Banner Printing

Banners are the quickest way to put a large, readable message in front of people, on a fence, a building, a stand or a reception area. The right banner depends on where it's going and how long it needs to stay up.

Some of the choices below are materials (PVC, mesh) and some are applications (outdoor, roller). Use the guide to narrow it down, then order online where the product has a calculator, or send us the details for a quote.

Start with the position and purpose

Banner printing provides a flexible printed display for shopfronts, railings, fences and events. The right specification begins with the location: a sheltered wall, an exposed fence and an indoor reception need different solutions. Think about how far away the message will be read, how long it needs to remain relevant and what structure will support it. Keep the headline short enough to understand without stopping for a detailed read.

This group brings together the banner calculator, outdoor banners, mesh banners and pull up roller banners. The first three concern fixed displays and material selection. A roller banner is a separate self-standing format for receptions and exhibitions. Blue First supports customers in Kent and across the UK; use the product pages to compare the current ordering routes.

Compare solid PVC with perforated mesh

PVC banner printing uses a solid surface suited to bold colour and clear promotional graphics. Mesh has small perforations that allow wind to pass through, reducing the load compared with a solid sheet. This can make mesh relevant to exposed fencing or higher positions, but it does not remove the need to assess the support and fixing method.

Mesh also changes the appearance of the print. Fine detail and small lettering can look softer because of the perforations, so use larger text and simpler artwork. For a sheltered display where detailed graphics matter, solid PVC is a useful starting point. Read the mesh versus PVC guide or provide the location details if you need help comparing them.

Enter dimensions and choose finishing

The banner calculator accepts dimensions in millimetres, inches or feet, so you can work from your site measurements without converting them yourself. Enter width and height carefully and check the resulting proportions before preparing artwork. The confirmed calculator height limit is 1250mm. If your requirement falls outside the supported dimensions, request a quote rather than changing the size just to make it fit.

Finishing choices include eyelets, hems and a cut-only option where shown. Eyelets provide fixing points, while a hem concerns the edge finish. Check the current calculator labels and selected options, especially if you need both. Do not assume that ties, brackets or other mounting hardware are included. Choose the fixing arrangement around the supporting surface and how exposed the location is.

Prepare artwork for the finished banner

PVC and mesh banner artwork is printed to size, so no bleed is required; the fit rules also accept 3mm bleed. Keep essential text and logos at least 100mm from every edge. This allows a generous clear area around finishing and fixing positions. Avoid placing contact details in corners, where fittings and surrounding structures can interrupt the view.

Supply a print-ready PDF where possible, using clear logos and photographs suitable for the final size. Design for viewing distance rather than a close-up screen view. Large lettering, strong contrast and a concise message are more useful than dense information. Before approving the artwork fit preview, check the finished proportions, spelling, dates and whether the same design is intended for every copy.

Plan production, delivery and site use

The banner calculator offers 3 Day as standard and Next Day with a Rush charge. Eligible next working day orders need print-ready artwork before 11:00am on a working day. Check the selected specification and basket rather than relying on a general delivery message. Bespoke enquiries should include dimensions, quantity, location, finishing requirements and the date the banner is needed.

Upload artwork before adding the banner to the basket, then approve the checkout fit preview or ask Blue First to review it before production. Delivery charges are shown with the order; do not assume that the free-delivery arrangement for roller banners applies to fixed banners. For outdoor use, arrange suitable fixings and inspect the location rather than treating the printed material alone as a complete installation system.

Banners FAQs

What is the difference between PVC and mesh banner printing?

PVC banner printing uses a solid surface, while mesh uses perforations that allow wind to pass through. Solid PVC suits clear graphics in sheltered positions; mesh is relevant to exposed locations. Mesh reduces wind load but does not remove the need for suitable supports and fixings.

Which banner material should I consider for a windy fence?

Consider mesh for a windy fence because its perforations let some wind pass through rather than pushing entirely against a solid sheet. The location still needs assessment, including the fence and fixings. Provide the size, exposure and intended duration if you need advice before placing the order.

Are PVC banners suitable for outdoor promotions?

PVC banners are offered for outdoor promotions on fences, railings and building fronts. Suitability depends on the position and fixing method as well as the material. For exposed locations, compare mesh instead of assuming that any outdoor banner can withstand the same wind conditions.

Does mesh make a banner safe in all wind conditions?

Mesh does not make a banner safe in all wind conditions. It reduces wind load by allowing air through its perforations, but the support, size, exposure and fixing method still matter. Seek appropriate advice for exposed or elevated displays rather than relying on the material choice alone.

Can people see through a printed mesh banner?

Mesh can be partly see-through because of the holes in its surface, particularly at close range or with light behind it. This affects fine detail and apparent image density. Use bold lettering and simple graphics, and consider the background behind the banner when choosing the design.

What units can I use in the banner size calculator?

The banner calculator accepts millimetres, inches and feet. Select your preferred unit, enter width and height, then check both dimensions and the displayed proportions. Keep the artwork matched to the finished size rather than assuming a file prepared in different proportions will fit without cropping.

What is the confirmed banner calculator height limit?

The confirmed banner calculator height limit is 1250mm. Check the current calculator for its supported dimensions before designing the file. If the required display exceeds the available limit, use request a quote and provide the actual dimensions rather than reducing the order size to bypass the restriction.

Can I order a banner at a custom size?

Custom dimensions can be entered in the banner calculator within its supported limits. Measure the intended display area and distinguish width from height before ordering. For sizes or applications outside the available options, send the measurements, location, quantity and required date through the quote page.

What are eyelets used for on a banner?

Eyelets provide reinforced fixing points through which suitable ties or fittings can pass. Choose their use around the supporting structure and display conditions, and check the current finishing options before ordering. Do not assume that the presence of eyelets means all mounting accessories are included.

Is a banner hem the same as an eyelet?

A hem and an eyelet are different parts of banner finishing: a hem concerns the edge finish, while an eyelet provides a fixing point. Check which options are selected in the calculator if you need both, and confirm any application-specific requirements before approving the order.

Can I select a cut-only banner finish?

A cut-only option is listed among the banner finishing choices, alongside eyelets and hems. Check the current calculator wording and availability for your specification. Select it only when your planned display method does not depend on additional edge finishing or eyelet fixing points.

Are banner ties or brackets included?

Ties and brackets are not confirmed as included in the supplied banner records. Check the product specification or ask before ordering if mounting hardware is needed. Describe the supporting surface and location so the printing specification is not confused with a complete fixing or installation system.

How much bleed do PVC and mesh banners require?

PVC and mesh banners are printed to size, so bleed is not required; the artwork fit rules also accept 3mm bleed. Keep the main design matched to the ordered dimensions. This differs from poster artwork, where a 3mm bleed is required outside the finished edge.

What safe area should I leave on banner artwork?

Keep essential banner content at least 100mm from every edge. This product-specific safe area helps separate text and logos from edge finishing and fixing positions. Extend the background as needed, but avoid putting important dates, phone numbers or web addresses in corners or close to eyelets.

Will fine lettering work well on a mesh banner?

Fine lettering is less suitable for mesh because the perforations can soften small details. Use larger, bolder text and simplify the message for the viewing distance. If fine detail is essential and the location permits it, compare a solid PVC surface before finalising the artwork.

Which details are needed for an outdoor banner quote?

An outdoor banner quote needs the width, height, quantity, location, fixing method and required date. Include how exposed the position is and how long the display is intended to stay up. These details help distinguish the material choice from the finishing and site requirements.

Can I assume scaffold or building-wrap banners are standard options?

Do not assume scaffold or building-wrap banners are standard orderable options in this group. Those catalogue entries have unconfirmed capability details and are not public product pages. Send the application, dimensions and location for assessment rather than relying on unverified maximum sizes, finishing or installation arrangements.

What turnaround options does the banner calculator offer?

How are fixed-banner delivery charges shown?

Fixed-banner delivery charges are shown on the product page and in the basket; do not assume free delivery applies because roller banners qualify. Standard delivery is £12 + VAT per order where applicable. Check the order total and destination before completing payment for your chosen banner specification.

Can banner orders be sent directly to a client?

Banner orders can be sent directly to a client in plain unbranded packaging with the sender shown as "The Printers". Extra delivery addresses can be added in the basket. This supports reseller orders, but you should still check the destination and selected delivery arrangement before completing checkout.