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Customized Vinyl Banners: Outside Signage for Excessive Climate
Mar
Custom Vinyl Banners: Outdoor Signage for Extreme Weather
Vinyl is one of the most popular materials used for signages, especially those that are used outdoors. With their impressive water-resistance and compatibility with digital printing, vinyl banners are a staple marketing material for many campaigns. What you may not know is that vinyl comes in different types and each type has its own strengths. We bare the basics of vinyl material so you can plan your next signage or banner and make it weather-friendly, rain or shine.
18 oz. Heavy-Duty Vinyl
With its superior tensile strength and tear-resistant qualities, the 18 oz. heavy-duty vinyl is one the toughest vinyl banner materials on the market. It is perfect for outdoor settings and can be made into billboards or attached to truck sides; its resilience to extremely low temperatures prevents it from cracking despite the cold. Apart from being water-resistant and weather-proof, it’s also fungus-resistant, which means it can survive damp or humid environments and requires less maintenance. In addition, the 18 oz. vinyl has a smooth surface so your design will come out clean and your colors on point. Its matte finish helps deflect light, so your sign is readable even in the sun’s blinding light.
13 oz. Standard Vinyl
The 13 oz. standard vinyl is the most commonly used material for vinyl banners. While it’s a little less thick compared to the 18 oz., its tensile strength measures up to the heavy-duty variant. It also costs less, making it an economical option especially if you’re only planning to put up your signage for a year or two. Nevertheless, the 13 oz. standard vinyl can last up to five years especially with proper care and maintenance. Just like its heavy-duty counterpart, the 13 oz. standard vinyl has a smooth, matte finish which guarantees that your design’s colors will register perfectly when we print it with UV ink.
9 oz. Mesh Vinyl
The 9 oz. mesh vinyl banner is known for its net-like pattern and even perforations that allow air to pass through. This makes mesh vinyl banners an excellent signage choice for very windy areas, but its uses don’t end there. You can use it to create industrial-sized banners to advertise your brand and let it double as building wrap as the perforations can conceal glass walls for added privacy. They’re also great for warning signs and scaffolding covers in construction sites and busy areas.
You may refer to the table below for a customer-friendly side by side comparison of the features of 18 oz. heavy duty vinyl, 13 oz. standard vinyl, and 9 oz. mesh vinyl.
| Feature | Materials | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 oz. Vinyl | 13 oz. Vinyl | 9 oz. Mesh Vinyl | |
| Outdoor Use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor Use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water-resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tear-resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wind-resistant | Yes, but it catches more air than mesh and offers less airflow | Yes, but it catches more air than mesh and offers less airflow | Yes. It allows airflow by 25% more than solid vinyl |
| Tensile Strength | 285 x 239 lbs./inch | 154.2 x 137 lbs./inch | 81.13 x 61.51 lbs./inch |
| Temperature Limitations | -22°F to 150°F Vinyl may start to soften at 150°F or higher, and may melt as heat approaches 200°F |
-22°F to 150°F Vinyl may start to soften at 150°F or higher, and may melt as heat approaches 200°F |
-4°F and 176°F Vinyl may start to soften at 150°F or higher and may melt as the heat approaches 200°F |
| Finish | Matte | Matte | Matte |
| Lifespan, estimated | 5 years or more when installed outdoors | 3-5 years when installed outdoors | 1-3 years when installed outdoors |
Vinyl Banners: Reinforcements and Maintenance
While vinyl is tough as a material, you still need to install your banners and signages as securely as possible to prevent them from collapsing and imposing hazards. When you order your vinyl banners from UPrinting, you can choose where to place the pole pockets or grommets for easier installation. You can also fasten the banner using zip ties, bungee cords, and nylon ropes for a more secure fit. Don’t hesitate to contact us about accessory options so we can help you out with your order.
It is also worth noting that while vinyl banners are weatherproof, prolonged exposure to rainfall, sunlight, and extreme temperatures can affect their lifespan. As the table above shows, it is possible for vinyl to soften when exposed to intense heat, and it may also become brittle in freezing temperatures. Finally, it may be best to take down the banners during severe storms or turbulent weather so that you can use them for a long time and to prevent them from being blown away.
If you have any questions, you’ll find our Live Chat available on the website 24/7, or you can call us at 888-888- 4211 from Monday through Friday, anytime of the day. Our customer support team is also available on weekends from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST.
