We've just introduced our new line of Endura Banner Stands, so we’ve gotten a few questions about setup and use. I thought it might be helpful to offer a few tips from our own experience and some wisdom from our suppliers.
First, let’s cover the basics. Endura Banner stands come in six varieties. Four are portable popup displays that house the banner during transportation. When you’re ready to display the banner, just unpack it, extend the collapsible, vertical support, and plant it in the hole provided in the display’s base. Grab the upper rail, raise the banner, and hook the rail on the top of the pole. The process takes about one minute and change. But that’s after you’ve printed and installed the banner in the display. How does it get in there?
What tools do you need? The only tools or supplies you need to install your printed banner are a screwdriver or needle-nose pliers and some high tack clear tape. The high tack clear tape is good for adhering the bottom of the banner to the display case’s internal carrier sheet. You can use a tab at each edge, or play it safe and run a 2 inch strip along the bottom. The corner tabs will make it easier to exchange the graphic, and will be less visible when the display is unfurled and on display. The hardware is handy for opening the channel on the upper rail into which the top of the banner must be inserted. If you choose pliers over a screwdriver (or pliers and a screwdriver), you have a handy tool with which to crimp the rail onto the top of the banner securely. The whole process can be done in about seven steps; nine if you count printing and trimming the banner. The standard size for these popup displays is 31.5 in x 78 in (800 x 1981mm). The most economical approach is to print on 38 in media, then trim it to the desired dimensions. Please click here for a step by step pictorial guide to installation.
What’s the best pop-up display print media? Speaking of printing and trimming, what media works best? As we’ll see, there are differences of opinion on this point. My advice is simple. When choosing media, keep your intended location in mind. If your display will be in a high traffic area where the public may view it from a few feet away, you’ll want the best possible print quality. That calls for a smooth surface such as that found in “super smooth” banner media or film. If the display will be used long term, and edge curl is a concern, you may want to opt for a heavier semi-rigid medium like Sihl 3608 pop-up film.
For a broader perspective, I asked our representatives from Value Vinyls and GMI about what their customers prefer for popup banner displays.
- John Mahoney: Value Vinyls John Mahoney has been in the banner business for many years, so I asked him what he recommends for popup display banners. John’s first choice is “a PET anti edge curl, opaque double sided, rigid substrate”. It’s a relatively new product, but is increasing in popularity. Since that’s the new stuff, I asked John what have people been using before. “We use a lot of 13oz material, or 12oz opaque matte finish. The problem is edge curl. The lighter weight banner material can curl pretty rapidly. It’s good for short term, but not long term use. Thirty days at the most.” He added that “film is better than scrim in our line. Most pop-ups want double sided smooth. So for anti curl with 12 or 13 oz banner, an X banner is better. The grommets provide even tension. It’s harder to get even tension with pop-ups.”
- Fred Weinerth: GMI, maker of Mojave digital print media I contacted Fred Weinerth from GMI for his insight on pop-up display media. GMI makes Mojave media including the 10oz super smooth and 13oz Regal scrim banner available from SIGNWarehouse. When asked about which is better for banner displays, Fred replied “Either 10oz super smooth or 13oz Regal scrim will work. Scrim is great for outdoor use but not necessary for indoors. Super smooth collapses and folds better, so it’s great for indoor use.” I asked Fred if Mojave customers have any problems with edge curl in these applications. Fred’s five word reply: “Not that I know of.” Fred added that scrim banners usually last five years inside, one year outdoors.
So whether you use 10oz super smooth, 13oz scrim or choose our PrismJET 13oz double-sided opaque super smooth may be a matter of preference and availability. If a newer anti edge curl media is your thing, try the Sihl 12 mil pop-up film. It images very well and is expressly designed for these kinds of displays. If you just want a nicely tensioned lightweight portable display (and don’t want to have to trim a 31” x 78” banner), an affordable X Banner Stand and a good old, grommeted banner blank may be the best way to go. Feel free to let us know your preferences. What do you use and why?
