Banner Printing Insights – Differences between Flex and Vinyl Printing

Author: John Mathew

If you are planning to promote your event or want to advertise your special offerings, there is no doubt that the usage of banners and signages is one of the best possible approaches to this. However, many people are not aware of different types of banners to consider for various purposes. All banners are not made equal for every purpose.

Various types of banners serve different users, and each type holds many unique advantages and disadvantages too. Thus, it is ideal for the users to know the specifications of various types of banners to make the ideal choice while planning for a banner ad or promotion. So, here we will explore some of the widely used and popular types of a banner like vinyl and flex printing with the pros and cons of each and you can choose the apt one for your business promotions.

Flex banner printing

Flex banner printing is a very soft and flexible material than vinyl. However, it is not so environmentally friendly when it comes to the need for disposal. Flex material, however, can be printed on easily and recolored using high-end printers. Flex printing machines operate similar to how the ink-jet printers work, but these high-duty printers are custom made to accept the flex material.

For a novice, both vinyl and flex may seem similar. However, there are different users and specifications among these two materials. Once printed, Flex materials can be applied to jackets, sweaters, t-shirts, and boards, etc. Flex can be fixed onto these surfaces by applying heat pressing for a solid bond. Some of the widely used flex-printing applications are:

  • Office signs
  • Point of Sales banners
  • Displays at a trade show and conventions
  • Real-estate banners
  • Retail store or mall signs
  • Business flat banners

Vinyl banner printing

Vinyl printing is another very popular mode of banner printing used lately. On using vinyl, you can send your printers an outline or pattern with the choice of colors you want to use for it. The printers load vinyl into the machine, and it will be cut to the desired standard size chosen. Previously, it could not recolor vinyl surfaces, but the latest printers can print onto both vinyl and flex materials.

Once printed, vinyl can be cut into the appropriate size and shape. Vinyl can be stuck on to various surfaces to create a banner. However, vinyl banners a prone to wrinkling, so you need to stretch it to the maximum and maintain it properly to keep the finish over time.

Vinyl printing is now largely used on signs and banners. Vinyl posters and banners are ideally made of flexible PVC, and vinyl is applied to these to stick for years without showing any wear and tear signs.

So, the choice of material and medium to make your business signs and banners is fully up to you. One thing to remember is that the flex material can be slightly expensive than Vinyl; however, vinyl is ideal for smooth surfaces and signs. Whatever you choose, be specific and informed about the content you will print on to it and what impact it can create on the viewers.