What Are Cloth Banners?
Cloth banners — also called fabric banners or textile banners — are printed on woven polyester fabric rather than vinyl or PVC. The print process is dye-sublimation, where ink is heat-transferred directly into the fabric fibres rather than sitting on top of the surface. The result is a finish that’s colourfast, soft to the touch, and free from the glossy glare associated with PVC banners.
The material is lightweight and folds down compactly for transport and storage. Unlike PVC, polyester cloth banners don’t crack in cold temperatures, don’t wrinkle permanently when folded, and can be machine-washed to keep them looking fresh for reuse across multiple events. They’re the preferred choice for anyone who needs a professional, reusable fabric display.
Why Choose Essex Banners for Cloth Banner Printing?
Professional Dye-Sublimation Print Our cloth banners are printed using industry-leading dye-sublimation technology — ink is fused directly into the polyester fibres for vivid, long-lasting colour that stays sharp even at large sizes.
Fire-Rated for Every Venue All our cloth banners are M1/B1 fire-rated, meeting strict UK and European safety standards. That means they’re approved for use at major exhibition venues, event spaces, and public indoor environments — no exceptions, no surprises on the day.
Crease-Resistant and Reusable Our premium stretch polyester has a built-in memory. Fold your cloth banner for transport, hang it up at the venue, and any minor creases drop out under tension. No steaming required (though a cool iron works too). Use them time and again — they’re built for repeat events.
Free Artwork Design on Every Order Not sure how to set up your artwork? Our in-house design team will create or adapt your artwork for free, getting your cloth banner print-ready at no extra cost.
Cloth Banner Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% Stretch Polyester |
| Print Method | Dye-Sublimation |
| Fire Rating | M1/B1 Certified |
| Finishing | Hemming & Nickel Eyelets (standard) |
| Turnaround | 3–4 Working Days / Next Day Available |
| Sizes | Custom sizes to order |
| Delivery | Free UK Delivery |
Cloth Banners vs PVC Banners — Which Should You Choose?
Both products have their place. Here’s an honest comparison to help you decide:
Choose cloth/fabric banners when: You’re displaying indoors in a venue that requires fire-rated materials. You want a premium soft-fabric look rather than a glossy vinyl finish. You’re reusing the banner across multiple events and need something washable and compact for storage. You’re hanging banners from ceiling rails, tension systems, or lightweight frames where the reduced weight of fabric is an advantage.
Choose PVC banners when: You’re displaying outdoors and need full weatherproofing and UV resistance. You need maximum durability for long-term outdoor use. You need a single-sided print (cloth banners print through to the reverse as a mirror image). You want the lowest possible cost for a short-term one-off display.
Not sure which is right for you? Call us on 01708 200166 or WhatsApp us on 07418 632219 — we’ll advise based on your specific application.
What Are Cloth Banners Used For?
Cloth banners are the go-to choice for any situation where you need a premium, non-reflective display:
Exhibitions & Trade Shows — The most popular use for cloth banners. The matte polyester surface eliminates glare from venue lighting, making them ideal for photography and video backdrops. Use them as step-and-repeat banners, media walls, and exhibition backdrops.
Indoor Events — Conferences, award ceremonies, product launches, and branded venues all benefit from the upmarket look of a printed cloth banner over standard PVC.
Retail & Hospitality Displays — Cloth banners work brilliantly as branded displays in shop windows, café spaces, and showrooms where a premium look matters.
Schools, Charities & Community Events — Lightweight, easy to transport, and safe for indoor use — cloth banners are popular for Ofsted displays, school fairs, and fundraising events.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cloth Banners
Are your cloth banners fire-rated for exhibition venues?
YES. All our cloth banners are fully M1/B1 fire-rated, which is the required standard for major UK exhibition venues and public indoor event spaces. You won’t have any issues with venue compliance.
How do cloth banners differ from PVC banners?
PVC banners are more suited to outdoor use — they’re weatherproof and hard-wearing. Cloth banners are the premium indoor option. They have a matte, non-reflective finish, can be folded and washed, and photograph far better under event lighting. See our full range of PVC banners here.
What size cloth banners can you print?
We print cloth banners to any custom size. Enter your exact dimensions in the order tool above. Not sure what size you need? Call us on 01708 200166 or WhatsApp us and we’ll help.
Can I wash my printed cloth banner?
Yes — dye-sublimation printing is highly durable. Wash on a cool, gentle machine cycle and hang to dry. Your cloth banner will look as good as new for every event.
Will light show through the cloth banner material?
Our polyester is a heavy, tight-knit fabric and appears fully opaque in standard indoor use. If a strong light source is placed directly behind the banner, a slight glow may be visible. For a fully blockout finish, ask us about blackback fabric options.
How do I remove creases from my cloth banner?
In most cases, creases will drop out naturally once the banner is hung or tensioned on a frame. If needed, a cool iron or hand steamer on a low setting will remove any stubborn folds. Never use a hot iron directly on the print side.
Do you include hanging hardware with cloth banners?
Hemming and nickel eyelets are included as standard on all cloth banners. You can also add a pack of cable ties or bungee ropes at checkout for instant installation.
Ready to order your cloth banners?
Configure your size above, upload your artwork (or let us design it for free), and we’ll have your order on the way fast. Questions? Call us on 01708 200166 or WhatsApp 07418 632219.
