Vinyl vs Fabric

Headnote

SHARPEN OR SOFTEN THE LOOK OF YOUR BANNERS.

The difference between vinyl and fabric can be likened to the contrast between matte and glossy finish in print. While glossy is captivating, shiny, and vibrant, a matte finish imparts elegance, refinement, and subtlety.

With banners, vinyl may be the best way to go when sharp photographic images are displayed, while fabric might be the direction needed for a series of hanging banners that are designed to have some texture and give.

Fortunately for sign professionals, both vinyl and fabric remain in vogue, with demonstrated needs in a range of markets.

Adhesive Vinyl

Pixus Digital Printing (www.pixus.com), based in Lafayette, Louisiana, has about 500 business customers across the U.S., including casinos, construction, restaurants, retail stores, ad agencies, and more.

Working on everything from banners and signs to adhesive graphics, P-O-P displays, and wall murals, the company operates with six large format printers, two ten-foot MultiCam Digital Express finishers, and high-speed wide format routing systems. About a third of their business is in banners with a strong emphasis on vinyl and printed substrates.

According to Manager of Sales and Marketing Mike Latiolais, "We're seeing vinyl banner requests for sporting events, casino promotions, retail businesses, political campaigns, and universities, as well as construction projects."

Company projects continuously highlight a diverse market's need for vinyl banners.

One project demonstrates both the aesthetic and practical purposes for a large banner. The University of LouisianaLafayette football team was looking to demark a private area for practice during outdoor workouts.

To help them achieve this, Pixus printed a polyester mesh banner spanning over two-hundred feet and eight feet tall using one of its latex printers. The project was printed in fifty-foot sections and joined by hidden seams.

Meanwhile Margaritaville Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana, requested a sign that would top the entrance for its grand opening. To create this...