Hanging a banner may seem like a simple task—just slap it on a wall or a fence, and you’re done, right? Not quite. There’s more than meets the eye, especially when hanging a banner for an outdoor event. Here’s why. Banners are often used to display information, promote an event, or draw attention to your product or service. And a lopsided banner flapping in the wind may not inspire confidence in your brand, product, or event.

Hanging a banner the right way and with the right hardware takes some know-how. Will grommets work best for the size of your banner, or should you choose a bungee? From proper methods to specially designed hardware, we’ll explore tips and recommendations for how to hang a banner and must-have banner features to keep it in place.

Hanging A Banner Outdoors and Indoors

If you’ve ever been to a sporting event, festival, or tradeshow, chances are you’ve seen multiple types of banners: vinyl banners, fabric banners, mesh banners, pole banners, table banners, tension displays, and more. Some banners require hardware to hang them. Others are designed to mold or tightly attach to the stand or display.

Regardless of which type of banner you’re hanging, preparation is crucial for making sure your banner is secure no matter where you hang it. With so many options, where do you start? Here’s a quick checklist:

• Gather all of your hardware and do a quick inventory. This can help you avoid those “I forgot to get” moments while hanging your banner.

• Make sure you have all of your tools on hand, like ladders, drills, screws, tape measures, levels, and more. 

• Scout potential locations. You want to consider visibility and identify suitable anchor points and structures, especially if your banner is large or heavy.

• Do a safety check, particularly if you have to hang your banner at a high elevation. Clear ground debris around the area and enlist help if you plan to be on a ladder.

• For outdoor banner installation, check the weather forecast to make sure there aren’t high winds or heavy rains for the day.

Hardware Options for Hanging Banners

Ropes, cords, zip ties, carabiners, and hooks help affix banners to a surface, but they can require hardware added to or embedded in the banner material to work. That’s where grommets, adhesives, and bungees come into play. They secure the banner by various means, and each has an ideal application for indoor or outdoor use. 

The banner material may also dictate how the banner is hung. For example, a fabric banner may be draped over a table, counter or display—no hardware needed. Other banners, like SEG signs, have customized edging that slides into displays outfitted with grooves at the top and bottom. Tension displays and retractable banner displays are also popular options thanks to their portability and ease of use. Tension banner displays rely on tension springs and hooks that loop through grommets or eye holes on the banner. Retractable banners use a spring-loaded roller to pull out and hold the banner. 

Deciding which type of hardware to choose can depend on the banner size, shape, material, and where you’re installing it. Remember that the type of hardware you’ll use could impact the design of your banner—like positioning logos and brand images to avoid grommet holes. Let’s look at the most popular types of hardware used to hang a banner.

• Grommets – Grommets are metal rings inserted into pre-cut holes in hemmed corners or edges that allow you to hang a banner from hooks, cords, poles with cords, rope, clips, cable ties, and others. They are ideal for heavyweight vinyl or fabric outdoor banners. The grommet helps protect the banner from ripping loose in windy conditions. 

• Pole Pockets – Pole pockets are made from added fabric and heated-sealed to create an opening or sleeve at the top and bottom edges of the banner, forming tunnels for inserting support poles, rods, or pipes. They provide a tailored, smooth, and secure fit. 

• Zip Ties – Zip ties are one of the easiest and most convenient methods for hanging a banner. These thin yet surprisingly strong plastic strips are inserted into grommets or holes in the corner or on the edges of a banner and wrapped around a stand, fence, display, or framework.

• Adhesive Hangers – Adhesive hangers attach to smooth surfaces like glass, painted walls, and finished wood via sticky tape. They work best when hanging lightweight banners that aren’t too large. They are not weather-resistant, so it’s recommended to use them indoors if your banner will be displayed for longer than a day. You also want to clean the surface really well before installing your banner.

• Suction Cups – Suction cups use vacuum pressure to grip non-porous surfaces like storefront retail windows. They can be clipped, tied, or attached with a strong adhesive to the banner for hanging and offer a strong, tight grip without leaving marks or sticky residue behind. 

• Bungee Cords – Bungee cords make it easy to hang banners on poles, fences, railings, and other frameworks. Often used in conjunction with grommets, they are cost-effective, flexible, adjustable, and can keep banners firmly secured. Their natural give and stretch allow them to absorb force and motion to help keep your banner in place regardless of weather conditions.

• Banner Stands – Banner stands are great for floor displays. They are lightweight and portable. There are several different types. For example, Color Reflections offers straight walls, GeoMetrix, Power Towers, and more. Banners are attached to stands or frames via Velcro, clamps, eyelet holes, tension corner springs, magnets, sleeves, and pole pockets. Depending on the size and weight, they may need to be secured to prevent being blown around by the wind.

How to Securely Hang a Banner for Different Uses

Hanging techniques and hardware options vary based on a banner’s size, shape, and display location. Outdoor banners, for example, may require strong attachment points and firm anchors depending on how long they will be hung. While mesh is an option for outdoor banners, large format printers can design a vinyl banner with wind slits to protect it from tearing in strong winds. Here are some general dos and don’ts to help you securely hang your banner in common spaces.

How to Hang Banner Outside

• Do consider your location. You want to hang it where it will be visible to attendees without being exposed to strong winds and harsh sunlight

• Do use multiple attachment points for support, especially if your banner is heavy, to help distribute the weight.

• Don’t forget to secure all of the edges to help prevent tearing.

How to Hang a Banner on a Table 

• Do use adhesive hangers, suction cups, or clips to secure the banner to the edge of the table.

• Do clean the surface very well to ensure adhesives or suction cups stay firmly attached to the table.

• Do position the banner so that it’s centered on the table. 

• Don’t try to hang heavier vinyl banners on the front side table unless you have something on the table to act like a counterweight.

How to Hang a Banner with Grommets

• Do run rope, wire, and bungee cords through the grommets to hang the banner.

• Do attach it to an anchor that can support the weight.

• Do double-check the connecting points to make sure your banner is secure.

• Don’t skip a grommet. They are precisely placed to support the weight of the banner.

How to Hang a Banner on a Wall

• Do mark the installation points on the wall to ensure the banner hangs straight and is balanced.

• Do use adhesive hangers, suction cups, screws, and nails strong enough to support the banner.

• Do you use rope or cords if the banner has grommets and you can secure it to a strong anchor or frame.

• Do use Tapcons and fender washers when hanging a banner on a concrete or brick wall.

3 Pro-Tips for Hanging Banners

      1. Always unroll your banner and lay it on a flat surface to help smooth out wrinkles and check for blemishes.

      2. Whether your banner is hanging for a day, a week, a month, or a year, you want to regularly inspect it to double-check that it’s still secure.

      3.Follow the instructions for the hardware you are using. After all, you want to make sure it’s hung correctly and securely.

Work With the Banner Printing and Installation Experts at Color Reflections

Need a custom 20-foot banner? How about a medium-sized fabric banner for your indoor expo? Let’s collaborate! Color Reflections offers a wide range of large format printing and installation services for retail, corporate events, trade shows, and outdoor events. 

Our team of experts will work with you to design a banner that meets your needs and budget. We use heavy-duty grommets, weatherproof materials, and other reliable hardware to create banner displays that will stay put through wind, rain, and heavy foot traffic. Plus, no matter which of our six locations you work with, we will safely package and ship your banner and even provide custom installation anywhere in the U.S. Tell us about your project here to get started today. 

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