Retractable Banners and Backdrops for Events and Trade Shows

Custom retractable banners are the easiest sign to take to an event. The print rolls up into a base, the pole comes apart, and the whole thing fits in a bag you can carry in one hand. Set up takes about a minute. That is why you see them at every trade show, job fair, open house and farmers market.

They go by a lot of names: pull up banners, pop up banners, roll up banners, stand up banners, standing banners. They all mean the same thing. A printed banner on a spring loaded base with a support pole.

We print retractable banners and larger backdrop banners for businesses and groups across Vancouver, WA and the Portland metro. This guide covers sizes, what goes on the banner, backdrops for photo walls and booths, and what they typically cost. If you are ready to order, send us a quote request with your art and we will send a proof.

What sizes do custom retractable banners come in?

The standard retractable banner is about 33 inches wide by 80 inches tall. That is the one most people picture. It stands a little taller than a person and reads well from across a room.

• 24 by 80 inches. A narrow version for tight booths or a hallway.
• 33 by 80 inches. The standard. Fits almost any booth or lobby.
• 36 by 80 inches. A bit more room for a bigger logo or more copy.
• 48 by 80 inches. Wide. Two of these side by side act like a small backdrop.
• Tabletop sizes. Around 11 by 17 inches for a counter or registration desk.

The base comes in two general grades. An economy base is light and fine for a few events a year. A premium base is heavier, has a nicer finish and a sturdier pole, and holds up to weekly use. If you plan to use the banner at a lot of events, the better base is worth it.

What should go on the banner?

A retractable banner is read from 10 to 20 feet away, usually by someone walking past. Keep it simple.

• Logo at the top. The top third is what people see over a crowd or a table.
• One clear message. What you do, in a few words. Not a paragraph.
• Three to five bullet points at most. Services, benefits or a short list.
• One photo or graphic. A big image beats a collage.
• Contact info near the bottom, but not in the last 6 inches. That part is often hidden behind a table.
• A QR code if you want people to scan. Make it at least 3 inches wide and place it at hand height.

Use big text. Your headline should be at least 3 inches tall. Body text should be 1 inch tall or more. If you have to squint at the proof on your screen, it will be hard to read in a busy room.

Custom backdrop banners for booths and photo walls

Sometimes a single pull up banner is not enough. A backdrop banner is a large printed panel, usually 8 by 8 feet or 8 by 10 feet, that fills the back wall of a booth or stands behind a stage or photo spot. It gives you a full branded wall instead of a strip.

There are a few ways to build one:

• Fabric backdrop on a tube frame. A stretch fabric print slides over a light aluminum frame. No glare, folds small, looks sharp in photos.
• Vinyl banner with pole pockets or grommets. Hangs on a telescoping stand. The cheapest way to cover a wall.
• Step and repeat. A backdrop with logos repeated in a grid, the kind you see at red carpet photos. Great for sponsor walls and fundraisers.
• Pop up display. A folding frame with magnetic panels. Fast to set up, higher cost.

For a photo wall, choose fabric or matte vinyl. Glossy vinyl bounces camera flash straight back and washes out the logo in every picture. If you are planning a full booth, our large format printing page covers the other pieces that go with it, like table covers and counter graphics.

How much do custom pull up banners cost?

Here are typical industry ranges. Your quote depends on size, quantity and material.

Ordering two or more of the same banner usually brings the per unit price down a little. If you are outfitting a booth with a backdrop, two stand up banners and a table cover, ask for a bundle quote.

Can you replace just the print?

Yes, on most bases. If your base is in good shape and the message changed, we can print a new graphic and swap it onto the old hardware. This is a nice way to save money when a phone number, a service or an event date changes.

Bring the base in so we can check that the new print fits the roller. Economy bases are not always built to be reloaded, so sometimes a new unit is the better buy. We will tell you which.

Retractable banners around Vancouver and Portland

Most events in our area are indoors for a good reason. The rainy season runs long. Retractable banners are an indoor product. The base is not weighted for wind, and the print is not meant to sit in the rain.

If your event is outdoors, like a summer market in Esther Short Park or a job site open house, you have better options. A vinyl banner zip tied to a fence or tent frame handles wind and rain. Our post on fence banners and mesh banners explains how to hang one so it stays put. An A-frame sign is another good outdoor pick for a sidewalk or entry.

For the indoor season, which is most of the year here, a retractable banner in the lobby or at the front of the shop earns its keep long after the trade show ends. Many of our customers keep one standing by the front counter year round.

How to care for a retractable banner

• Retract it slowly with two hands. Letting it snap back can crease the print or damage the spring.
• Store it in the bag, standing up or flat. Do not lean heavy things on it.
• Keep it out of a hot car in summer and out of a damp garage in winter.
• Wipe the print with a soft damp cloth. No solvents.
• Keep the pole with the base. It is the piece that gets lost the most.

Ready to order? See our custom banners in Vancouver WA page for options, what to send us, and how to get a quote.

Questions people ask

What file do you need for a retractable banner?

A vector file like PDF, AI or EPS is best. A high resolution PNG or JPG also works if it is large enough. If you only have a logo and some text, send us those and we can lay out the banner for you.

How long does a retractable banner take?

Usually a few business days once the proof is approved, but confirm when you quote. If you have an event date, tell us up front and we will let you know if it fits.

Can I use a retractable banner outside?

Only in calm, dry weather under a tent. Even a light breeze can tip one over. For outdoor use, a vinyl banner on a frame or a weighted A-frame is the safer choice.

Is a double sided retractable banner worth it?

Only if people will walk past from both sides, like in a wide aisle or an entryway. In a booth against a wall, nobody sees the back. A single sided banner costs less and does the same job there.

Need a banner or a backdrop for your next show, fair or open house? Send us the idea and a rough quantity and we will send a proof and a price. Request a quote here or call 360.838.6919.