What is the difference between 13oz and 18oz vinyl banners?
| 13oz vinyl | Standard, scrim reinforced, most banners |
|---|---|
| 18oz heavy duty | Large, windy, long-term, double-sided |
| Edges | Hemmed and taped, included on every banner |
| Grommets | Corners through every 12-18 in for high wind |
| Pole pockets | 3 in, top or top and bottom |
13oz scrim vinyl (standard)
A polyester scrim sandwiched between vinyl layers. Strong, flexible, folds for shipping, and takes ink beautifully. This is what almost every banner should be:
- Storefront and window banners
- Event, festival and trade show backdrops
- Grand opening, sale and hiring banners
- Fence banners with proper grommet spacing
- Anything indoors
18oz heavy duty
Noticeably thicker and heavier, with more opacity and more tear resistance:
- Banners over about 10 ft on the long side
- Exposed, windy locations such as highway frontage or rooftops
- Multi-season or year-round outdoor installation
- Double-sided printing, where opacity stops the back image ghosting through
Finishing that comes standard
Every banner ships with hemmed and taped edges. Hemming folds and welds the perimeter so grommets have something strong to bite into and the edge cannot fray. Some printers charge for this. We do not.
Grommet spacing by wind
| Placement | Use |
|---|---|
| Top corners only | Indoor hanging |
| All 4 corners | Standard indoor / sheltered outdoor |
| Every 2-3 ft | Standard outdoor, fences, exterior walls |
| Every 12-18 in | High wind, exposed frontage |
Pole pockets
A 3 in sewn pocket on the top edge, or top and bottom, so a rod or pipe slides through. Choose this for hanging bars, weighted bottoms and pole-mounted street banners instead of grommets.
Wind reality check
No banner beats physics. In sustained wind, use 18oz, close grommet spacing, bungee cords instead of zip ties (they absorb shock), and consider wind slits on very large fence banners.