PVC vs Vinyl vs Mesh Banners: Which Material Should You Choose?

"What material should my banner be?" is the question we get asked most often at our Putney studio. Here's a clear, honest breakdown of PVC, vinyl and mesh, and when each one wins.

First, A Quick Clarification

"PVC" and "vinyl" are essentially the same thing in banner printing. Both refer to polyvinyl chloride sheet material. "Mesh" is the odd one out, it's perforated PVC with holes that let wind through.

PVC / Vinyl (510 GSM), The All-Rounder

Best for: 9 out of 10 banner jobs. Shops, events, birthdays, weddings, builders' boards, sports clubs.

• 510 GSM weight, thick, tear-resistant
• Fully weatherproof, UV-stable inks
• Lasts 2–5 years outdoors depending on sun exposure
• Sharp full-colour print, vibrant outdoor visibility
• Hemmed edges + brass eyelets included as standard

Downside: In strong wind (30+ mph) it can flap heavily or tear from fixings.

When to upgrade to heavier PVC

Long term outdoor installs over 12 months, or heavy exposure on a south facing wall, consider 610 GSM. Otherwise 510 GSM wins on value.

PVC and vinyl are the same cloth with different names. The real choice is solid versus perforated, not one word versus another.

Mesh Banners (350 GSM), The Wind-Beater

Best for: Scaffolding, construction hoarding, fenced outdoor sites, stadium perimeters, festival fencing.

• 350 GSM perforated PVC
• Lets approximately 35% of wind pass through
• Won't flap, won't sail, won't rip its fixings
• Still prints bright and sharp (colours slightly muted vs solid vinyl)
• Ideal for 6–12 month outdoor installs

Think of mesh like a windbreak, not a sail. The holes are the whole point, they are why it survives.

Print colour on mesh vs PVC

Mesh prints look about 10 to 15% softer than solid PVC because ink also vanishes into the perforations. Compensate with bolder design choices and bigger type.

Quick Decision Guide

Tell us where your banner is going and we'll recommend the right material. 020 3669 9854.