Banner & Display Product Care

General Care Tips for Printed Graphics

• Unpack promptly: Remove your banner or fabric graphic from its packaging when it arrives rather than leaving it compressed or folded for an extended period.
• Allow the material to relax: Many temporary wrinkles and folds will naturally decrease when the graphic is hung or displayed.
• Avoid excessive temperatures: Printed materials can be damaged, stretched, warped, or discolored by excessive heat or cold. Always use the lowest amount of heat necessary.
• Never iron directly on a printed surface unless the specific material’s care instructions expressly allow it.
• Do not use steam directly on vinyl or PVC materials.
• Keep printed graphics clean and dry when possible.
• Store graphics properly when they are not being used. Clean and completely dry the material before long-term storage.

Vinyl Banner Care

Vinyl banners are durable and designed for indoor and outdoor advertising, events, promotions, signage, and other temporary or long-term displays. With proper handling, they can be reused many times.

Removing wrinkles from vinyl banners
Minor folds and wrinkles caused by shipping will often decrease after the banner is hung. For stubborn wrinkles:

• Hang the banner in a warm environment and allow gravity and time to relax the material.
• For light wrinkles, use a hair dryer on a low or warm setting, keeping it several inches away from the banner and continuously moving it.
• Gently smooth the vinyl with a clean hand while applying mild, even warmth.
• Do not concentrate heat in one area, as excessive heat can deform the vinyl, affect the printed image, or damage the material.

For the best results, allow the banner to cool and fully relax before evaluating whether additional wrinkle removal is necessary.

Cleaning vinyl banners

For routine cleaning, wipe the banner gently with a soft cloth or sponge and clean water. For more stubborn dirt, use a small amount of mild soap diluted in water. Avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, rough brushes, and aggressive scrubbing.

Allow the banner to dry completely before rolling or storing it.

Storing vinyl banners

Whenever possible, roll vinyl banners rather than folding them for storage. Store the rolled banner in a cool, dry location away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive heat, and moisture.

Polyester Fabric Banner Care

Polyester fabric graphics are lightweight, vibrant, and commonly used for indoor displays, banners, backdrops, trade shows, events, and promotional signage.

Because fabric is flexible, wrinkles may appear after shipping or storage. These can usually be reduced with hanging, gentle warmth, or careful steaming when appropriate.

Removing wrinkles from polyester fabric

• Hang the fabric graphic and allow it to relax naturally.
• Use a hair dryer on a low or warm setting while gently smoothing the fabric with your hand.
• A garment steamer may be used on many polyester graphics, but keep the steamer moving and avoid excessive heat or prolonged contact with the printed surface.
• If using an iron, place a clean protective cloth between the iron and the printed graphic and use the lowest heat setting appropriate for polyester. Test an inconspicuous area first.

Never leave a heat source stationary on the fabric. Excessive heat can damage synthetic fibers or affect the printed image.

Cleaning polyester fabric graphics

For light cleaning, gently spot-clean with a soft cloth, water, and mild soap. Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and aggressive scrubbing.

Always allow the fabric to dry completely before packing it away.

Tension Fabric Care

Tension fabric graphics are designed to be stretched over a frame to create a smooth, professional display surface. They are commonly used for trade show displays, event backdrops, retail displays, step-and-repeat walls, and portable fabric signage.

Small wrinkles or folds may be visible when the graphic is first unpacked. In many cases, these will disappear once the fabric is installed and tensioned properly on its frame.

Caring for tension fabric graphics

• Remove the graphic from its packaging and allow it to relax before installation.
• Install the graphic according to the frame manufacturer’s instructions.
• Make sure the fabric is evenly tensioned rather than pulling excessively on individual corners or edges.
• For stubborn wrinkles, use gentle warmth from a hair dryer or an appropriate fabric steamer while keeping the heat source moving.
• Do not overheat the fabric or concentrate heat in one location.

For best results, install the graphic on a clean frame and handle the fabric with clean hands to prevent dirt and oils from transferring to the material.

PVC Banner / Double-White Pop Material

PVC banner material, including double-white pop-style banner substrates, is designed for durable printed signage and displays.

As with other banner materials, temporary folds or creases can occur during packaging and shipping.

Removing folds and wrinkles

Allow the material to relax after unpacking. Hanging the banner in a warm indoor environment may help reduce minor folds.

If additional wrinkle removal is necessary, use only gentle, indirect warmth. A hair dryer on a low setting may be used cautiously while continuously moving it across the material.

Do not use a hot iron, direct high heat, or a heat gun unless specifically recommended for that particular substrate. Excessive heat can permanently deform PVC-based materials.

Cleaning PVC banners

Clean gently with water and a soft cloth or sponge. For heavier dirt, use mild soap diluted in water. Avoid abrasive cleaners, solvents, strong chemicals, and rough scrubbing.

SEG (Silicone Edge Graphic) Care

SEG, or Silicone Edge Graphics, are fabric graphics with a silicone strip sewn into the perimeter. The silicone edge fits into a channel in a compatible frame, creating a smooth, seamless appearance.

SEG graphics are commonly used for trade show walls, backdrops, retail displays, event signage, and illuminated fabric displays.

Installing and caring for SEG graphics

• Handle the graphic with clean hands.
• Keep the silicone edge clean and free of debris.
• Begin installation at the recommended starting point and work the silicone edge evenly into the frame channel.
• Avoid pulling excessively on the fabric or silicone strip.
• If wrinkles are visible, allow the graphic to relax after installation. Proper tension will often reduce minor wrinkles.

For stubborn wrinkles, gentle warmth from a hair dryer or fabric steamer can be used carefully. Keep the heat source moving and avoid excessive temperatures, especially on printed areas.

When removing an SEG graphic, pull the silicone edge out gently rather than yanking on the fabric itself.

Store SEG graphics clean, dry, and preferably rolled or loosely folded according to the material and frame manufacturer’s recommendations.

Banner Stand Graphic Care

Banner stands typically use a printed polyester fabric or other flexible graphic inserted into a retractable or portable display stand.

To keep your banner stand looking its best:

• Unpack the graphic carefully and allow it to relax before displaying it.
• Keep the printed surface clean and dry.
• Avoid touching the graphic unnecessarily, especially with dirty or oily hands.
• When retracting the graphic into the stand, make sure it is straight and properly aligned.
• Never force a crooked or damaged graphic into the cassette.
• Store the banner stand in its protective case when not in use.

If wrinkles develop, gently warm the fabric with a hair dryer on a low setting while smoothing it with your hand. Avoid excessive heat around the banner stand mechanism.

Backdrop Care

Backdrops may use SEG fabric, tension fabric, polyester fabric, or other printed display materials. The appropriate care method depends on the substrate.

For fabric backdrops:

• Remove the backdrop from its packaging promptly.
• Hang or install it to allow wrinkles to relax.
• Use gentle warmth from a hair dryer or appropriate fabric steamer for stubborn wrinkles.
• Do not use excessive heat.
• Keep the backdrop clean and dry before storage.

For SEG and tension fabric backdrops, installing the graphic correctly and applying even tension will usually help produce the smoothest possible appearance.

Advertising Flag Care

Advertising flags are designed for outdoor promotional use and are exposed to wind, rain, sunlight, dirt, and other environmental conditions.

To extend the life of your flag:

• Follow the installation instructions for the specific flag and hardware system.
• Make sure the flag is properly secured before use.
• Inspect the flag and hardware regularly for signs of wear or damage.
• Do not use a damaged flag or damaged hardware in strong wind.
• Remove the flag during severe weather when appropriate.
• Allow a wet flag to dry completely before storing it.
• Keep the flag clean to prevent dirt from becoming embedded in the fabric.

Cleaning advertising flags

Most polyester flags can be gently hand-washed or spot-cleaned with cool or lukewarm water and mild detergent. Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals, and abrasive cleaning methods.

Do not store a damp flag, as prolonged moisture can lead to unpleasant odors, staining, or mildew.

Table Throw Care

Printed table throws and table covers are typically made from polyester fabric and are designed for trade shows, conventions, retail events, promotional tables, and other displays.

When You Receive Your Order

We recommend following these simple steps whenever your printed display arrives:

1. Open the package promptly.
2. Inspect the product for shipping damage.
3. Remove the graphic from its packaging.
4. Identify the material and follow the appropriate care instructions above.
5. Allow the graphic to relax before installation whenever possible.
6. Use only gentle heat appropriate for the material.
7. Make sure the graphic is completely dry before storing it.
8. Store the product properly to help preserve its appearance and extend its useful life.

If you are unsure which care method is appropriate for your particular product or substrate, contact us before applying heat, steam, cleaning chemicals, or other treatments.

Shipping Folds and Wrinkles

Some products must be folded during shipping because of their size and packaging requirements. Temporary folds or creases caused by shipping do not necessarily indicate a manufacturing defect.

Our current banner shipping guidelines are:

• Banners 89 inches or larger on their shortest side are shipped folded.
• Banners 88 inches or smaller on their shortest side are shipped rolled.

After receiving a folded banner, unpack it promptly and allow it to relax before determining whether additional wrinkle removal is needed.

For a quick visual guide to reducing wrinkles and improving the appearance of a banner after shipping, see our recommended banner care video on YouTube: Banner Care Video.

Removing wrinkles

Hanging the table throw after unpacking can help reduce wrinkles naturally. A garment steamer or hair dryer on a low setting may also be used carefully on suitable polyester fabrics.

If ironing is necessary, use a low polyester setting and place a clean protective cloth between the iron and the printed surface. Never leave the iron stationary on the graphic.

Cleaning table throws

For routine care, follow the care label supplied with your specific table throw whenever available.

For many polyester table throws:

• Machine wash using a gentle cycle and cool or lukewarm water.
• Use mild detergent.
• Avoid bleach unless specifically permitted by the care instructions.
• Tumble dry on a low setting or hang dry.
• Remove promptly after washing to minimize wrinkles.
• Do not use excessive heat on printed areas.

Always check the product-specific care label before washing, drying, or ironing.