Cloth banners are certainly not a new thing. Printing companies have been creating cloth banners for hundreds of years using a variety of methods. The techniques used today to create attractive, informative, and built-to-last cloth banners are the best available.
Cloth Printing in General
Printing on cloth--particularly on t-shirt, sweatshirts, etc.--the “press on” method has long been the accepted mode of adding words or symbols to the material. Recently, however, printers have started using digital printing for cloth that is made primarily of cotton. The printing lasts beautifully and the designs are brightly visible.
Cloth Banner Printing
When it comes to banners, however, and marketing materials, polyester is the preferred fabric. That’s right, polyester! It doesn’t look exactly like the abrasive double-knit stuff that your grandma used to sew with. It comes in varying weight, according to the specific task it is to carry out. This printing is added to the polyester through the use of dye sublimation. About a decade old, this method is more complex than regular digital printing methods.
From dye sublimation, you get the most vivid results. In printing through dye sublimation, 100% polyester is used because it has polymers that strengthen the banner. Polyester has a deep ply that soaks up the ink better than other fabrics. It also helps the banner maintain a clean, appealing appearance. This type of printing gives you a bright banner that will stay attractive and legible for years to come.
Different Types of Polyester Fabrics
You may choose from several different types of polyester, depending upon your specific needs. “Poly-knit” is thick, strong, and stretchable. It’s perfect for larger signs or banners. “Poly-stretch” is lighter weight and can be stretched to fit over displays. “Poly-satin” has a luxurious look and feel that many business owners use to advertise finer quality products or services. It does cost a bit more than regular polyester. “Poly-sheer” is fabric that is sheer except for the spots where your advertising are printed. This allows for better visibility around the banner and is great for special events. Also available are “poly-flags”. These flags are made well so that you can use them outside.
All of the different types of polyester banners and signs are washable and can also be ironed when needed. You can’t ask for upkeep that’s easier than that! You can keep your marketing material in excellent shape without dry cleaning expenses or needing to have the sign repairs.
New techniques for cloth banner printing have brought about a much better end product. These new cloth banners are brighter, more legible, stretchable, washable, ironable, and easier to hang because of their lightweight nature. They can be created to cover your display units when purchased in “poly-stretch” which helps to familiarize customers with your logo.
If you’re in the lingerie or high-end home decor market, “poly-satin” might be the perfect option for you. Placing a couple of flags outside your retail spot is never a bad idea--especially when they’re washable! Use the new printing method and whatever type of polyester fabric works best with your marketing campaign to lure new business to your store. Locate a reputable printing company that is using the dye sublimation technique and reinvent your signage!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Barry K. Brown has been in the Sign, Banner, Decal and Display Business for over 20 years. It isn't what he thought he'd do with his life, but he says he knows too much now to do anything else!
He has been marketing these products online since 1998, and the company he was general manager of in 1998 was the first sign company to be listed on Yahoo! He invites you to visit his site at http://www.visigraph.com and find custom printing of banners, decals, signs, and tradeshow displays at wholesale pricing.
