Banners 101: Pull-Up Vs Outdoor PVC Vs Custom,
Which One Do You Need?
If you are planning promotions for the year ahead, a banner is one of the quickest ways to get attention without blowing the budget. The challenge is knowing which type will actually do the job. In this guide, you will learn
the differences between pull-up banners, outdoor PVC banners, and custom banners, along with sizes, materials, finishes, and how portable each option really is. You will also get a simple decision tree to help you choose
with confidence. At Banner Printing in Dublin, we print on site, include free graphic design on many orders, and provide next-day delivery across Ireland, so you can move fast and get a professional result.
What are the different types of banners?
Most business uses fall into three practical categories.
Pull-up banners, also called roll up or pop up banners, are portable freestanding displays for indoor use.
Outdoor PVC banners are heavy duty flexible banners with hems and eyelets for fixing to walls, fences, or railings.
Custom banners cover bespoke sizes, shapes and specialist materials, useful when venue rules, branding, or installation needs are unique.
There are other display options, such as rigid signs, flags, and exhibition walls, but the three banner types above cover most Irish retail, event, and roadside scenarios.
What is a pull-up banner?
A pull-up banner is a printed panel that retracts into an aluminium base, supplied as a full kit with a padded carry case. You place the base on the floor, pull the graphic up using the top rail, and hook it on the support pole.
It takes about 30 seconds to set up and packs down just as fast. This makes it ideal for trade shows, hotel conferences, pop-up shops, reception areas, and indoor retail promos where you need professional impact with
minimal fuss.
At Banner Printing, our pull-up graphics use a premium non-curl film with a light-blocker layer to prevent show-through under bright lights. The print has a photographic finish, with optional lamination for extra scratch
resistance. Kits arrive ready to use, and our team provides free design and proofs so the message is clear and on brand.
What are those pull-up banners called?
You will hear them called pull up banner, roll up banner, or pop up banner. All three terms describe the same retractable display with a weighted base and a printed panel that rolls up and down.
What is the standard size for a pull-up banner?
The most common size is 85 cm wide by 200 cm tall. It fits neatly beside a table, till, or shell-scheme stand without blocking walkways. If you want more presence, we also produce wider options such as 1.2 m x 2 m and
1.5 m x 2 m, and we can help with bespoke widths where venue guidelines allow. If you are unsure what will fit your stand or shop floor, send the measurements and we will advise before you order.
What should be on a pull-up banner?
Keep it simple. People glance, then decide. Use one strong headline, a single high-quality image or product shot, two or three benefit bullets, and your call to action. Add your logo, website, and one contact method. Avoid
cluttered paragraphs and busy backgrounds that compete with your message. If you are exhibiting, place key information in the upper third so it sits above tables and crowds. Our designers will guide the layout and
supply proofs so you can review spacing, legibility, and brand colours before print.
Outdoor PVC banners, sizes, and finishes
Outdoor PVC banners are the workhorse for roadside advertising, shopfront promos, markets, and events. We typically print on 510 gsm coated PVC, a durable stock that resists rain and wind when installed correctly.
Standard finishing includes hems all round with non-rust metal eyelets for cable ties or bungees. For exposed sites, we can switch to mesh PVC to reduce wind load. Add lamination if you want extra UV or scratch
protection, especially for long-term or high-traffic locations.
Sizes are flexible. Order a simple 2 m x 1 m roadside banner for a sale, or send your exact measurements for a hoarding or fence run. We can quote instantly up to 25 ft, with larger formats by email. If you need installation
on a difficult mount, ask the team and we will plan a safe fitting.
Custom banners and bespoke cases
Custom banners cover every scenario that sits outside the standard kits. That might be a super-wide pull-up wall for a photocall, a shaped backdrop for a stage, a mesh banner for scaffolding, or a banner that must fit a
specific truss, frame, or balcony. Bespoke finishing includes extra eyelets, pole pockets, reinforced corners, and special laminates. If your venue has strict rules on fire ratings, fixing methods, or size limits, we will design
around them, produce on site, and deliver on your timeline.
Portability, storage, and lifespan
Pull-up banners are the most portable. They ship as a single kit with a carry case, set up in seconds, and last for multiple events when handled carefully. You can update the graphic later if required.
Outdoor PVC banners are easy to move in a van and quick to tie on site. They roll for storage, and with proper fixing and lamination they hold up well across seasons.
Custom banners vary by build. Lightweight options travel well; heavy reinforced pieces may need a two-person lift or a site install. We will advise the best combination of material and finish for your use pattern.
A simple decision tree for fast choices
Where will it live?
-Indoors, short term, move it often, choose a pull-up banner.
-Outdoors, on a fence, wall, or railings, choose an outdoor PVC banner.
-Mixed use or unusual structure, choose a custom banner.
What is your goal?
-Awareness at a glance, keep the message big and simple; one image, bold headline.
-Detailed info or menu, consider a wider pull-up or a larger PVC banner to keep text legible.
-Photo backdrop or media wall, ask for a wide pull-up system or a tensioned custom print.
Any venue rules?
-No floor stands allowed, use a PVC banner with eyelets for wall fixing.
-Windy or exposed site, ask for mesh PVC and reinforced hems.
-Fire rating or height restrictions, send the spec and we will match materials and size.
Budget and speed
-Need the fastest setup for a trade show, go with 85 cm x 200 cm pull-up.
-Need the biggest area for the lowest cost per square metre, choose outdoor PVC in 510 gsm.
-Need a precise fit or branded shape, choose custom and ask for a proof and delivery schedule.
Practical tips for better results
Measure the space carefully, include clearance for doors, aisles, and sightlines.
Plan fixing points early, confirm where hooks, rails, or cable ties can go.
Use high-resolution images, vector logos, and brand colours; our designers will handle print profiles and proofs.
Keep contrast high. Dark text on light backgrounds or vice versa improves legibility at distance.
Think about reuse. If the campaign is seasonal, keep dates on a separate poster or sticker to extend banner life.
Why order with Banner Printing
Free graphic design on many banner types, with clear proofs and layout advice.
On-site digital production in Dublin with UV-capable workflow for vibrant colour and crisp text.
Fast turnaround and next-day delivery across Ireland via DPD, including weekend support where possible.
Full finishing in-house, including hems, eyelets, lamination, reinforced corners, and bespoke cutting.
Optional installation on request for challenging sites.
If you are ready to go, send your brief, size, and any venue notes to sales@bannerprinting.ie or call 089 23 000 34. If you already know you need a pull-up, you can learn more about our pull up banner kits online. If your
campaign calls for a one-off size or special finish, ask for a custom quote and we will map out the best approach and timeline.
Summary
Choose pull-up banners for indoor events and mobile promotions. Choose outdoor PVC banners for roadside, shopfront, and long runs on railings, with 510 gsm PVC, hems, and eyelets as standard. Choose custom
when the brief is unusual, the space is tricky, or brand impact demands a specific format. Keep your message simple, design for legibility, and match material and finish to the site. Banner Printing produces everything on
site in Dublin, includes free design on many orders, and ships next day across Ireland so you can promote with confidence. For bespoke sizes, installation, or advice before you book a venue, get in touch and we will guide
you from proof to final print.
Internal links:
Learn more about our pull up banner: https://bannerprinting.ie/printing-near-me/event-banners-flags/pullup-banners-dublin
Explore custom banners: https://bannerprinting.ie
Browse additional banner printing options: https://bannerprinting.ie
