Out-of-home (OOH) advertising continues to go strong even in the digital marketing era. Missing out on the public on retail streets is a surefire way to lose a huge customer base. Whether you own a big brand or a young startup, you shouldn’t skimp on outdoor signage. It gets attention for your offerings, increases memorability, and generates brand awareness, all without spending a fortune.
According to the latest data from the Out of Home Advertising Association of America, four in five of the top 100 OOH advertisers increased their spending in 2022. Outdoor advertising spending in North America was a whopping 8.72 billion U.S. dollars in 2021. Statistics indicate that it will likely cross the 10.5 billion dollars mark in 2024. You must join the bandwagon sooner than later if you aren’t already there.
Vinyl banners are the favorites for outdoor signage because they are cost-effective and long-lasting by design. Additionally, a little TLC can make them look good for years, regardless of exposure to elements and pollution on busy streets. Knowing the maintenance secrets for vinyl banners makes sense, as it can help you make the most of your investment.
Here are a few proven tips to make your outdoor vinyl signage last forever:
Invest in Quality
Investing in quality is the best start when it comes to maximizing the lifespan of outdoor vinyl banners. The material is not exorbitantly expensive, but spending a few dollars more on better quality is a wise move. High quality makes your vinyl signs capable of bearing the brunt of heat, rain, snow, and strong winds. Such materials also hold the prints for longer, so your signage won’t fade away over time.
SignWarehouse recommends reflective, adhesive materials that look good and stay strong for a long time. Marketers can also explore options in specialty materials such as gold leaf, carbon fiber, chalkboard, and fluorescent vinyl. A little research is all you need to do to find top-grade material from a reliable seller.
Opt For High-Quality Printing
Quality is the mainstay of the durability of outdoor vinyl signs. Think beyond picking the best material and opt for high-quality printing to ensure longevity. After all, you want more than a display at the right location. You want a sign with a clear message and bright colors that pop up and get attention. Making the print shine is about using top-notch printing equipment and technologies.
Check options like digital printing, heat transfer, and sublimation, and research their suitability, cost, and longevity stats. Using fade-resistant, durable ink is the best way to extend the life of your displays. Also, look for wide-format printers because they deliver better prints and excellent color matching. Once again, everything boils down to choosing the right provider.
Clean Properly and Regularly
Cleaning your vinyl signs properly and regularly is a simple secret to making them last and look great over the years. Outdoor signs accumulate dust and moisture because of the constant exposure to elements. A periodic cleaning job is a must. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions while cleaning the banner because you need to stick with the right materials and techniques.
Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive materials because they may damage the print and underlying material. Remember to dry the vinyl surface with a soft cloth after cleaning it. Also, be extra vigilant while storing and transporting the banners because moisture and harsh handling can cause extensive damage.
Protect Against the Elements
Since your vinyl banners bear the exposure to the elements day and night and through the seasons, they need extra protection. The wind, rain, and sun are the main challenges when it comes to enhancing the longevity of outdoor signs. Strong winds and rain can cause undue pressure on the material, while bright sunlight can cause fading.
Using the right hardware can help you address these challenges. You can use reinforced corners and grommets to securely fasten your banner. Creating small wind slit pockets on the material is a good way to allow the pressure to pass through. Installation at a strategic location is the ideal solution to minimize sun damage.
Conclusion
Vinyl banners are flexible, durable, and cost-effective, making them an ideal choice for outdoor signage. But you cannot take a set-and-forget approach to them because even the best material requires some maintenance and care. The good thing is that a little TLC takes you a long way to extend the lifespan of vinyl signs. Follow these simple steps to power up your outdoor advertising strategy with attractive and lasting assets.