Banner Printing 101: Banners That Tell Your Story

At Schiele Group, we believe a great banner does more than display information. It tells a story. It welcomes. It guides. It inspires. Whether you are promoting a grand opening, representing your company at a trade show, sponsoring a community event, or advertising outdoors in the Chicago area, your banner becomes a bold, visible extension of your brand.

That is why choosing the right material, size, and finish matters. A banner is often the first thing people see, and we want to ensure it captures attention, communicates clearly, and reflects the care you put into your organization. Our team has spent decades perfecting the art of banner printing, and in this guide, we will walk you through the most important considerations to make before printing your next banner.

The Heart of a Good Banner: Picking the Right Material

When customers call us asking for a banner, the first question we ask is where it will be used. Indoor and outdoor environments demand different strengths, and the right material ensures durability, color vibrancy, and long-lasting performance.

Vinyl Banners: The Most Popular Choice

Vinyl is the go-to material for banner printing in Chicago and across the country. It is durable, flexible, fade-resistant, and weather-friendly. Chicago weather can be unpredictable, but vinyl banners stand up to wind, rain, and sun.

Vinyl is ideal for

• Outdoor signage

• Construction announcements

• Seasonal sales

• Large event displays

• Street or fence banners

Its smooth surface delivers crisp images and vibrant colors, which makes your message stand out even from a distance.

Mesh Banners: Perfect for Windy Conditions

If your banner will be displayed outdoors for an extended period, especially in an open or windy space, mesh offers excellent performance. The perforated surface lets wind pass through, reducing stress on the banner and extending its life.

Mesh banners are commonly used for

• Building wraps

• Fencing at events

• Outdoor concerts and festivals

They maintain great readability while offering added durability.

Fabric Banners: Elegant and Professional

Fabric banners are ideal for indoor applications where a softer, polished look is preferred. They resist glare and photograph beautifully, making them perfect for

• Conferences

• Presentations

• Trade shows

• Retail displays

With smooth textures and rich color reproduction, fabric banners bring a touch of sophistication that vinyl cannot match.

Choosing the Right Size to Fit Your Space

Banner size depends on where you plan to place it and how far away your audience will be. At Schiele Group, we help customers evaluate both factors before printing.

Small and Medium Banners

Perfect for indoor events, table setups, or storefront messages. These sizes are easier to transport and install, and they work well for announcements, directional signage, and product promotions.

Large Banners

Great for outdoor use, stage backdrops, or trade show displays. A large banner creates immediate impact and pulls attention from across the room or parking lot.

Oversized Custom Banners

Some projects demand something bigger than the standard. Our large-format equipment enables us to create banners that span walls, stages, fences, and exteriors. Whether you need a stadium backdrop or a massive building display, we can help you design and produce something extraordinary.

We encourage clients to share photos or measurements of their display area. The better we understand your environment, the more accurately we can size your banner for optimal visibility.

The Finishing Touches That Make All the Difference

The finishing details are often overlooked, yet they are among the most important choices you will make. A well-finished banner lasts longer, installs easier, and maintains a clean, professional look.

Hems and Grommets

Reinforced hems add strength to the edges, which is especially important for outdoor signage. Grommets make hanging simple and secure. When wind picks up, a hemmed and grommeted banner stays intact and firmly in place.

Pole Pockets

Ideal for indoor presentations or stage backdrops. Pole pockets allow a dowel or rod to slide through the top or bottom of the banner, keeping the display smooth and elegant.

Wind Slits

For very windy outdoor locations, optional wind slits can help relieve pressure and extend the life of your banner. Our team can recommend whether these are necessary, depending on your installation area.

Matte or Gloss Finish

• Matte finishes are perfect for indoor displays where lighting might create glare.

• Gloss finishes add shine and depth to color, making graphics look vibrant.

We help customers choose the finish that best enhances their artwork and location.

Designing a Banner That Stands Out

Even the best materials will not deliver maximum impact if the design does not stand strong. Our design team works closely with customers to create banners that communicate clearly and beautifully.

Here are a few tips we share often

• Keep messaging short and readable

• Choose fonts that are easy to see from a distance

• Use bold, high contrast colors

• Include your logo prominently

• Leave room for margins and safe zones

Our designers ensure everything prints cleanly, accurately, and with the clarity your brand deserves.

Printed With Care and Craftsmanship

What truly sets Schiele Group apart is not only our equipment but our people. When you order a banner from us, you are not getting a mass-produced product. You are receiving something carefully crafted by a team that genuinely cares about your business.

We inspect each banner for color accuracy, sharpness, and finishing before it leaves our facility. Every detail matters because we know your banner represents your brand. Whether you are a small local business or a national corporation, we treat your project with the same dedication and pride.

Conclusion: Your Banner, Built to Last and Designed to Shine

A banner can be one of the most powerful and versatile tools in your marketing toolkit. The right material, size, and finish can elevate your message and help your brand shine in any environment.

At Schiele Group, we work with customers every day to bring their ideas to life through professional, high-quality banner printing. Whether you need a durable outdoor sign, a sleek indoor display, or a completely custom piece, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step.