Banners and flex prints are among the most visible and cost-effective forms of advertising. From shop signage and exhibition backdrops to event hoardings and promotional standees, large-format printing serves businesses across every industry. Delhi has a well-established banner printing ecosystem, and understanding the materials, sizes, and pricing helps you get the best results for your investment.
Types of Banner Materials
Flex banners are the most common choice for outdoor advertising in India. Star flex (also called frontlit flex) is a PVC-based material that produces vibrant colours and is suitable for shop boards, hoardings, and roadside banners. It is durable, weather-resistant, and available in various thicknesses measured in GSM.
Vinyl banners offer superior print quality compared to standard flex and are preferred for indoor displays, exhibition graphics, and retail signage. They produce sharper images and more accurate colours, making them ideal for brand-conscious businesses.
Fabric banners are gaining popularity for indoor events, trade shows, and retail environments. They are lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and can be machine-washed for reuse. Polyester fabric with dye-sublimation printing produces photo-quality graphics with vibrant colours that do not crack or peel.
Mesh banners are designed for large outdoor installations where wind resistance is a concern. The perforated material allows air to pass through, reducing wind load on the structure. They are commonly used on building wraps, construction site hoardings, and fence banners.
Standard Banner Sizes and Applications
Shop board flex typically ranges from 3 x 2 feet to 10 x 4 feet depending on the storefront. Exhibition backdrops are commonly 8 x 8 feet or 10 x 8 feet. Roll-up standees use a standard width of 2.5 feet or 3 feet with heights of 5 to 6 feet.
For outdoor hoardings, sizes vary based on the installation location and municipal regulations. Common hoarding sizes in Delhi include 10 x 20 feet, 15 x 15 feet, and 20 x 10 feet. Always confirm size requirements with the installation vendor before ordering prints.
Printing Methods for Banners
Eco-solvent printing is the standard for flex and vinyl banners. It produces durable, weather-resistant prints suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The inks are resistant to UV fading and water, ensuring your banner looks good for months of outdoor exposure.
Digital UV printing offers higher resolution and is preferred for indoor graphics, retail displays, and applications where image sharpness is critical. UV-cured inks dry instantly and produce vibrant colours on a wide range of substrates.
Dye-sublimation printing is used for fabric banners and textile displays. The ink is transferred into the fabric fibres using heat, producing prints that are soft to the touch, washable, and resistant to cracking. This method is ideal for trade show displays and premium indoor signage.
Pricing Factors for Banner Printing
Banner printing is typically priced per square foot. The cost depends on the material type, print resolution, finishing, and quantity. Standard flex printing is the most affordable option, while vinyl and fabric printing command higher rates due to better material quality and print resolution.
Finishing options like eyeleting (metal grommets for hanging), hemming (folded and stitched edges for durability), and pole pockets (sleeves for mounting on poles) add a small cost per banner but are essential for proper installation and longevity.
For offset-printed posters and smaller format prints, pricing is per unit rather than per square foot. Offset is more economical for large quantities of identical prints in standard sizes.
Tips for Effective Banner Design
Use high-resolution images (150 DPI minimum for large-format prints) and bold, readable fonts. Keep text concise — a banner has seconds to communicate its message. Use contrasting colours for text and background to ensure readability from a distance. Include a clear call to action and essential contact information. Read our packaging printing tips for related design principles that apply to large-format work as well.