1-508-485-3343 | sales@geminisigns.com

Product Specs

Do I have to use one of your templates for my vinyl banner?

While we have created templates for you to use as a starting point, if you don’t want to use them and would like to design your own banner, you have three additional options. First, you can choose the blank template and start designing from scratch on our design tool. Second, you can upload your own files to make a banner. Lastly, you can contact us and have us design something for you.

What thickness are your banners? Do you offer other thickness options?

Our banners are available in two thicknesses: 13 oz and 18 oz. The 13 oz is the thickness of material that is used for most outdoor billboards. Thus, it should be sufficient for any outdoor use. If you still prefer a thicker banner then the 18 oz gives added durability for your end use. Simply put, both banners should be fit for either indoor or outdoor use and provide exceptional durability and clear printing.

What are the differences between the 13 oz and the 18 oz vinyl banner options?

Though both vinyl banner options offer superb durability and vivid image quality, there are minor differences that set each apart. The 13 oz vinyl is thinner than 18 oz vinyl, meaning the material is lighter and more pliable (easier to roll) than the 18 oz vinyl. The 13 oz banner is only available as a single sided banner and comes standard with a welded hem. Though, there is no welded hem when pole pockets are selected. The 18 oz vinyl offers the double sided option and does not come with a welded hem whether pole pockets are selected or not.

Do you print double sided banners?

Yes, we can print double sided banners. To print a double sided banner you must choose the 18 oz thickness option. Double sided is only an option for 18 oz and not 13 oz material due to differences in the manufactured material.

Do you print in one color or full color? Does full color cost more?

All of our banners are printed in full color with UV ink. If you only need one color, that’s great too. Printing in full or one color does not affect the cost of your banner. Additionally, the amount and design of text or images does not affect the price of your custom made banner. If you need help with your design, we offer free design services.

What are the minimum and maximum dimensions of your banners?

Technically we don’t allow banners to be smaller than 6”x6” but we would recommend that you don’t print any banner smaller than 24”x12”. If you need something smaller than that we would recommend one of the many other types of signs we offer.

The maximum size of our banners is 120”x1980” (10’x165’). As long as one of your dimensions is under twelve feet then you can virtually print any size you want.

If you need a banner larger than that, we can create one for you. Just call us and give us the details

Are there hems on your banners?

Welded hems are included on all of our 13 oz vinyl banners. The only exception to this is when pole pockets are selected. When pole pockets are selected there is no welded hem for 13 oz banners. Our 18 oz banners have a flush cut edge instead of a welded hem. This is the case for banners with and without pole pockets.

Will my large banner have seams?

No, because we are able to print banners up to 10’x165’ even very large banners will be seamless. If you need a banner larger than 10’x165’, we may have to add a seam at that point.

Are your banners a matte or gloss finish?

Our vinyl banner material comes with a semi-gloss finish. However, our ink is more of a matte finish so anywhere you see white will be semi-glossy and anywhere there is ink will be matte. That means if your banner is full color with no white, it will be completely matte.

Can I change the number or spacing of the grommets?

While we can’t change the actual grommet size we do offer a number of different grommet options to suit your banner and needs. These grommet options can be selected in the Options section just underneath the design tool’s editing area. Your banner will come with grommets “Every 2-3 ft” unless you choose otherwise. You can select “None” for no grommets as well as the following grommet options: “Every 18-24”, “Every 12-18”, or “4 Corners”. Grommets can also be placed on banners that have optional pole pockets attached. These will be placed just inside your pole pockets. At the current time we do not offer any custom grommet options or setups beyond those listed here and available via the design tool’s Grommets dropdown menu.

Can I place grommets on a banner that has a pole pocket(s)?

At the current time grommets cannot be placed in banners that have pole pockets. It is only possible to include one or the other and not both. Our design tool will notify you that pole pockets and grommets are not compatible on the same banner if you try to select both options. This notification will confirm your selection of either pole pockets or grommets and what option(s) will be removed because of your selection.

Your banner pricing is great - what’s the catch? Is it too good to be true?

Vinyl banners are traditionally one of the most affordable signage options available. We are able to give the pricing we do while maintaining our quality because of the large amount of work we put through every day. It allows us to receive bulk pricing on raw materials that smaller companies can’t get. This allows us to give you incredible pricing without compromising our quality standards.

What kind of printing process do you use for your banners?

Our printing process is a four color process that uses eco-friendly, weather, fade and abrasion resistant UV ink. All our banners are digitally printed on industry leading large-format printers.

What are the most common banner sizes?

The most common banner sizes are 2′ x 4′, 3′ x 5′, 3′ x 6′, 4′ x 8’. But we can print practically any size custom banner you need. For size restrictions please see the FAQ question addressing that or the design tool will warn you if you choose a size outside of what we’re able to print.

When you say custom made does that mean handmade?

No. Custom made means we make the banner specifically for you. The graphics, colors and size are made according to what you want. We do not stock commonly used banners. Handmade means made by hand, not machine, and all our signs are printed by large-format printers.

Can I cut my banner to shape? I.e. a star banner?

No. Currently at this time we only offer square and rectangle shaped banners. When you cut a banner to a different shape, like a star, it can be detrimental to both the aesthetics and functionality of the banner.

How do vinyl banners differ from your fabric banners?

Vinyl is the more affordable option of the two. It is also the more durable option, making it better for outdoor use, but it can be used for indoor signs where needed. Vinyl banners have more of a matte finish, while fabric banners are printed using a dye sublimation process, making them more vibrant than vinyl. Our fabric banners are a great indoor signage option, and they’re also scratch resistant and have curl-free edges. Simply put if you’re looking for an outside sign then choose vinyl. If you’re in need of an indoor sign for a tradeshow, presentation or otherwise then chose a fabric banner.

Are your vinyl banners fire resistant?

Yes. Our vinyl banners have a temperature resistance of -22F to 180F, and they have passed the California State Fire Marshal, NFPA 701 Flame Test.

Do you really do large format and giant banners?

Yes we do. We can print banners up to 10’ x 165’, and if you need a banner larger than that, give us a call to go over the details and we can give you a custom quote.

So are your banners made out of plastic or vinyl? What's the difference?

Vinyl is a synthetic man-made material. It’s a type of plastic made from ethylene and chlorine that when combined form Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), which is often shortened and referred to as vinyl. So technically you could say our signs are made out of plastic since vinyl is a type of plastic.

I'm doing a lot of outside advertising, is there a better option than vinyl banners?

No. Vinyl banners are our top performers when it comes to outdoor advertising signage options. Their durability and resistance to weather, water and humidity make them the perfect choice. Our A-Frame signs are also a great option if you need something for foot traffic.

Can I make a vertical banner instead of horizontal?

Yes. You can make your banner vertical or horizontal, whichever you prefer.

What if I want a blank banner? How do I do that?

For a blank banner, go to our Custom Vinyl Banners page, click the blank template option, choose your size and then click save and continue to purchase your blank banner.

Usage

I’m going to a trade show - will these banners work? Do I have to get grommets? If not, how do I hang it?

Our standard vinyl banners are intended to be hung with rope, bungee cord, zip tie or even a hook. If you are attending a trade show and are looking for retractable banners that come with a stand and a carrying case, visit our retractable banner page to design and order one.

Are your banners produced to withstand being placed outside?

Yes, our vinyl banners are very durable and are intended to be used for inside or outside use. The exception to this is extreme weather such as high wind which may cause your banner to become dislodged and result in a damaged sign. We recommend that you take down your banner if extreme weather is imminent.

Will my banner tear in the wind if it is oversized? What about wind slits?

Regardless of the size of your banner it is highly unlikely that your banner will tear. Even the edges of your sign should be fine due to the reinforced hem that comes standard on our 13 oz banner. The greater danger is that larger banners are more susceptible to damage during weather events with high wind when whatever is holding in place comes loose. We’ve found that wind slits are generally not an effective deterrent to high wind conditions. For these reasons we recommend temporarily taking down and storing your banner if high winds are anticipated. If you are in an area with constant high winds, we recommend using a mesh banner. Please note that our 18 oz banners do not have a welded hem as do our 13 oz banners. Regardless, except in high wind situations, they have proven to be extremely durable in a wide variety of outdoor uses.

Will the printing fade over time?

All of our banners are printed with fade and abrasion resistant UV ink. This means that the printing should remain vibrant for years. While there will eventually be fading as there will be with any sign, we’re confident that you’ll find your custom banner to be long-lasting and crisp for years to come.

I live in a very cold part of the country - how long will my banner last?

The lifespan of our banners is 3+ years with proper care and maintenance. Consistent cold and wintery weather should not adversely impact your banner in the short term. Though the constant exposure may reduce the lifespan of the banner to a certain extent, your banner should still last for more than a couple of years.

Will your banners work for parades?

Yes, our vinyl banners work great for parades. They’re durable, weather resistant, printed in full color using fade and abrasion resistant ink and you can add your own graphics to make sure your message is clearly seen by all in attendance.

Do you do personalized birthday party banners that include a picture or photo?

Yes we do. Just choose the picture or photo you want used with your birthday party banner and upload the image file while creating your sign. Preferred image formats that you are able to upload are .AI, .EPS, .PS, .PDF. We also accept the following formats: .JPEG, .JPG, .PNG, .GIF, .BMP, .TIFF and .TIF.

How do I create a picture or photo banner?

Click “Get Started!” and choose the blank template option. You can also choose the blank template option from our Popular Templates section on the custom vinyl banners page. Once you’re on our design tool, click “Upload Image” and select your file to upload. The file types we accept are listed in the previous question and the maximum size photo file you can upload is 25MB. Once your picture has been uploaded, arrange it how you want it on the banner and add any text you want accompanying it. Make sure you view your proof before purchasing your photo banner. You can also send us a description so we can design something for free.

Does vinyl work for outside banners/signs or outdoor advertising?

Yes, vinyl is a very durable outside option since this material is weather and water resistant. Our custom vinyl banners have an internal fabric that makes them stronger and better able to handle sunny, rainy, snowy and windy weather days. However, we do suggest taking your banner down if inclement weather comes your way.

What size does my large banner need to be in order to be seen from 'x' distance?

When it comes to the letters on your banner, think big. If your letters are 4” tall, 40 feet is the furthest optimal distance for viewers to visibly read the sign. If you make your letters 15”, then the furthest optimal impact distance is 150 feet. A general rule is letter height needs to be 1” for every 10 feet of visibility. Having said this, your sign will still be visible beyond the “furthest optimal distance” and is typically viewable 3-4.5x farther than the maximum optimal distance. For example, 3” letters will be best viewed within 30 feet and will be able to be viewed at a maximum distance of approximately 90’-135’.
Other considerations that impact viewability include: where you place your sign, what the viewers will be doing when seeing your sign (walking, driving, standing still), lighting, colors used, design of the sign and your target market’s eyesight. Once you choose your letter height, you can determine what size your large banner needs to be to fit your letters, clearly display your message and look good.
In a nutshell our best advice is to think big and simple with your banner and letter size to have the greatest impact. If you’re still unsure of how big your sign should be feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help!

Are your 13 oz vinyl banners really suitable for outdoors? What about your 18 oz vinyl banners?

Yes, our 13 oz vinyl banners are suitable for outdoor use. The 13 oz material is sufficient for displaying in most weather conditions, including in rain and light wind. The UV ink we use to print your design is fade and abrasion resistant, adding to the overall durability of your banner.

For a thicker and heavier banner, we recommend choosing the 18 oz vinyl banner material; the heavier material will improve resistance to wind and give added rigidity in such conditions. Our 18 oz banners, like our 13 oz banners, are exceptional for outdoor display.

What are typical uses for your custom vinyl banners?

The typical uses for custom vinyl banners include: birthday parties, parades, grand openings, events, tradeshows and conferences, high school gyms and sports teams, outdoor advertising signs, anniversaries, reunions, now hiring signs, street signs, city events and holidays, roadside businesses (fireworks, pumpkins, fresh produce, etc.), churches and church events. Vinyl banners are one of the most versatile signage options of any sign type.

Will my banner printing scratch or rub off?

No. Because all of our banners are printed using fade and abrasion resistant ink, your sign’s printing should remain intact and vibrant for several years.

Custom Options

Do you sell banners with pole pockets? What should I know about pole pockets and the ordering process?

Yes, we offer 3” tall, horizontal pole pockets for both our 13 oz and 18 oz vinyl banners. To add a pole pocket(s) to your banner, select the option in the design tool. Pole pocket locations will be indicated by dotted lines on the artboard of the design tool depending on which option you choose. While your design or text can be placed in this area we cannot make guarantees that it will be visible when sewn. We recommend avoiding putting any text or design elements inside the pole pocket areas as indicated on the design tool.

 

Pole pockets can be included on both single and double sided banners (double sided banners are only available in 18 oz vinyl). Pole pockets can be placed on the top only or both the top and bottom of the banner (bottom only pole pockets are not available). Adding pole pockets will slightly increase the cost of your banner.

 

Your banner size includes the pole pockets. As an example, a 24” high banner will have approximately 18” of space for your design if you were to select top and bottom pole pockets. If you need an exact amount of space for your design, we recommend adding 3-6” to your size to account for your pole pocket(s).

 

Please note that adding pole pockets to a 13 oz banner means there will not be the standard welded hem. For 18 oz banners, regardless of whether there are pole pockets or not, there is no welded hem.

Do you sell banners with velcro? What should I know about them and the ordering process?

Yes, we can produce banners with velcro. Though these banners are a custom order and in order to buy them you will need to contact us.

Velcro banners make an already versatile sign option into a sign that can be adapted for many purposes. We’ve produced velcro banners for parades, sponsorships banners, annual sales and more. In all of these cases the majority of the banner remains the same year to year but a certain part is built with velcro so it can be switched as needed.

 

Banners with velcro will have a velcro portion as part of the actual banner itself. Additionally, customers oftentimes buy replaceable smaller banners (i.e. 24”x24”) with velcro on the back side of the smaller pieces. These smaller pieces can then be swapped out on the bigger banner by using the velcro on the back side of the smaller banners.

Do you sell banners with wind slits? What should I know about them and the ordering process?

No, we not sell banners with slits. We’ve found that wind slits, which are designed to lessen the impact of high winds on a banner, often are ineffective in protecting a banner against high winds. We recommend that banners be taken down if extreme weather is imminent. If you live where high winds are frequent, we would recommend our mesh banners instead.

Do you offer mesh, canvas, flag or fabric banners?

We do offer fabric banners, mesh banners, and custom flags. If you are interested in a banner type that is not listed on our website, please contact us and provide the details and materials you’re looking for and we will do our best to help you.

Do you sell vinyl banners with an adhesive backing or double sided tape?

No we currently don’t offer vinyl banners with adhesive backing or double sided tape. What you can do is order two duplicate banners for a double sided banner or you can request a custom quote for a double sided banner.
You do also have the option of using department store adhesive solutions, like sticky tack, putty-like substances or glues, to attach your vinyl banners. The problems with using these adhesive are they’re sticky, messy and hard to remove once you’ve used them.

Are the pole pockets sewn on the banner?

Pole pockets are pre-sewn onto the banner, meaning there is no assembly required when you receive your banner.

Do pole pockets affect the design area of my banner?

Including pole pockets on your banner will not change the designable area of your banner. As noted elsewhere, we recommend keeping text and design inside of the dotted lines that indicate the location of your pole pockets. This is the safest way to ensure your banner displays without text or design elements appearing somewhere that is not visible. If more design area is needed we recommend ordering a bigger banner so that you can avoid putting design elements inside the marked pole pockets while on the design tool.

Are poles included when I choose the pole pocket option?

Poles to display your banner are not included with banner purchases. At this time we do not offer poles. We anticipate offering them in the near future. Suitable poles can be wood, metal, or plastic so long as they are under 3” in diameter. We recommend using poles less than 1.5” to ensure the pole fits without having to force it through the pocket.

Can my custom banner come with a banner stand? Can I make it a retractable or a pop-up banner?

There is no way to make your vinyl banner a retractable banner post-purchase unless you have access to a stand and the dimensions are exactly what the banner stand requires. The better option is to simply buy a retractable banners on our website for your indoor needs. Our retractable banners come with a stand and a traveling case.

Installation & Care

How do I hang my banner?

Hanging your banner can be done in many different ways. Using the standard grommets that come with your banner you can use zip ties, bungee cords, rope, string or any other durable material. These can be affixed to posts, chain link fences or anywhere else that presents a sturdy anchor.

We also recommend that all grommets be used when hanging your banner so that none of the grommets have undue stress placed on them. Because of the many ways in which banners can be installed, we do not provide any accessories to hang your banner but all of these things can be found at your local hardware store.

If you include pole pockets with your banner you can use flag poles or rods to display your banner. We recommend using poles that are less than 1.5” in order to properly fit in the pole pocket (larger poles may not slide easily into the pole pocket). Rope can also be used to hang banners with pole pockets. Though we have found actual poles to display a nicer looking banner than when rope is used in place of poles.

How do I store my banner?

While our banners are built to withstand the elements and be placed outside sometimes it is needed or simply desired to remove and store them for a certain period of time. When storing your banner we recommend that you roll them with the print side facing out. Do not fold them. The banners should be kept in a dry area at room temperature. Avoid storing the banners in extremely hot or humid rooms or locations. Also, do not store anything on top of the banner to avoid creasing or wrinkling it while in storage.

My banner is wrinkled - how do I remove the wrinkles?

After being shipped or stored, vinyl banners often have creases or wrinkles. To easily remove the wrinkles from your banner simply place them in the hot sun for a few hours and the wrinkles and creases should come right out.

How do I wash my banner?

Vinyl banners can easily be washed with a wet rag and warm water. Avoid washing the banners with any very strong cleaner that may ruin the printing on the banner itself. Regular cleaning will help keep your banner looking crisp for years to come.

We’re done with our vinyl banners. Are they recyclable?

Vinyl is recyclable in multiple ways. First, some companies take old vinyl banners and repurpose them, turning them into tote bags, messenger bags, bean bag chairs and other things that can be reused or upcycled. Some companies repurpose them for your use, and some will let you leave the banners with them as a donation to repurpose and give to someone else. Many cities also allow you to put them in your recycling bin rather than your garbage bin.