Which Material Is The Best for Outdoor Banners?
Posted on by Matt Roscoe
Outdoor banners are an excellent marketing tool, from retail advertising to construction promotion; they are a powerful way to get your name noticed. However, choosing the right banner material is equally important to ensure that your message stays vibrant, durable, and effective. When it comes to outdoor banners, you need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of different materials to make sure your banner fulfils its purpose and doesn’t fall short.
Explore our entire collection of outdoor banners.
Key Factors in Selecting Outdoor Banner Materials
Before exploring specific outdoor banner materials, it’s important to understand the factors that you want from your banner and the conditions it’ll have to withstand:
Durability & Weather Resistance - You want a material that resists tearing, rain, wind, and UV fading.
Print & Visual Quality - Sharp, high-colour resolution keeps your branding visible and memorable.
Weight & Wind Handling - Lighter options are easier to install; perforated designs reduce strain in windy spots.
Budget & Print Size Needs - Different materials vary in cost. For large-scale projects, you want something both affordable and reliable.
Versatility & Customisation - Can it be double‑sided? Hemmed, eyeleted, or shaped as needed?
Common Outdoor Banner Materials
There are many outdoor banner materials to choose from, so it’s important to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of each before making your final decision.
PVC / Vinyl Banners (Solid)
Made from heavy-duty PVC (polyvinyl chloride), typically around 440gsm for premium advertising. PVC/ Vinyl banners are ideal for retail signage, events, and construction promotions. They are ideal for people wanting clear visibility with durability.
Pros:
Highly durable and weatherproof
Smooth surface delivers crisp, vibrant print quality
UV-resistant inks help prevent fading
Custom sizes with hemmed and eyeletted finishes for easy mounting.
Cons:
Can catch strong winds without perforation
A heavier weight may complicate handling at large scales
Shop our durable outdoor PVC Banners.
Mesh Banners (Perforated PVC)
Mesh banners are made from 270gsm perforated PVC, allowing airflow while maintaining graphic impact. They’re ideal for high-wind zones such as scaffolding, fences, building wraps, and larger outdoor displays.
Pros:
Wind-permeable design reduces stress and flapping
Lightweight yet strong, with UV-resistant inks and reinforced hems & eyelets.
Cons:
Slightly lower print crispness due to perforations
Best when viewed from a moderate distance
Explore our mesh banner range now.
Fabric / Polyester Banners
Lightweight polyester fabrics offer a softer, premium look, more commonly used indoors but still occasionally outdoors. They’re perfect for outdoor use where short stern usability is the goal.
Pros:
Lightweight and highly portable
Great for close‑view areas, events, and trade shows
Cons:
Less durable than PVC, and not as weather or water-resistant
Contact us for custom outdoor banners.
Other Materials For Outdoor Banners
Although not as popular, there are other options for outdoor banners that can do the job.
Polypropylene (Poly Film) Banners - Matte finish, crease- and wrinkle-resistant, ideal for short-term signage.
Aluminium Composite Panels (ACM) - Rigid, weatherproof panels suitable for permanent signage, not traditional banners.
Quick Comparison Of Banner Material Types
Material | Durability | Weather Resistance | Wind-Friendly | Print Quality | Available at Carrick Signs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PVC / Vinyl (440gsm) | High | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent | |
Mesh (270gsm PVC) | High | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | |
Fabric / Polyester | Moderate | Moderate | Low | Good | x |
Poly Film | Low–Moderate | Moderate | Low | Fair | x |
Aluminium Composite | Very High | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
How to Choose the Right Material for Your Banner
Four main factors can help you decide which outdoor banner material to choose from:
Assess your environment
Windy or exposed? Go with mesh for airflow.
Focus on heavy rain or UV exposure? Stick with solid PVC.
Think about appearance vs. practicality
Want crisp, bold visuals? Choose PVC/vinyl.
Need day-to-day use or frequent repositioning? Consider fabric.
Factor in installation & handling
Large banners benefit from mesh to reduce flapping stress.
Hemmed and eyeletted finishes make setup easier and more secure.
Match your budget to scale & frequency
PVC offers great longevity, while mesh provides wind resistance without a premium cost.
Choose Carrick Signs For Your Outdoor Banner
At Carrick Signs, we use only premium materials, from durable 440gsm PVC to lightweight 270gsm mesh, all printed with UV-resistant, high-resolution digital inks for long-lasting impact. We provide tailored solutions with custom sizing, material options, finishing choices, and double-sided prints to suit your needs. Our products are ideal for all environments, from high-wind outdoor locations to stylish retail frontages. Shop with confidence when you choose Carrick Signs' expertise to deliver resilient, professional signage every time.