Opinions about wind slits in banners vary. The purpose of these semi-circular cuts in the vinyl banner material is to relieve the wind load that can shred a banner to pieces. Sign makers often use anything from soup cans to coffee cans as templates for cutting slits with an Xacto knife or utility knife. To […] Read more »
Selling Banners
Banner sales represent a significant segment of the sign industry. As well as durable outdoor promotional banners, other opportunities include lightweight vinyl banners, synthetic paper banners and printed fabrics for general purpose interior applications, such as Point-Of-Purchase banners and tradeshow signs. The smooth finishes of vinyl banner materials and top-coated fabrics are perfectly suited for […] Read more »
Conducting A Vehicle Graphics Survey
An onsite vehicle survey is critical, because it affects many aspects of the job — design, material selection, estimating, production planning and installation. Important details can be overlooked when you rely solely on customer-supplied information. Read more »
Floor Graphics
Floor Graphics Represent a $2 Billion Market for the Sign and Point-Of-Purchase Industries. Jim Hingst Explains the Opportunities, Material Requirements and Application Techniques… Read more »
Overlaminating Film Suggestions
Overlaminating films can beautify and protect graphics. Here are some suggestions regarding the types of films to use for different applications. Wall Graphics For wall graphics applications, a 3 mil matte finish calendered vinyl overlaminate provides protection from dirty hands and eliminates the glare from overhead lighting. Read more »
Overlaminating Film Troubleshooting Checklist

PROBLEM: Poor adhesion of the overlaminate to the print. CAUSES: Print not dry. Incompatibility of component parts. Read more »
Banner Care
Recommendations on Cleaning, Storage and Shipping of Banners If your customers want their banners, awnings or flexible sign faces to last longer, they should be instructed to keep them clean, by simply washing them periodically with a mild detergent and warm water. Flexible materials that are not properly cleaned on a regular basis are guaranteed […] Read more »
How to Apply Vinyl Graphics to Banners
Application of graphics to vinyl banner material requires slightly different surface preparation and application techniques than other applications. What follows is a compilation of some suggestions to make your job easier. Secure the Banner. Before applying pressure-sensitivevinyl graphics, tape or secure the banner to your work table surface using good quality, two-inch masking tape or by […] Read more »
Hemming Vinyl Banner Material
Sewing is the traditional way to hem the edges of a vinyl banner. Today, you have many other alternative finish methods. Many of these methods are just as reliable as sewing and require less skill. These include banner tape, adhesives, chemical welding, heat welding and RF welding. Each finishing method has its own advantages and […] Read more »
Wall to Wall Graphics Application
Learn the basics about wall graphics application, including site survey, material selection, wall painting, surface preparation and vinyl application techniques. By Jim Hingst @hingst_jim For retailers, getting shoppers through the front door is part of the battle. The next challenge is keeping them there. According to industry studies, within 10 seconds of walking through the […] Read more »