oversize large expo vinyl banner installed in scaffolding and hung from the rafters

Mesh Banners vs Vinyl Banners

Read time: 4 minutes  |  Author: PRI Graphics  |  Posted: September 6th, 2022

Different Banner Types and What’s Best for Your Project

Most people are familiar with vinyl banners but when it comes to mesh vs vinyl banners, they may not know which is better for their needs.

Along with retractable banner printing and vinyl backdrop printing, PRI Graphics & Signs in Phoenix also specializes in the printing of mesh banners and vinyl banners.

In this article, we’ll look at mesh vs vinyl banners to help you decide which is best for your purposes. After learning a bit more about the differences, our hope is that you gain a little more knowledge for your next big print project.

If you are needing to speak to a print professional today, contact PRI Graphics & Signs. Call locally at 602-393-3131 or toll-free at 1-877-409-8889. You can also visit our portfolio page to see examples of the amazing projects we’ve created.

What are Mesh Banners?

Unlike vinyl banners (which at times, require wind slits cut into the vinyl when oversized and used outdoors), the weave or interlaced fabric of a mesh banner is breathable; it will allow air to pass through the mesh weave. This makes mesh banner printing ideal for installations in any outdoor location, even if it is quite windy. And, since mesh won’t tear as vinyl does, they generally last much longer in harsher conditions, which makes them ideal for use as mesh construction signs.

Even though the crisscrossed weave can make the mesh slightly transparent, full color mesh banner printing with graphics, images, and text is still possible. As well, mesh banners can also be finished with hemming and grommets like vinyl banners.

With today’s capabilities for large format graphics printing, you can now find mesh banners commonly used as fence wrap banners for sporting events and on construction site fencing.

close up fence mesh banner material installed at construction site
close up oversized vinyl banner with graphics showing "we’re just getting warmed up"

What are Vinyl Banners?

What do we consider to be the standard when asked for banner printing?

Vinyl banners are usually produced with 13oz vinyl material or sometimes 18oz for heavier-duty applications. Vinyl advertising banners are extremely versatile and will be seen everywhere. From construction sites to real estate properties, grand opening signs, sporting and summer events, and much more, vinyl banners and vinyl backdrop printing is ubiquitous.

Vinyl banner material is a strong, durable material with a choice of high-gloss or matte finish that makes the colors pop and presents graphics with a bright, shiny appearance for maximum impact. Like mesh banners, vinyl banners and vinyl backdrops can be finished with standard weld hemming, sewn, and grommeted.

Needing more information? Call toll-free 1-877-409-8889 or email us. Below is an overview listing a few other advantages of mesh vs vinyl banners.

Mesh Banner Advantages

Whether you should custom print your business’ advertising on mesh or vinyl will really depend upon several things. These may include where and how your banner will be located or installed, how long it will be displayed, and whether you need the image to show on both sides of the banner.

Mesh banner wind load is higher than that of vinyl banners, which makes mesh banners ideal for outdoor installations such as:

  • Construction mesh banners
  • Builders mesh banners
  • Fencing mesh banners
  • Hanging mesh banners
  • Over the street mesh banners
  • Scaffolding mesh banners

Mesh banners are typically composed of 70% vinyl and 30% mesh. This makes them lightweight, durable, and they generally outlast vinyl if kept clean and properly stored. A longer life span also means that mesh banners can also be repurposed more often than vinyl.

While printing on vinyl can be less expensive than printing mesh banners, vinyl is more susceptible to being torn or damaged in high winds or severe weather locations.

fence mesh banner installed at construction job site with graphics featuring desert diamond casino

Vinyl Banner Advantages

Unlike mesh banner printing, printing on vinyl generally means thicker material and your choice of a gloss or matte finish. Vinyl banners can also be printed on both sides, and they generally cost considerably less to print. To find out more, read our article on Vinyl Banner Printing Tips.

Great use cases for vinyl banners:

  • Grand opening vinyl banners
  • Building vinyl banners
  • Sporting event vinyl banners
  • Commercial real estate vinyl banners
  • Equipment vinyl banners
  • Vinyl backdrops
  • Indoor use cases
  • Outdoor use when utilizing wind slits
vinyl banner with wind slits installed at construction job site with graphics showing A.R. Mays Construction logo

Final Thoughts on Mesh vs Vinyl Banners

Both types of banners, whether mesh or vinyl, can work out great for your project. It just all comes down to your use case and where you plan to install the banner. Some final notes to remember:

In most outdoor cases you’ll want to utilize mesh banners. Fence wrap banners are ideal for any construction company looking to wrap a site fence.

Indoor use cases are perfect for vinyl banners and vinyl backdrop printing but don’t think they are strictly for that. Vinyl banners are used all the time for outdoor projects such as building banners and events. It’s always best to meet and discuss your projects with print professionals or a commercial printer of your choice.

If you still have concerns or questions about mesh banner printing, please let us know. Tell us how you will be using your banner and we will be able to help you choose the best type, size, and printing for your application.

PRI Graphics & Signs is a commercial printer located in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona near the Sky Harbor Airport.

We can be reached at 602-393-3131, by email, or by calling toll-free at 1-877-409-8889.

About the Author

PRI Graphics headshot

PRI Graphics – Director, Marketing & Brand Management

PRI Graphics is a marketing and design expert who is passionate about new emerging trends in digital media and business strategy. A member of AMA with a PCM® in marketing management, he continues to strengthen his knowledge and skill sets in the marketing ecosystem. Prior to joining PRI, he pursued a career in filmmaking and carries on the passion for brand development.