So you need a banner. Maybe it's for a grand opening, a weekend sale, or that big community event you've been planning for months. Whatever the reason, you've probably realized that not all banner printing is created equal, especially here in Kona.
We've been helping local businesses with custom signs and banner printing in Kona for years, and we've seen it all. The banners that last for years and the ones that fade in weeks. The ones that look crisp and professional and the ones that… well, don't.
Before you place your order, here are 10 things every Kona business owner should know about getting banners done right.
1. Hawaii's Sun Will Test Your Banner Material
Let's start with the obvious: our sun is intense. We're not dealing with mainland weather here. A banner that works perfectly fine in Seattle might start fading within a few weeks under our tropical UV rays.
For outdoor banners in Kona, you want 13oz scrim vinyl at minimum. This material is designed to handle sun exposure without becoming a washed-out mess. It's also tear-resistant, which brings us to our next point.
2. Wind Is Your Banner's Worst Enemy (If You're Not Prepared)
Anyone who's lived on the Big Island knows that our trade winds aren't messing around. A banner that isn't properly reinforced will end up looking like it went through a shredder: or worse, flying down Ali'i Drive.
This is where finishing details matter. Heat-welded hems (not just sewn) create stronger edges that won't fray. And if your banner is going in a particularly windy spot, we can add wind slits that let air pass through without turning your sign into a sail.
3. Grommet Placement Can Make or Break Your Display
Grommets are those little metal rings that let you hang your banner. Seems simple enough, right? But where they're placed: and how many you have: makes a huge difference.
For most standard banners, grommets every 18-24 inches along the edges work well. But if you're hanging a large banner between posts or on a building, you might need reinforced corners or additional grommets to distribute the tension evenly.
When you work with us, we always ask where and how you're planning to hang your banner. That way, we can place the grommets exactly where you need them: not just where the template says they should go.
4. Resolution Matters More Than You Think for Large Format
Here's something that catches a lot of people off guard: that logo file that looks perfect on your computer screen might look terrible blown up to 6 feet wide.
For banner printing, you need high-resolution files: ideally 150 DPI at the final print size. Lower resolution means pixelated images and fuzzy text, which doesn't exactly scream "professional business."
Don't have high-res files? No worries. Our graphic design team can help recreate or upscale your artwork so it looks sharp at any size.
5. Getting Banners Shipped to Kona Is a Pain (And Expensive)
This is something mainland print shops don't tell you upfront. Sure, their prices might look good online, but then you factor in shipping to Hawaii: and suddenly that "great deal" isn't so great anymore.
We've had customers come to us after waiting two weeks for a banner to arrive by boat, only to find it was damaged in transit. Or they paid for rush air shipping and ended up spending more than they would have just getting it done locally.
When you get your banner printing done in Kona, you skip all of that. No shipping delays. No damaged packages. No surprises.
6. Local Turnaround Times Are Faster Than You'd Expect
Speaking of local advantages: we can typically turn around banner orders in about two days. Sometimes faster if you're in a pinch.
That's because we handle everything in-house. Design, printing, finishing: it all happens right here in Kona. We're not sending your order to a facility on the mainland and waiting for it to come back. When you need custom signs in Kona, working with a local shop just makes sense.
7. Pole Pockets Give You More Hanging Options
Grommets are great, but they're not your only option. Pole pockets: fabric sleeves sewn into the top and/or bottom of your banner: let you slide in a pole or dowel for a cleaner, more professional look.
This is especially popular for:
- Retractable banner stands at trade shows
- Street pole banners
- Indoor displays where you don't want visible hardware
Just let us know how you're planning to use your banner, and we'll recommend the best finishing option for your setup.
8. Indoor and Outdoor Banners Aren't the Same
It might be tempting to use one banner for everything, but indoor and outdoor applications really do call for different materials.
Outdoor banners need that heavy-duty 13oz vinyl we mentioned earlier, plus UV-resistant inks that won't fade in the sun.
Indoor banners can use lighter materials like fabric or thin vinyl, which often look better in controlled lighting and are easier to transport if you're moving them between locations.
If you're doing a lot of events: both indoor and outdoor: it might be worth having two versions of your banner. It's a small investment that keeps both looking their best.
9. Design Simplicity Wins Every Time
We get it. You want to include all the information: your services, your phone number, your website, your social media handles, your hours, your slogan… But here's the thing: people are usually looking at your banner from a distance, and often while they're moving.
The most effective banners have:
- A clear, readable headline
- One strong image or logo
- Minimal text (think 7 words or fewer for the main message)
- High contrast colors
Save the detailed information for your website or brochures. Your banner's job is to grab attention and make people want to learn more.
10. Banners Are One of the Most Affordable Marketing Tools Around
Compared to other forms of advertising, banners give you serious bang for your buck. A well-made banner can last for years with proper care, and you can use it over and over for recurring events, sales, or promotions.
Think about it: a single banner promoting your weekend specials could be used every week for the next two or three years. Try getting that kind of mileage out of a social media ad.
And because banners are so versatile, they work for just about any business: from restaurants and retail shops to real estate offices and construction companies. They're perfect for grand openings, seasonal promotions, community events, and even birthday parties.
Ready to Get Your Banners Done Right?
If you're looking for banner printing in Kona that can handle our Hawaiian weather, we'd love to help. We've been working with local businesses for years, and we know exactly what it takes to create banners that look great and last.
Stop by our shop, give us a call, or check out our full range of services to see what else we can do for your business. From custom signs to vehicle wraps to laser engraving, we handle it all right here in Kona: no shipping delays, no middlemen, just quality work from your neighbors down the road.