Frequently Asked Questions about school posters and banners:
Q: What is the best material for school posters?
A: Instead of poster board or paper consider vinyl because it is more durable and less expensive. Vinyl has the added benefits of not dog-earing, tearing, and it is waterproof. Vinyl is also less likely to get damaged in shipping compared to poster board and other rigid substrates because vinyl rolls up and is shipped in a tube, whereas materials that have to be shipped flat are exposed to more risk during shipping.
Q: What is the best way to hang posters on a school wall?
A: Most schools opt for a more secure way of hanging posters that involve screws or anchors embedded into concrete block or drywall. Security and durability are key factors because of the abusive environment. Little fingers tend to pick, pluck and pull at everything in sight. It helps if the poster is made of a tear-proof material like vinyl and if it has grommets in each corner. If the screw or anchor head is small enough to slip through the grommet opening, a washer can be used to ensure it does not.
A variety of temporary adhesive systems, such as Command Strips, are also an option. These systems are easier to implement and do not do any damage to the wall. They work on a variety of surfaces including drywall, concrete block and more.
Q: What is the best way to hang banners?
A: It depends on where the banner is being hung and how long you want it to stay there. If it’s a long-term installation on a brick or concrete wall, use some type of screw or anchor system. Be sure the screw or anchor head will not slip through the grommet holes. Use a washer if necessary to ensure it does not.
If you are installing the banner on a chain link fence, use zip ties. They are fast and easy to use, plus they can be cut and removed easily when it is time to take the banner down. Side note: outdoor banners on chain link fences are often made out of mesh vinyl instead of solid vinyl to reduce wear and tear due to windy conditions. Air slots are also another way to alleviate damage due to wind.
Q: How do I get wrinkles out of my vinyl banners and posters?
A: Wrinkles and folds will come out, over time, when the vinyl is stretched flat, but there are ways to speed up the process. You can:
- BEST WAY - warm sun: Stretch the poster/banner out on a flat surface (sidewalk or parking lot) in warm sunlight. The heat softens the vinyl and wrinkles disappear. Stretching the vinyl helps. The warmer it is, the faster it works. If warm sunlight is not available, use one of the other methods.
- Heat Gun / Hair Dryer – Turn the vinyl print-side-down and apply warm air to the non-print side. Start with a low heat setting and test in a small area to ensure the temperature is not too hot - damaging the vinyl. Do not touch the heater directly to the vinyl.
- Iron - Turn the vinyl print-side-down and place a cloth over it so the iron never touches the vinyl directly. Start on the lowest temperature setting. Test on a small area. If the wrinkles don't come out, turn the heat up one setting at a time until you get results. Do NOT use steam or spray water. Vinyl is plastic and the water doesn't affect it, and only creates more of a mess.