How to choose the right banner for different applications

How to choose the right banner is one of the most common questions businesses ask when planning indoor or outdoor advertising. In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between Frontlit, Mesh, Backlit and Blockout banners to help you choose the best solution for your business.

Whether you’re promoting a retail campaign, advertising on a construction site, exhibiting at a trade show or installing an illuminated sign, selecting the right banner material will improve durability, print quality and long-term performance.

At WH Supply Co., we offer professional banner solutions for every application. From weather-resistant Frontlit banners to wind-permeable Mesh banners, illuminated Backlit banners and double-sided Blockout banners, each material is designed for a specific purpose. This guide will help you understand the differences and choose the best banner for your project.

Frontlit banners – the all-round solution

If you’re looking for a versatile banner suitable for most indoor and outdoor advertising, frontlit banners are the ideal choice.

Manufactured from durable PVC, they deliver vibrant colours, sharp graphics and excellent weather resistance, making them suitable for everything from retail promotions to construction fencing and event branding.

Best suited for:

• Retail advertising
• Outdoor promotions
• Company events
• Building facades
• Construction sites
• General signage

Advantages

• Excellent print quality
• Weather resistant
• Long lifespan
• Suitable for small and large formats
• Available with several finishing options

Mesh banners – the best choice for windy locations

When banners are installed on scaffolding, fences or exposed building facades, wind becomes a major factor.

Mesh banners are manufactured from perforated PVC that allows air to pass through the material, significantly reducing wind resistance while maintaining excellent visibility.

Best suited for:

• Construction sites
• Scaffolding
• Building wraps
• Fence advertising
• Festivals
• Outdoor events

Advantages

• Wind resistant
• Lightweight material
• Easy installation
• Excellent UV print quality
• Perfect for large-format advertising

Backlit banners – designed for illuminated displays

If your advertisement will be displayed in a lightbox or illuminated sign, backlit banners are the correct solution.

Unlike standard banner materials, Backlit banners allow light to pass evenly through the material, creating bright colours and outstanding visibility during both daytime and nighttime.

Best suited for:

• Lightboxes
• Shopfront signs
• Shopping centres
• Petrol stations
• Restaurants
• Showrooms
• Exhibition displays

Advantages

• Excellent light transmission
• Bright colours
• UV printed
• Indoor & outdoor use
• Fire certified (B1)

Blockout banners – perfect for double-sided advertising

Sometimes visibility from both sides is essential.

Blockout banners contain an internal light-blocking layer that prevents graphics from showing through the opposite side. This creates crisp colours and clear messaging even in brightly lit environments.

They are also an excellent choice when double-sided printing is required.

Best suited for:

• Hanging signs
• Exhibition walls
• Trade shows
• Shopping centres
• Retail displays
• Reception areas
• Double-sided advertising

Advantages

• Completely opaque material
• Single or double-sided printing
• Excellent colour reproduction
• Professional appearance
• Long-lasting durability

How to choose the right banner for your project

Need help choosing the right banner?

Now you know how to choose the right banner for your business. If you’re still unsure, our team is happy to help you select the perfect banner material for your project.
Contact us for expert advice and a free quotation.

Read more about fire classifications for printed materials at the European Fire Safety Alliance.