Over the last five years the landscape of the printing market and tradeshows is rapidly changing. Marketeers, event planners, exhibitors and on the other side suppliers are among so many variations between branding materials to provide that the equation of what – how much and how is quite a demanding task.
Focusing on materials and printing methods for banner and backdrop displays for marketing activations and tradeshows there are two main types to consider: vinyl and fabric. So, follow us into a crash course within the world of fabric and vinyl printing.
Vinyl banner displays utilize either screen printing or digital printing on a wide format digital printer. Vinyl comes in a variety of weights, the most common weights are 13 oz., 15 oz., and 18 oz. Ounces are referring to the weight of the banner per square yard of material; the heavier the weight, the more durable the banner. Installation is paramount while setting up vinyl displays and is needed to be equipped of the proper hardware and supplies accompanied with experienced technicians on site. Vinyl is one of our most popular and durable materials because it is great for outdoors and has no curling along the edges. Vinyl of course is a cost-effective solution.
On the other hand, fabric banner displays are most commonly made from: polyester, nylon, satin, Celtic cloth or other synthetic fibers. The variety of fabric materials provide you with endless options to create a seamless representation of your brand. Most of these materials are currently being printed using the high definition printing method – dye sublimation.
Fabric is ideal for indoor and retail sign and banner application as this has made the printing method of dye sublimation the preferred choice for tradeshows for vibrant and high-quality images. Dye sublimation is the most common method of printing on fabrics today. With this method of printing, the images are imprinted into the fabric as opposed to on top of the material. Because the ink is printed directly into the fabric, it creates bold, high-resolution artwork that can be seen even from afar and won’t fade over time.
The zippers on stretch-fabric displays help pull the material for a crisper picture Stretch-fabric pieces feature zippers to stretch the material over the frame of the backdrop and secure into place. In addition to this type of stretch-fabric, silicone edge graphics (SEGs) are becoming extremely popular between exhibitors. Also printed using the dye-sublimation method, SEGs are constructed with a thin silicone strip sewn directly into the edges of the graphic. Silicone edge graphics are then inserted into frames with recessed grooves to create a seamless looking display.
According to the Journal of the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association, silicone edge graphics are changing the landscape of the market. “They allow for one of the slimmest frames reveals on the market. SEG displays can be a freestanding display, wall-mounted display or hung from the ceiling, and they can also be backlit”. Exhibitors also enjoy using stretch-fabric due to a lightweight disposition, extremely easy installation process using no-tools or specialized staff and because it can easily be transported just by folding it up and packing it away.
Do you may need to see a sample or have a cost estimation? Explore our unique fabric product range here and contact us: Textile Walls and Backdrops