What is the Best Way to Mount a Banner?

Mounting a banner can be done in various methods. The best way depends on whether or not your banner has grommets or pole pockets. Grommets are metal rings inserted along the edges and corners of a banner, reinforcing holes for tear-resistant hanging. Pole pockets, on the other hand, involve folding and sewing the banner to create an open pocket on one or both ends for pole or rope hanging.

Categorizing methods into grommet and non-grommet options, we’ll explore these accessories and the ideal locations for hanging banners.

Note: We’ll use ‘banners’ as a general term that applies to vinyl banners, fabric banners, and mesh banners. 

How to Hang a Banner With Grommets

The best way to hang a banner with grommets is to use display accessories like bungee cords, nylon rope, hanging clips, zip ties, and suction cups and hooks. These accessories work great with grommets and other banner finish options and expand their functionality while ensuring that the banner is secure.

Bungee Cords

Bungee cords are excellent for pulling your banner tight when displayed. Hook one end of the cord onto the grommet (included for free with all of our banners) and the other to an anchor point of your choosing. Ensure adequate tension from each bungee to pull the banner evenly across its surface.

Nylon Rope

Nylon rope is one of the most common ways to hang banners, whether or not your banner has grommets. Loop through the grommets or feed through pole pockets to secure banners to posts and fences or suspend them from ceilings of overhangs.

Hanging Clips

Hanging clips, commonly called carabiners, can be easily clipped through grommets, which can then clip to anchor points or objects. Carabiners can be used for both permanent and temporary displays. These make an excellent option for displaying a banner on a chain link fence as carabiners can hook into the fence and to the sign through the metal grommets.

Zip Ties

Zip ties are designed for temporarily displaying your banner on fences (chain link fences are the best for this). We recommend zip ties for casual, outdoor events such as fairs, food truck advertising, grand openings, sales, and birthday parties. Zip ties are also more commonly used for extended periods as they are more permanent than bungee cords, ropes, or clips. To hang your banner using zip ties, put the zip tie through the grommet and the anchor point wherever you’re hanging it, then secure it by attaching the ends. To remove it, cut the zip ties.

Suction Cups and Hooks

Suction cups allow you to hang banners on non-porous (smooth), flat surfaces. The most common application surface for these is glass. Hooks extend from the suction cups that can go right into the grommets of your banner. It’s important to mention that suction cups are not meant for large or heavy banners. The weight of larger banners can be too much for the suction ability of this accessory.

How to Hang a Banner Without Grommets

If your banners don’t have grommets and you want to hang them on a wall without drilling, consider Velcro strips, pole pockets, magnets, or tape. Here’s how you can use them:

Velcro

Velcro adhesive strips can be included to attach to the back of your banner. The strips come in two parts; one adheres to the surface you want to connect your banner to, and the other attaches to the back. Velcro strips will do the job if you want to display your banner on walls indoors or wrapped around a surface. They’re also convenient if you want to continually swap out banners in the same display position or a banner without grommets around the edges.

Pole Pockets

You can slide the banner over a pole and suspend it on both ends — picture the start of a parade where two people are holding a suspended banner — or thread something through the pole pocket, like a rope or cord. You can have pole pockets sewn on all four sides of your banner or just one, the choice is yours.

Magnets

If you’ve got a metal surface, strong magnets are another option to consider. To secure the banner in place, make sure to stick the magnets strategically so that they won’t easily fall off from the surface.

Tape

If you want a quick and temporary banner setup solution, use tape to attach your banners. Make sure the tape has strong adhesion and stick it to the back of the banner and affix it to the chosen surface.

Best Places to Hang Banners

Directly On A Wall

One of the most popular ways to hang a banner is on a flat wall. Use Velcro adhesive strips for a flush display on smooth walls. For brick walls, opt for screws or hooks for and use washers for added stability. While double-sided tape or glue are other options for displaying banners on walls, we don’t recommend using them due to potential damage and their permanent nature.

Suspended Between Posts

Suspending or hanging a banner between posts is another standard display method. We’d recommend including grommets on all four corners to allow the banner to be pulled taut between posts. To do this, use rope, zip ties, or screws to secure the banner (wooden posts are ideal for using screws). You may also install hooks into the posts to utilize the grommets of your banner. For larger banners, use a middle post to not only keep your banner taut but also to avoid potential damage in windy conditions. We always recommend taking down banners in extreme weather conditions, and to use mesh banners instead since they are the best option for often windy areas.

Hanging From an Awning or Ceiling

Hang banners from higher points using grommets and rope. Make sure the rope is long enough to feed through the grommets and back to the anchor point of the rope. Metal chains, fishing lines, and the like can also be used. However, we have found rope to be the best option for this location. The aesthetics of the different materials will also play a role in which one you choose.

Displayed on a Flagpole

Use grommets with metal clips or zip ties for hanging banners on flagpoles. Remember to ensure the pole is designed to fit the ¼” clips. Pole pockets are also ideal for sliding a flagpole through the top or bottom of the banner. Though in both of these cases this is not the recommended use and we offer custom flags that can be displayed on flagpoles.

Note: Our pole pockets are 3” in diameter.

Hanging on a Fence

Banners are commonly displayed on chain link fences using grommets, zip ties, or hanging clip, while pole pockets can also secure a banner to a fence with the rope being fed through the pocket(s). Fences that aren’t chain-linked can have banners attached using rope and an anchor point on the fence (this varies depending on the type of fence).

Hanging on a Table

Hanging a banner on a table can be done in multiple ways. Include grommets on the four corners (and around the outside edge if necessary) to secure the banner so that it hangs in front of the table. If your banner has a pole pocket, a rope or string can feed through the pocket to secure the banner to the table.

Hung Up On Hanging?

Banners are a versatile and durable indoor and outdoor signage option. Assuming you’ve correctly hung your banner, you shouldn’t have to worry about it tearing or prematurely failing in any way. Regardless of the location or manner in which you hang them, these banners should last for years to come. If you’re still unsure how to hang your brand new banner outside or inside or are wondering what accessory you should include with your purchase, call us at 888-222-4929. Need some design help? We also offer free design services that can assist you in designing the perfect custom banner for your next event.

Related Articles

A Complete Guide to Pole Banners

Standard Vinyl Banner Sizes – Signage 101

A Guide To Outdoor Banners – Signage 101

Signage 101 – How to Hang Your Banner

In order to help promote her photographic services and products at community art fairs and other events, Jen purchased a 60 x 20-inch vinyl banner from Signs.com, as well as various counter cards for use at her booth.

Tell us about yourself
Hi there! I’m Jen Frase, the owner of Jen Frase Photography. I live and work in the San Francisco Bay area. I have 12-year-old twins, a dog who likes to terrorize my neighborhood, and a saint of a husband. I have an MBA from UC Davis and an MFA in Photography from the Academy of Art University. Yes, that’s way too many advanced degrees, but man do I love school. I also love dogs, Adam Levine, pizza, and watching crappy reality TV. I hate squirrels, flying, and people who chew with their mouths open.

What does your company do?
I’m a photographer who focuses on the very unique bond between dogs and their humans. I offer commissioned photography sessions and I also sell greeting cards and prints.

Where did the idea of your company come from?
In 2017, we got a puppy who changed our world. I hadn’t owned a dog since I was a kid, so I had forgotten just how much they mean to you. He became part of our family and we love him to death. I know many dog owners who feel the same way.

Around this same time, I was in a bit of a photography rut, shooting things that weren’t inspiring me. It dawned on me that photographing dogs is something I would truly love. After a lot of research, I realized there’s a bit of a hole in this market – there are lots of dog photographers out there, but very few who focus on the bond humans have with their dogs, with natural, lifestyle images. So, I decided Jen Frase Photography would focus solely on this. And it’s kind of awesome.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m a total professional in my work and think great customer service is critical – but I’m also a super smart ass and pretty laid back during my photography sessions. My personality comes through on Instagram, and my branding and photography reflect who I am – but I still think people assume I’m more serious than I am because I’m over 40, write professional emails, and run my own business. Ha.

Focusing on the Bond We Share

What sets you apart from your competition?
I think my work itself – my photographs – sets me apart from the competition. There are so many dog photographers out there whose work I find a little cheesy with lots of props, dogs dressed in costumes, etc. I certainly think there’s a market for that, but my work simply tries to focus on the amazing bond that we share with our dogs. My style is light and bright and natural.

How do you market your business?
I stay active on Instagram and try to blog consistently. I’m involved in charity work, such as local auctions for schools or animal rescues. I also get out in the community when I can – setting up a booth at local art festivals or street fairs, for example. Word of mouth is huge too!

How do you “wow” your customers?
I offer amazing customer service – it’s something I pride myself on. I only take on a limited number of commissioned photography sessions per month, so I’m not too busy to give each client my total dedication. I answer emails immediately, I listen to what they want, I shoot the session with patience and as much time as we need, and I edit slowly and carefully – I never rush. To me, there’s nothing more important than being easy to work with, being kind, and offering great customer service.

What are one or two strategies for gaining customers that you have been successful with?
Word of mouth is super important, although that’s not exactly a “strategy.” I always ask my clients to share my name and their images if they’d like to.

How do you compete with competitors that are bigger than you in your industry?
I don’t! I just focus on my work and my customer service. I feel that if I offer a great product with great service, I will have enough clients to keep me profitable and happy. I don’t need to be the biggest and best photographer out there. I just want to do good work I care about, offer a great product, and have clients who appreciate my style, and enough of them to keep making money. I don’t need the world!

The Passion and the Service

What is one of the biggest challenges you have had with your business? How did you overcome it?
Covid-19! I didn’t shoot for three months, which is a long time for a small business. But I kept active – I worked on charity partnerships, I kept up on posting to Instagram and blogging, I launched a small greeting-card line with my photography. And I wrote a monthly newsletter, keeping clients up to speed on me, my business, and my life! I thought it was important for people to know I didn’t disappear, that I was still working, and that I looked forward to shooting again soon.

If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I launched a photography business 10 years ago and photographed families, commercial work, some weddings, and even headshots. I was trying to be jack of all trades. I should have spent more time learning what really drives me and fulfills me, rather than just trying to work. This comes with age too, though. Now that I’m over 40 and have spent more than 10 years as a professional photographer, I know myself and my work better. I know not to take jobs just to make money because my passion isn’t there and it shows in my work. I now only shoot dogs with their humans, and my work feels more genuine and real than it ever has because I feel so strongly about the dog/human bond and illustrating that for my clients.

What is the one thing you would do over and over – and recommend everyone else do?
Provide amazing customer service. I don’t care how talented you are at whatever you do – I won’t hire you if I can’t get you to call me back or you don’t answer questions or your policies aren’t clear, etc. Be a professional, do good work, be kind, and provide amazing service.

Being True to Who You Are

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read? Why?
I loved Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative, by Austin Kleon. As a creative, we all feel this real pressure to create the most original, groundbreaking work in the world, and the truth is that all great art work is inspired by (not copied from) work that has come before it. There are more lessons than that in the book, too – he also reminds you to be true to who you are, which is so important in creative work.

Can you speak to your growth to this point and why you think it will continue?
I’ve grown slowly but steadily, and I strongly believe that if I create good work and provide great service – and stay busy and involved – I will be successful and continue to grow.

Where can you be found on the internet?

Online at www.jenfrase.com

On Instagram at @jenfrasephoto

Small Business Success Story: Jen Frase Photography

Working in signage everyday we fully understand just how many sign types and materials, options and usages of signs there are. As such, we’re going to start sharing some of this sign knowledge in a series called “Signage 101”. We’ll tackle signage related topics and help you understand it completely so you’re better prepared to customize and purchase the sign you need.

Grommets, Grommets and More Grommets

Grommets aren’t quite the smallest part of a sign, standoffs at the very least have them beat, but they are pretty close. We have quite a few people ask: “what are grommets?” so here’s a quick overview of what grommets are, why they are important and what else you should know about them.

What Is a Grommet?

Grommets, not gromits nor grommits, are small metal rings (also not “eyelets” as described below) that are typically used in signage including vinyl, fabric, and canvas banners, rigid plastic signs and corrugated plastic yard signs. You’ll also often see them in drapes and curtains in various shapes and forms. The purpose of a grommet is to provide a reinforced hole through which something passes through. The reinforced hole ensures that one can hang a sign (or curtain) without tearing the material itself.

Eyelets or Grommets?

Some within and without the sign industry refer to grommets as “eyelets”. While many use the terms interchangeably, doing so isn’t 100 percent accurate. Technically speaking there is one major difference. Eyelets are one piece of material such as brass or metal that is t-shaped and punched through the material. It is then compressed to make sure it stays in place. Grommets on the other hand are made up of two pieces as can be seen in the picture to the right. For example, two metal rings are placed on either side of the material (think canvas, vinyl, corrugated plastic, etc.) and then compressed to form a more durable grommet. Eyelets are often used in cases where a smaller answer is needed such as scrapbooking, crafting, clothing and even in shoes for shoelaces. Grommets are much stronger and used in situations that call for a more reinforced and longer lasting hold, such as permanent signage and heavy curtains or drapes.

What Types of Grommets Are There?

Grommets can come in a variety of materials. These materials include rubber, plastic, and various types of metal. Our banners come standard with metal grommets. Each type of material has advantages and disadvantages but metal is typically the most popular type of grommet in banners and yard signs as well as drapes or curtains as they are the most durable. A few more of the pros and cons of the different types of grommets in general are outlined below.

Rubber:  The major advantage of using rubber grommets is to avoid the sharp edges produced by metal ones. These sharp edges can cause fraying or cutting of whatever is passing through the hole. Whether this is a rope or cord or in some cases electrical wire of some form, one can quickly see why it’s advantageous to avoid the sharp edges sometimes present in metal grommets. Rubber grommets can also help cabling or wire from being contaminated by water, air and dirt.

Plastic: Like rubber grommets a major advantage and use of plastic grommets is to prevent sharp edges from cutting or fraying whatever is passing through the hole. These grommets can either be truly plastic or simply plastic coated as both will achieve the end goal of not damaging the material. Plastic grommets, like rubber ones, also help prevent contamination from certain substances depending on what’s passing through the grommet.

Metal: Metal grommets as alluded to above have proven to be extremely durable. The most common type of metal grommet is a simple brass grommet. The durability of metal grommets coupled with the fact that in most cases the cord or rope passing through the hole will not chaff as much as other usages and therefore has lower risk of cutting whatever is used to hang the sign means that metal is the standard when it comes to signage grommets.

Standard Grommet Sizes

Just like most everything else there are certain standard sizes when it comes to grommets. Standard grommet sizes are usually as follows: 3/16”, ⅜”, ½”, 1 7/16” and 3”. Just remember that the “size” of the grommet is dictated by the interior diameter of the hole. In almost all cases the common ⅜” of an inch grommet that comes standard with our banners is perfect for your signage. It is worth noting that a ⅜” grommet measures 13/16” in circumference. Though as noted below this is still small enough that it won’t negatively affect the visual impact of your sign.

How Are Grommets Added to My Sign?

There are typically two ways that grommets are added to signs. These are the do it yourself approach and an industrial tool used by sign shops.

The first, and much less common, way is the DIY approach using a grommet gun, kit or tool. These tools are just like they sound and provide you with the grommets and some kind of hand tool in which you squeeze to compress and bind the grommets together. In doing so, it punches a hole and binds the grommet pieces together for the subsequent hanging of the sign. There are also tool kits that involve a hammer and punch in which you strike what is known as the “punch” to both create your hole and compress your grommets together. To easily visualize these, the hand compressors look like a bigger version of a paper hole punch while the hammer and punch are like a hammer and over-sized nail. These kits, tools and individual grommets can be purchased at any local or chain hardware store and even online through Amazon. In almost all cases doing it this way is not advised as grommets are free with most sign makers. Here at Signs.com we place grommets every 24 inches to ensure that there are plenty of places for you to hang your sign without it wrinkling. There shouldn’t be any need to hand install grommets!

The more common way that grommets are added to your sign is an industrial grommet machine, like the one pictured to the right. These machines are operated by a worker who uses a hand or foot lever to make the machine compress the grommets and punch the hole. This method provides a cleaner hole and more professional installation of grommets than doing it yourself. Using such a machine means that for thinner materials the grommets can be punched while thicker materials may need to simply be drilled and then grommets glued into place. Either way the grommets will be installed in a professional way.  The video below shows grommets being installed on a banner using a machine.

Grommets and Our Signage

Grommets come standard with a number of our custom banners at no extra charge while other types of signage that can include grommets need to be requested and cost a little extra since it is atypical. These will be ⅜” grommets placed every 24 inches around the perimeter of your sign. Though it’s your sign and if you want a different arrangement you just need to specify this during checkout. With all signage that has the option of adding grommets you can also opt to have no grommets. This is usually the case when the end usage of the sign won’t be to hang it but rather have it attached or affixed to something such as plywood.

As mentioned previously we can also adjust the grommets based on the size of the sign. For example, on over-sized signs such as large custom vinyl banners we can easily place grommets every 18 inches rather than 24 inches to ensure it can be hung for the long term without any problems. Though typically we’ve never had any problems with large signs that have grommets at the standard 24” intervals.

The grommets on your sign(s) will be placed approximately one inch from the edge. Keep this in mind as you’re designing your custom signage so that grommets don’t interfere with the actual design. Another design related consideration is the color of the grommet. Typically grommets are silver or brass like in color for metal grommets and black or gray for rubber and plastic grommets. Our standard metal grommets are generally silver in color. Though as small as they are this isn’t usually a big concern when it comes to aesthetics of the sign.

Other advantages of having grommets in your banners or signs is that they won’t rust and are perfect for the outdoors. Further, typically these grommets shouldn’t tear the material they are punched into assuming that extra weight or extenuating circumstances don’t come into play. This is especially the case with our banners which are scrim reinforced around the edge of the banner with a welded hem. This just means that the edges, where fraying typically occurs, is reinforced in way to ensure no tearing. Your grommets will be placed just inside the welded hem. So whether you end up using a zip tie, rope, bungee cord, or washers and bolts it is highly unlikely that your grommets will negatively affect or tear your actual sign.

Hopefully this quick post has answered your signage-related questions about grommets. If we’ve missed one of your questions feel free to contact us or leave a comment so we can add it to this page.

Grommets and Your Signs – Signage 101