Banner material guide: 13oz vs 18oz vs mesh

13oz scrim vinyl: the everyday choice

Most banners are printed on 13oz scrim vinyl, and for good reason. It is affordable, prints with bright color, and rolls up for easy storage and transport. It is the right pick for indoor banners, trade show backdrops, event signage, and short-to-medium outdoor runs. If you need a banner for a grand opening, a fundraiser, or a seasonal promotion, 13oz almost always does the job. See standard options on our vinyl banners page.

18oz heavy vinyl: built to last

When a banner needs to live outdoors for the long haul, step up to 18oz. The heavier, blockout vinyl resists tearing, handles repeated install-and-remove cycles, and stands up better to sun and weather over months and years. It is the choice for long-term building banners, fence signage that stays up all season, and any banner that takes abuse. It costs more, but for a banner you will use again and again, it pays off.

Mesh: when wind is the enemy

Mesh vinyl is perforated so air passes through instead of pushing against it. That makes it the answer for large outdoor banners in exposed spots — building faces, highway frontage, stadium fencing, and anywhere gusts would turn a solid banner into a sail. The trade-off is that mesh is slightly less opaque and color is a touch softer, so it is best for big, bold graphics rather than fine detail.

Indoor vs outdoor at a glance

• Indoor, short-term

  13oz vinyl. Bright, light, and easy to hang or stand. For a freestanding indoor option, consider a retractable banner.

• Outdoor, short-to-medium

  13oz with hems and grommets handles most seasonal outdoor use.

• Outdoor, long-term

  18oz heavy vinyl for durability over many months.

• Outdoor, windy/large

  Mesh to let the wind through and protect your mounting.

Finishing: hems, grommets, and pole pockets

Finishing is what keeps a banner from shredding at the edges. Hems fold and reinforce the perimeter; grommets (metal rings) give you tie points, usually spaced every couple of feet — estimate the count for your size with our banner grommet calculator. Pole pockets are sewn channels that slide over a pole or rod for a clean, taut hang, common on street and storefront banners. Large outdoor banners may also get wind slits to relieve pressure.

Care that extends the life

Roll banners loosely with the print facing out rather than folding them, which prevents creases. Clean with mild soap and water and let them dry before storing. Take down 13oz banners ahead of severe storms, and inspect grommets and ties on long-term installs each season. Treated well, a quality banner will outlast several uses.

Frequently asked questions

• Is 13oz vinyl OK for outdoor use?

  Yes. With proper hems and grommets, 13oz scrim vinyl handles seasonal and short-to-medium outdoor use well. For banners that stay up for many months or longer, 18oz is the more durable choice.

• When should I choose mesh over solid vinyl?

  Choose mesh for large banners in windy, exposed locations such as building faces, fences, and highway frontage. The perforations let air pass through, which reduces wind load and protects both the banner and its mounting.

• Do I need pole pockets or grommets?

  Grommets are the standard for tying a banner to a frame, fence, or wall. Pole pockets are better when you want to slide the banner onto a pole or rod for a clean, taut look, such as street or storefront banners.