Last updated on July 24th, 2023 at 03:59 am

Banners — they all look the same at first until you’re faced with two options that are somehow identical but not quite. Such is the case with step and repeat banners and backdrops. But if you are to maximize your budget and put up the right choice of a banner this big, it wouldn’t hurt if you knew which one to order when handed with both options.

Is this a Step & Repeat Banner or Backdrop?

But how do you know for sure? We’re here to help you nail the right banner, so you get the best bang for your buck.

What’s a Step and Repeat Banner? What’s a Backdrop?

A red carpet veteran, step and repeat banners are often seen in exclusive events like galas, press launches, and pageants. You know you’re taking a picture with a step and repeat banner when you notice that the background is made with multiple panels of images, often with logos of brands and organizations, and create a much bigger pattern or an illusion.

Step and Repeat Banner

A backdrop banner, on the other hand, is a big, free-standing banner that may either show a blown-up image or a solid color and works as a great background for photoshoots, parties, and special occasions.

Backdrop

Both step and repeat banners and backdrops are made with vinyl or similar resilient materials, as these are weather-resistant and waterproof. Vinyl also agrees with UV ink, giving the banner a beautiful vivid color that doesn’t fade.

Design & Layout

A well-designed step and repeat banner doesn’t just show repetition of logos on the signage, it also reveals a sleek pattern of white spaces between the images. Step and repeat banners have become a staple in media events because they give exposure to participating brands by including their logo in the design. It gives them a chance to be seen in press photos, on social media, and even on primetime TV.

Backdrop banners give your logo or background image ample space, making them ideal for conventions, trade shows, expos, and celebrations. You can magnify your brand name or logo so that your customers can see it even from a distance and find it easier to locate your booth in a crowded expo. It’s also common for backdrop users to print a decorative pattern or a blend of colors on their signage to create an immersive background for photo ops. These are often seen in wedding receptions, graduation ceremonies, or community events — the possibilities for this signage are truly endless.

Size and Placement

Depending on the size of the venue and the budget, a step and repeat banner’s size can range between the easy setup type to the size of a mural. It is worth noting that while step and repeat banners are often used for a limited time, it could also mean maximum exposure for your brand because they can capture a lot of attention fast. As such it’s best to be prepared for when customers are ready to engage whether it’s onsite, through social media, or your website.

With backdrops, there’s more freedom to design something that you could use repeatedly. For example, a school emblem against a solid color that can be used for campus events, a rotation of themed colors for weddings or birthday parties, or a mock wall for when vloggers create video content. But if you need a banner for a single event, you can’t go wrong with a backdrop.

Portability and Set Up

When it comes to installation, step and repeat banners and backdrops usually share similar methods and design. At UPrinting, you have the choice to get a banner alone or to order it with a stand. Our banners can also be made with pole pockets or grommets in case you want to set them up using the poles that come with the optional stand or a durable rope.

Our stand is heavy enough to hold a banner upright post-installation, but it’s also easy to disassemble, pack, and transport if you need to carry it from one event to the next. If you have a bigger banner, you can buy extendable poles compatible with your stand so your banner can accommodate more people in a photoshoot.

Cost and Usage

A conventional step and repeat banner involves multiple panels to create, which is why it’s more expensive to produce. However, it’s also possible to layout a series of repeated logos and print the design on a vinyl banner to create a step and repeat banner. The same applies to backdrops. Since both banners are made to last, you can maximize their longevity and your budget for several events, photoshoots, or as a display.

You should also consider the cost of accessories required for the installation and storage of your banner, whichever is applicable to your chosen signage. Finally, you need to factor in professional fees in case you need to commission an artist to design your backdrop or step and repeat banner.

But if you’re working on a budget, don’t worry — we can help you! UPrinting’s website is built with a beginner-friendly online design tool and templates that you can use absolutely free. You can also upload your own design and avail of our free file check services to ensure that your backdrop or step and repeat banner is as stunning as you envisioned it.

Deciding on a banner shouldn’t be a stressful experience, whether you’re getting a step and repeat banner or a big backdrop. At UPrinting, we make your banner printing experience a breeze with our competitive pricing, free online design tool and templates, professional printing quality, and exceptional customer service. Get in touch with us today and we’ll help you create a banner that’s worth every cent.

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