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Custom Vinyl Banners: Outdoor Signage for Extreme Weather

  by:  |  Oct 15, 2023
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Last updated on June 19th, 2025 at 12:41 am

vinyl banner

Vinyl is one of the most popular materials used for signages, especially those that are used outdoors. With their impressive water resistance and compatibility with digital printing, vinyl banners are a staple marketing material for many campaigns. Now, vinyl banners come in different types, each with its strengths and uses. This article offers the basics of vinyl material perks so you can plan your next signage or banner and make it weather-friendly

Why Choose Vinyl Banners for Outdoor Use?

  • Durability and flexibility in various environments
  • Vinyl banners are built to last, even in extreme weather. They maintain their design and sturdiness without fading or tearing, whether facing heavy rain, direct sunlight, or strong winds. With enough time, the banners can also adapt to changing outdoor weather, making them the best option for long-term promotions.

  • Cost-effectiveness compared to other signage materials
  • Vinyl banners are a wise choice for businesses looking to maximize their advertising budget without sacrificing visibility or impact. They’re more versatile than metal and wooden signs and inexpensive to produce, ship, and install.

  • Reusability and ease of use
  • One of vinyl’s most significant advantages is its reusability. You can roll up banners when not in use and store them compactly without damage. With proper care, they remain vibrant and intact for future events and recurring promotions, saving you from the need to reorder signage every time.

  • Customization options (size, design, grommets, etc.)
  • Vinyl banners can be customized and designed to match your business and promotional needs. You can choose from various sizes, vibrant full-color designs, and finishing options. They also have customizable attachments like grommets, pole pockets, or hemmed edges.

With these perks, you may have an idea for your ideal outdoor banner. But hold that thought, since you can explore the different vinyl types that will work for your promotions.

18 oz. Premium Vinyl

With its superior tensile strength and tear-resistant qualities, the 18 oz. Premium, heavy-duty vinyl is one of the toughest vinyl banner materials on the market.

  • It is perfect for outdoor settings and can be made into billboards or attached to vehicles. Its resilience to extremely low temperatures also prevents it from cracking despite the cold.
  • The vinyl banner is water-resistant, weather-proof, and also fungus resistant. It can survive in damp or humid environments and require less maintenance.
  • The 18 oz. Vinyl has a smooth, matte surface, so your design will come out clean, your colors will be on point, and your sign is readable even under the sun.

15 oz. Heavy-Duty Vinyl

If you need a reliable banner that’s tough yet easy to manage, the 15 oz. vinyl is a smart, cost-effective choice, striking the perfect balance between strength and flexibility.

  • The heavy-duty vinyl is thicker than the standard vinyl, offering enhanced durability for medium to long-term outdoor use.
  • This banner is ideal for storefront promotions, event signage, or seasonal sales.
  • While not as rugged as the 18 oz. premium option, the 15 oz. vinyl can still withstand wind, rain, and sunlight.
  • It also comes with a smooth surface that offers crisp, vibrant prints, making it both eye-catching and practical.

13 oz. Standard Vinyl

The 13 oz. standard vinyl is the most used material for vinyl banners, perfect for versatile signage and promotions.

  • While it’s slightly thinner than the 15 oz. and 18 oz., its tensile strength is comparable to that of the heavy-duty variant.
  • It is also more affordable, making it economical, especially if you plan to put up your signage for only a year or two.
  • The 13 oz. vinyl can last up to five years, especially with proper care and maintenance.
  • Like its heavy-duty counterparts, the standard vinyl has a smooth, matte finish, guaranteeing that your design colors will register perfectly when we print it with UV ink.

9 oz. Mesh Vinyl

The 9 oz. mesh vinyl banner is known for its net-like pattern and even perforations that allow air to pass through. Perfect for windy areas.

  • The perforated signs are lightweight and can be an excellent signage for any outdoor environment.
  • You can also use them to create industrial-sized banners to advertise your brand and let them double as building wraps, as the perforations can conceal glass walls for added privacy.
  • They’re also great for warning signs and scaffolding covers in construction sites and busy areas.

You may refer to the table below for a customer-friendly side by side comparison of the features of 18 oz. heavy duty vinyl, 13 oz. standard vinyl, and 9 oz. mesh vinyl.

Feature Materials
18 oz. Vinyl 15 oz. Vinyl 13 oz. Vinyl 9 oz. Mesh Vinyl
Outdoor Use Yes Yes Yes Yes
Indoor Use Yes Yes Yes Yes
Water-resistant Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tear-resistant Yes Yes Yes Yes
Wind-resistant Yes, but it catches more air than mesh and offers less airflow Yes, but it catches more air than mesh and offers less airflow Yes, but it catches more air than mesh and offers less airflow Yes. It allows airflow by 25% more than solid vinyl
Tensile Strength 285 x 239 lbs./inch 264 lbs./inch 154.2 x 137 lbs./inch 81.13 x 61.51 lbs./inch
Temperature Limitations -22°F to 150°F
Vinyl may start to soften at 150°F or higher, and may melt as heat approaches 200°F
-22°F to 150°F
Vinyl may start to soften at 150°F or higher, and may melt as heat approaches 200°F
-22°F to 150°F
Vinyl may start to soften at 150°F or higher, and may melt as heat approaches 200°F
-4°F and 176°F
Vinyl may start to soften at 150°F or higher and may melt as the heat approaches 200°F
Finish Matte Matte Matte Matte
Lifespan, estimated 5 years or more when installed outdoors 3-5 years when installed outdoors 3-5 years when installed outdoors 1-3 years when installed outdoors

 

Vinyl Banners: Reinforcements and Maintenance

While vinyl is tough as a material, you must install your banners and signages as securely as possible to prevent them from collapsing and imposing hazards. When you order your vinyl banners from UPrinting, you can customize how you want the want the banners set up. Choose whether to place:

  • Pole pockets for banner stands and poles.
  • Grommets and zip ties for easier installation.
  • Bungee cords and nylon ropes for sturdy security.

For a more robust fit, you can also reinforce the banners with the proper fittings:

  • Heat-welded or stitched hemming.
  • Small wind-slits for allowing air to pass through.
  • Reinforced corners or double-stitched edges.

Don’t hesitate to contact us about accessory options so we can help you out with your order.

It is also worth noting that while vinyl banners are weatherproof, prolonged exposure to rainfall, sunlight, and extreme temperatures can affect their lifespan. As the table above shows, vinyl can soften when exposed to intense heat and become brittle in freezing temperatures. Finally, it may be best to take down the banners during severe storms or turbulent weather so that you can use them for a long time and prevent them from being blown away.

If you have any questions, you’ll find our Live Chat available on the website 24/7, or you can call us at 888-888- 4211 from Monday through Friday, anytime of the day. Our customer support team is also available on weekends from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST.


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