Storing a roller banner
Most roller banners are not worn out by events. They are damaged in the ten minutes after an event and in the months spent in a cupboard.
The five-minute routine at the end of a show.
- Wipe it first. Run a soft, dry cloth down the print. Grit left on the surface gets rolled into the graphic and scratches every layer it touches.
- Take off anything stuck on. Tape, badges and name cards leave a lump that marks the print behind it.
- Hold the top rail with both hands. Unhook it from the pole and walk it down to the base. Letting go is how most stands get damaged, as the rail slams into the base and the print can crease or tear.
- Fold the pole and pack it in its own pocket of the carry bag, not against the print slot.
- Zip the bag fully. An open slot lets dust in and leaves the end of the print unprotected.
Where to keep it.
| Location | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Office cupboard, lying flat | Good | Dry, stable temperature, nothing leaning on it |
| Upright in a corner, in its bag | Fine for a short time | Can topple, so keep it out of walkways |
| Under a pile of boxes | Poor | Weight can twist the base |
| Car boot for weeks | Poor | Heat in summer, and it can slide around |
| Garage, shed or loft | Poor | Damp and swings in temperature |
Heat, damp and sunlight
Warmth can make the print and the adhesive at the roller softer, while damp can leave marks and tarnish metal parts. If a stand has spent the night in a cold van, let it reach room temperature before you open it. A cold print is stiffer and less willing to lie flat.
Do not use a banner as a permanent window display. Long hours of direct sun fade inks, and a stand that stays open all year wears differently from the rest of a matched set.
Before you need it again
A print that has been rolled for months can hold a curve at the bottom, especially in a cool room. Open the stand the day before an event if you can, so that the curl has time to relax. It also means you find any problem while there is still time to act.
| Fault | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Fine vertical scratches | Grit rolled up with the print |
| Sharp horizontal crease | Rail released, or something heavy on the bag |
| Edges curling inwards | Heat, or a long time rolled |
| Print will not retract fully | Weak spring, or print off-line on the roller |
Damage that will not relax is usually a sign that the print has had its day. Our page on replacement roller banner graphics explains the options. If you are carrying more than one, label each bag clearly, and take a look at reusing display hardware to plan the next campaign.
Displays that go back out again.
Your questions.
Can I clean a roller banner print with spray?
Stick to a soft cloth, slightly damp if needed. Household sprays can dull or mark a print, so test on a corner at the back first if you must use anything stronger.
How long can a roller banner stay rolled up?
There is no fixed limit, but curl gets more likely with time. Opening it for a few hours now and then, and before use, helps.
Do roller banners from you come with a bag?
Yes. Our roller banners, from 600mm to 1500mm wide, are supplied with a carry bag.