To effectively hang PVC posters, especially those designed for outdoor display or larger formats, the most common and recommended method involves utilizing their pre-fitted eyelets with flexible fasteners like bungee cords or elastic rope. This approach ensures durability and prevents damage, particularly in windy conditions.
Understanding PVC Poster Hanging
PVC posters, often interchangeably referred to as PVC banners, are popular for their durability and weather resistance. Their hanging mechanism typically revolves around reinforced holes called eyelets, which are strategically placed along the edges to facilitate attachment.
The Most Common Method: Utilizing Eyelets
The primary method for hanging PVC posters involves securing them through their eyelets to a support structure. These eyelets provide strong anchor points, making the poster easy to hang on walls, fences, poles, or custom frames.
Choosing the Right Fasteners for Durability
While various fasteners can be used, the choice of material significantly impacts the poster's longevity and stability, especially when exposed to external elements like wind.
The Advantage of Flexible Fasteners
According to experts, the best materials to use for hanging PVC banners – and by extension, flexible PVC posters – are bungee cords or strips of elastic rope.
- Wind Resistance: These flexible options allow the poster to move slightly with the wind. This crucial movement dissipates wind pressure across the material, significantly reducing strain on the eyelets.
- Preventing Damage: By absorbing some of the wind's force, bungee cords and elastic rope prevent the eyelets from ripping out, which is a common issue with more rigid attachment methods during periods of high wind.
- Longevity: This flexibility contributes to the overall lifespan of the poster, protecting both the eyelets and the PVC material from stress and tears.
Why Inflexible Options Pose a Risk
While cable ties are sometimes used due to their strength and affordability, they are not ideal for outdoor PVC poster hanging.
- Lack of Flexibility: Cable ties are rigid and do not allow any movement. When strong winds hit the poster, the entire force is concentrated directly on the eyelets.
- Risk of Ripping: This concentrated force can cause the eyelets to rip out from the PVC material, leading to damage or complete detachment of the poster. They are best reserved for indoor displays or very temporary outdoor use in calm conditions.
Fastener Comparison
Here's a quick overview of common fastening methods for PVC posters:
| Fastener Type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Ideal Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bungee Cords | - Allows movement in wind | - May stretch minimally over time | - Outdoor banners/posters (high wind areas) |
| Elastic Rope Strips | - Customizable length, allows movement | - Requires tying, may need re-tightening | - Outdoor banners/posters (high wind areas), versatile |
| Cable Ties | - Strong initial hold, inexpensive | - Inflexible, can rip eyelets in wind | - Indoor displays, temporary signage (low wind), rigid posters |
Step-by-Step Hanging Guide (General)
- Identify Anchor Points: Determine where you want to hang the poster (e.g., fence posts, wall hooks, a frame).
- Align Poster: Hold the poster against the desired surface to mark where each eyelet will align with an anchor point.
- Attach Fasteners:
- For Bungee Cords: Thread the hook of the bungee cord through the eyelet and secure the other hook to your anchor point. Ensure there's a slight tension but enough slack for movement.
- For Elastic Rope: Cut strips of elastic rope to the appropriate length. Thread one end through the eyelet, wrap it around your anchor point, and tie it securely.
- Check Stability: Once all eyelets are secured, gently tug on the poster to ensure it's taut but still has a small degree of flexibility, especially crucial for outdoor installations.
By prioritizing flexible attachments like bungee cords or elastic rope, you can ensure your PVC posters are securely displayed while also being protected from damage, making them last longer and look better.
