How to Hang Your Vinyl Banner from Palm to Pine Design
One of the questions I get asked quite often is "how do I hang my birthday banner?" which always makes me smile, because I've been there.
You've spent weeks planning the perfect party, the food is handled, the invites are out, and somehow it's the party decorations that send you over the edge. So to save you some of that stress, I'm breaking down some of the ways I've hung my personalized vinyl banners at parties I've hosted or attended!
Removable 3M Tape or A Finish Nail
When it comes to hanging your vinyl banner, it’s really pretty simple with the right setup! Using the right materials makes a big difference and helps your banner look clean, polished, and party-ready!
My banners are printed on high-quality, durable vinyl, so they do have a little weight to them, especially in the larger sizes. For smaller banners, painter’s tape can work on smooth surfaces, but once you get into medium or large sizes, I recommend using removable 3M mounting tape for a stronger, more secure hold without damaging your walls.
If you’re hanging it on wood, a fence, or anywhere small holes aren’t a concern, finish nails are a great option and help keep everything nice and taut. And my fail is your gain, I don’t recommend pushpins. They just aren’t strong enough for the weight and no one wants your adorable banner falling in the cake.
What about surfaces?
When it comes to surfaces, smooth drywall and painted walls work best for tape and nails. For rentals or no-hole spaces, removable Command Strips are your best option. Avoid tape on textured walls, brick, or stucco, as tape won't grip those surfaces well. For those surfaces, grommets with twine or zip ties tied to a nearby railing or hook are your safest bet.
Yard Sign Display
- Heavy duty yard stake: Choose a stake that's 12-24" taller than your banner, so you have space and stability to push it into the ground. If you want the banner raised higher off the ground, you'll need an even longer stake for support. Most hardware stores and garden centers have 4, 6 and 8 foot stak
- Pieces of lumber/wooden dowels: A simple 1"x 2" (called a "one by two") works perfectly. Attach your banner with zip ties or staples and prop or stake it into the ground.
- Poles: Shepherd's hooks, PVC pipe, or even a curtain rod work great if you'd rather not put anything in the ground. Perfect for driveways or patios.
- String or twine: Tie between two trees, fence posts, or poles for an easy hanging display. Use all four corners for the most stability.
- Zip ties: These are a lifesaver for securing your banner to fences, railings, or stakes. Snug but not over-tightened so the banner lays flat.
A Wall Hanging
This is one of my favorite ways to dress up a vinyl banner, but it does take some pre-planning and most likely a trip to Home Depot, but even the least crafty friends can pull this off. I promise.
You can get a piece of 1"x 2" wood from your local hardware store for a few bucks and they will even cut it to size for you for free. You can stain or paint it if you choose, then use a staple gun, small finish nails or even wood glue and affix the banner to the back of the wood. You can hang it with twine, rope, etc. onto a command hook or nail to fit your party theme.
Grommets or Small holes
As I mentioned, my custom banners come with grommets included on the corners, but I've also gone the good ol' fashion route of poking a small hole in the banner and tying it with all sorts of things like:
- Jute twine or rope twine
- Satin or grosgrain ribbon (great for a more polished, decorative look!)
- Zip ties (4" or 8" work best)
- Bungee cords for outdoor or fence displays
- Fishing line for an almost invisible hang
- Elastic cord or bungee twine for a little flexibility in windy spots
- Command hooks with looped twine for a no-nail option
Now let's get this party started!
I hope this helps give you some ideas of easy ways to hang your vinyl banners! No matter which method you choose, knowing how to hang a birthday banner the right way makes all the difference when party day finally arrives.
The goal is for you to spend less time fussing with decorations and more time making memories with the people you love. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out on Etsy, or contact me!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you store a vinyl banner after a party?
Roll it, don't fold it! Folding can create permanent creases over time. Just wipe yours down with a damp cloth after the party, let it dry completely, and then roll it loosely. Secure it with a rubber band or twine, and store it flat or standing upright in a cool dry place. I've seen customers use theirs year after year!
If your banner does get creased, you can use an iron on a low heat setting and iron from the back of the banner. It's not a perfect fix, but works for most wrinkles.
Will Command Strips damage my wall?
When used correctly on smooth, painted drywall and removed slowly according to the package instructions, Command Strips should not damage your wall. I'd always follow the weight guidelines on the package just to be safe, and avoid using them on textured walls, wallpaper, or fresh paint.
How do I hang a long banner without it sagging in the middle?
Grommets are added every 2 feet on my 42x84" and 48x96" banners for even easier hanging, and to avoid sagging. Use the extra reinforcement points to attach to your surface, or add a nail, hook, or strip of tape in the center back of the banner in addition to the corners. For the wall hanging method with a 1"x 2", this isn't an issue at all since the wood keeps everything nice and taut!
