Outdoor Banner Life
Banners typically last 3 to 5 years outdoors, sometimes longer.
The answer to this question though lies in what type of banner is purchased; how the banner is installed; banner maintenance and care; and lastly what kind of elemental exposure it endures while being constantly displayed outdoors. All these factors play a big role in how long your outdoor banner will last.
To thoroughly get the most bang for your buck on outdoor banner longevity, you'll want to consider first what type of banner you're purchasing. Digitally printed banners will eventually exhibit some fading over time because this type of banner is ink based. However, cut vinyl lettered banners take longer to fade because there is no digital printing involved. Lettered banners utilize solid colored vinyl material for lettering, numbers or simple shapes that are adhered directly to a blank vinyl banner.
Next up on the outdoor banner longevity is how the banner is installed. There are proper ways to install a banner and improper ways to install an outdoor banner. If an outdoor banner is hung wrong, it compromises the longevity of the banner because it can be destroyed by elemental factors that put too much stress on the banner. (Please see our "How to Hang a Banner" page for further information on proper banner installation.)
In regard to banner maintenance, you'll want to make sure to clean the banner periodically. A quick wipe-down can extend the life of your banner by removing all the dirt and grime that may accumulate from being installed outdoors. This can usually be achieved with soap and water. We don't recommend using any harsh chemical cleaners as it may damage the ink on printed banners or compromise the adhesive backing on the cut vinyl portion of a lettered banner.
Lastly...location, location, location. Although printed banners are printed with fade resistant inks and cut vinyl lettered banners utilize solid colored vinyl the location of your banner may directly impact your outdoor banner longevity. Banners that receive a normal amount of daily sunlight will last a good long time; whereas, a banner that is placed in a location that receives excessive amounts of direct sun exposure will definitely fade quicker and need to be replaced more often.