When you order a banner, the printed graphic is only half of what you receive — the finishing is what turns a printed sheet into something you can hang, that survives, and that looks professional. Hems, eyelets, pole pockets and lamination are quietly the difference between a banner that lasts years and one that frays in a weekend. This guide explains the main finishing options and when each matters. It is part of our complete guide to large-format printing.
Hemmed edges
A hem folds and welds the edge of a banner back on itself. It is the most basic and important finish: it stops the material fraying, doubles the strength at the edge, and gives a clean line. For any PVC banner that will hang or be handled, hemmed edges are essential — an unhemmed banner starts to fray at the first fixing point. Outdoors, a hem is what stops the wind tearing an edge.
Eyelets (grommets)
Eyelets are metal rings punched through the hemmed edge at intervals, giving you fixing points to tie, bungee or hook the banner to a frame, fence or wall. Place them every 30–50 cm, and always in the corners where load is highest. More eyelets spread the load and reduce sag and tearing — essential for outdoor and large banners. See how to hang a banner for using them.
Pole pockets
A pole pocket is a sewn sleeve along the top (and often bottom) edge, so you can slide a pole or rail through to hang the banner — used on hanging banners and many backdrop and roll-up systems. Pole pockets give a clean, frameless hang with no visible fixings, ideal for stage and indoor banners.
Lamination
A laminate is a clear protective layer over the print, adding scratch, water and UV resistance and setting the finish — gloss, matte or anti-slip. It is essential for anything touched, walked on or sun-exposed: floor graphics, vehicle decals, long-term outdoor signage. A premium UV banner pairs durable stock with UV protection so colour lasts outdoors. Gloss makes colour pop but can glare; matte is softer and glare-free.
Reinforced corners and extras
For windy or heavy-duty outdoor banners, reinforced corners add strength where the load concentrates. Other extras include welded seams for very large banners (tiled from panels), and webbing or rope edges for high-tension spans. Tell us where and how a banner will live and we will recommend the finishing — it is the part most people forget and the part that decides longevity.
Matching finish to the job
| Use | Key finishing |
|---|---|
| Indoor hanging banner | Hems + pole pockets or eyelets |
| Outdoor / fence | Hems + eyelets + reinforced corners |
| Floor graphic | Anti-slip laminate |
| Long-term outdoor | UV laminate + hems + eyelets |
| Stage backdrop | Pole pockets, fabric |
Frequently asked questions
What finishing does a banner need? At minimum, hemmed edges; add eyelets to hang it, a UV laminate for long outdoor life, and reinforced corners if it is large or windy.
What are eyelets for? Metal rings in the edge that give you fixing points to tie or hook a banner to a frame, fence or wall — place them every 30–50 cm and in the corners.
Do I need lamination? For anything touched, walked on or in the sun — yes. For a short-term indoor banner, it is optional.
What's a pole pocket? A sewn sleeve along an edge to slide a pole through for a clean, frameless hang. Compare options in the banner range.
