Printing Planet UK
PVC banners are the most common form of large-format outdoor signage. They are used for building wraps, fence installations, event signage, scaffolding covers and roadside displays. Here is a complete guide to materials, sizes, finishing and artwork.
Material Weights
| Material | Weight | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 440gsm PVC | Standard | Indoor, sheltered outdoor, short-term |
| 550gsm PVC | Heavy duty | Outdoor, exposed, long-term installations |
440gsm is the standard for most banner orders. It is lighter and easier to handle, prints well, and is adequate for short to medium-term outdoor use in normal weather conditions.
550gsm is used where the banner will face consistent wind load, rain exposure or must last more than six months outdoors without deterioration. It is stiffer, heavier and the hemmed edges hold more securely under tension.
Common Sizes
Custom sizes are available, but these are the most frequently ordered:
| Width x Height | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| 1500 x 600 mm | Shop fascia, banner top |
| 2000 x 1000 mm | Event signage, exhibition |
| 3000 x 1000 mm | Fence or building run |
| 4000 x 1000 mm | Scaffolding or construction |
| 6000 x 1000 mm | Long roadside installation |
| 2400 x 1200 mm | General large format |
Hemmed Edges and Eyelets
Hemmed edges mean the edges of the banner are folded over and heat-welded to create a reinforced border. This distributes the tension of hanging across the full edge rather than concentrating stress at individual eyelet points. Hemming is standard on all banner orders.
Eyelets are metal ring reinforcements punched through the hemmed edge at regular intervals (usually every 500 mm). Ropes, bungee cords or cable ties pass through eyelets to secure the banner. The eyelet count depends on banner size and wind exposure.
Single vs Double-Sided
Single-sided printing is standard. The reverse is white (the non-print side of the PVC material).
Double-sided banners use two layers of material bonded together with a blackout layer between them to prevent each side showing through on the other. Double-sided is used for banners visible from both directions, such as footpath dividers or hanging banners in pedestrian areas.
Double-sided banners cost approximately 80 to 100 per cent more than single-sided.
Artwork Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 72 to 100 dpi at full print size |
| Colour mode | CMYK |
| File format | PDF (press quality) or TIFF |
| Bleed | 30 to 50 mm on all sides |
| Safe zone | Keep all content 50 mm from the trimmed edge |
| Eyelet allowance | Leave 75 mm clear at eyelet positions |
Banners are viewed from distance, so 72 to 100 dpi at full size is sufficient. Higher resolution only increases file size without improving visible print quality.
Cost by Size
| Size | 440gsm (standard) | 550gsm (heavy duty) |
|---|---|---|
| 1500 x 600 mm | From £18 | From £24 |
| 2000 x 1000 mm | From £28 | From £38 |
| 3000 x 1000 mm | From £42 | From £55 |
| 6000 x 1000 mm | From £75 | From £98 |
For a custom size quote, visit the PVC banners service page.