contain a polyester fabric layer, providing extra strength and tear resistance. These are excellent for short-term to mid-term signage, both indoors and outdoors. Benefits include:

  • Strong and tear-resistant – Ideal for trade shows, storefronts, and promotional signage.
  • Single-sided printing – Offers vibrant, high-resolution graphics.

  • Weather-resistant – Can handle mild outdoor conditions but is best used where it won’t be subjected to extreme elements or high winds.

Scrim banners are a common all-purpose choice due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to display high-quality imagery.

Scrim Banners

3. Double-Sided Vinyl Banners – Maximum Visibility & Durability

For applications where both sides of the banner need to be visible, Thysse offers double-sided vinyl banners. These are commonly used for hanging displays, street pole banners, and aisle markers. Benefits include:

  • Printed on both sides – Maximizes messaging opportunities.
  • Smooth, high-quality finish – Ensures crisp and professional visuals.

  • Indoor and outdoor use – Works well in retail, event spaces, and directional signage.

One of the biggest advantages of double-sided banners is their efficiency in retail and merchandising. Somewhat counterintuitively, using two sided banners in situations where only one side is visible is a great idea–here’s why: When a banner is in a fixture or up against a wall and only one side is visible, a double-sided piece can be flipped to reveal the next message. This is a great cost saving approach that reduces printing, shipping, and installation costs with a little pre-planning. This use of double-sided print in fixture affixed merchandising graphics applies to other substrates, too!  From magnetically receptive vinyl’s and styrene’s to paper and corrugate, double-sided print offers significant efficiencies.

Double-Sided Vinyl Banners

Why Vinyl Banners Matter for Businesses

Vinyl banners are an popular marketing tool because they provide a cost-effective and adaptable way to reach audiences. The power of simply letting foot and car traffic know what’s inside, who’s building the building–and what it’ll look like, or offering an incentive to check something out all justify the prolific use of vinyl banners.

 

Some key reasons why businesses lean on them include:

 

  • Affordability – Compared to rigid signs, flexible banners offer a low-cost, high-impact solution.

  • Easy Installation & Transport – Lightweight and rollable, making them much more cost effective to ship and store.

  • Weather Resistance – Certain types hold up well outdoors, ensuring longevity.

  • Branding – Fully customizable with bold colors, logos, and graphics that enhance brand visibility and drive awareness.

 

Vinyl banners offer businesses an efficient and time-tested marketing solution. Hopefully this overview helps you select the right type of banner for your next initiative!

Looking for Vinyl Banners? Let’s Talk!

At Thysse, our experts specialize in helping businesses find the perfect substrates and convert them into impactful parts of their messaging strategy.

 

Need more information on vinyl banners or other substrates? Reach out to Thysse today! Want to learn more independently? We’ve got resources for you in the Thysse.com blog and on our YouTube channel.

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