When you need to choose a medium to advertise your brand, two of the most common alternatives are posters and vinyl banners. With that in mind, today we take a detailed look at the differences between these two widely used (and highly effective) visual solutions.
Posters and Vinyl Banners: Some Basic Definitions
First things first: let’s begin by taking a look at the basic definitions of both posters and vinyl banners, as well as a quick review of the history of each.
A poster is a large printed sheet of paper or cardboard used to promote a product or service or as decoration. The history of posters dates back to the 19 century, when mass-printing techniques first achieved a level of refinement sufficient to produce posters in bulk.
Vinyl banners, on the other hand, are graphics printed on vinyl to be displayed in indoor or outdoor environments. Some banners need to be appended from a fixed point such as a balcony or window, while some vinyl banners are self-standing.
Although banners are a storied form of visual communication known since the middle ages, they were originally made of fabric. Vinyl was widely adopted as a material only in the 1940s, with vinyl banners being adopted only in the late 20th century.
To learn more about vinyl banners, check out our previous posts, “Can Vinyl Banners Get Wet? And Other Common Questions About Vinyl Banners,” and “5 Ways To Use Vinyl Banners for Events.”
The Difference Between Posters and Vinyl Banners
Now let’s take a look at the differences between posters and vinyl banners.
The most obvious difference is the material of each product. Posters are typically printed on paper, while vinyl banners are printed on… well, vinyl.
Vinyl is a type of plastic that can bend easily. It’s thicker than paper, but can be cut into thin sheets depending on your preference. It has a laminate coating that makes it more durable. It comes in matte and gloss finishes.
The difference in materials also entails a difference in use. Since posters are printed on paper or cardboard, they don’t handle exposure to the elements (such as water, sunlight, or wind) very well. They are better suited for indoor use
By contrast, vinyl banners are perfect for outdoor use and are way more durable than posters. In fact, vinyl is one of the most durable materials out there. Vinyl banners are weather-resistant and can be displayed in wet or windy conditions without the fear of the print fading or running.
Size is another important difference to consider. The largest poster is usually about 27 x 40 inches, while vinyl banners can be as large as 4 x 12 feet (or even larger!). So, if making an impact is your priority, vinyl banners should be at the top of your list.
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Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, the difference between posters and vinyl banners lies in their material, use, and size.
Before the advent of digital printing, posters were faster to print than vinyl banners. However, thanks to the most recent printing technology, vinyl banners can be printed just as quickly.
While both posters and banners are effective visual solutions it’s important to consider the medium that best suits your needs. If what you want is a smaller, indoor display, posters are your best bet. However, if you’re after a more durable, weather-resistant solution for outdoor or indoor use, vinyl banners are the way to go.
Whichever you choose, make sure that the design is eye-catching and memorable, so your message can have the impact you’re looking for. If you are creating a visual strategy to promote your brand, contact our experts at CR&A Custom: with our in-depth expertise and state-of-the-art technical capabilities, we can help you take your brand to new heights.
CR&A Custom: High-Quality Large Format Printing
At CR&A Custom, we are a Los Angeles-based large format printing company known for our innovative visual solutions and our commitment to quality. We are proud recipients of the WBENC, WOSB, and NMSDC certifications.
Contact us today by email (info@cracustom.com), telephone (213-749-4440), social media (Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn), or through the live chat on our home page.
By CR&A Custom Inc March 30, 2023
