“Banner” covers a lot of ground. The right choice depends on where it’s going, how long it needs to last, and how much wind it’ll face — which, in Edmonton, is a fair question. Here’s how to pick.
13oz vinyl — the all-rounder
Standard 13oz vinyl is the workhorse: vivid full-colour print, hemmed edges and grommets, ready to hang indoors or out. It handles a season of Alberta weather comfortably and rolls up for storage between uses. For most grand openings, sales and event banners, this is the one.
15oz heavy-duty vinyl
Going up in the exposed-outdoor world? 15oz is thicker and more tear-resistant — worth it for long-term outdoor signage on fences and buildings.
Mesh vinyl — for wind
A solid banner acts like a sail. In exposed, windy locations — think a fence line or a building corner — mesh vinyl lets air pass through, dramatically reducing wind load so your banner (and its mounting) survives. Slight trade-off in colour density, big trade-up in durability.
Retractable / roll-up stands
For indoor use — trade shows, lobbies, conferences — a retractable banner stand is hard to beat. The graphic pulls up from a weighted base and rolls away into a carry bag in seconds. The hardware is reusable, so when your message changes you only reprint the graphic.
Pole pockets vs grommets
- Grommets: metal rings for zip-tying or roping to a frame or fence. Most common.
- Pole pockets: sewn sleeves top and bottom for sliding onto poles — a cleaner look for hanging banners.
Quick picks
- One-day event, indoors: retractable stand.
- Storefront promo, a few months: 13oz vinyl with grommets.
- Fence in an open, windy lot: mesh vinyl.
- Permanent building sign: 15oz vinyl or step up to a rigid sign.
Tell us where your banner’s going and roughly how long it needs to last — we’ll spec the right material and quote it. Every banner prints on our 6-colour, fade-resistant UV press, so the colour holds up to the Alberta sun.
