How to Assemble, Set-up and Change Graphics for Your Retractable Banner Stand
There’s nothing more effective at advertising a brand, product or service at a trade show, convention, market or expo than a retractable banner stand. A retractable banner stand is a durable, inexpensive and remarkably cost-effective way to get your message out to the masses. Whether we’re talking about one banner stand or one hundred, you’ll need to know how to properly install and occasionally swap out graphics. The following is a basic guide which can be used for the most commonly available types of retractable banners.
A freshly unboxed banner stand will come in several pieces: there’s a base, from where your graphics will be unfurled from and later retracted for transportation, as well as storage; a top bar which will hold the top of your graphics; and a pole in order to support your banner and keep it straight.
A retractable banner stand, otherwise known was as a roll-up banner stand, will come equipped with one or more methods of attaching the banner to the stand. The three most common are clamps, Velcro, and double-sided tape. Some models will use all three.
1. An orderly space is the most important first step in setting up your stand. A long trade show booth table — or failing that, a clean section of floor — is essential to get started. You should also have an assistant or extra clamp ready to prevent the base from retracting before the banner is in place. Ask anyone who has done this about having to take apart their stand base to reset the roller tension. It can be extremely frustrating thing to deal with, especially at the last minute.
2. With most stands, it’s a good idea to attach the graphic to the top bar before securing it to the base. Make sure your banner is nice and straight — and the pole is facing the back of the graphic — before proceeding to the next step.
3. Uncover the side of the base that contains the tension key without disturbing the key. Once the graphic is aligned with the base, use the double-sided tape or Velcro to attach it. If your model utilizes clamps, you may need to use a screwdriver to tighten them (have both a flat head and Phillips on hand, just in case). Once the banner is attached, you can remove the key. It’s important to hold the graphic to prevent it from being rolled up when the key is removed.
4. Once the key is removed, very slowly guide the base to the top (or vice versa). If you let go of either the base or the top at this point, the graphic can shoot into the base.
5. Once the graphic is securely rolled into the base, either place the key in the designated holding spot provided in the base or simply put it somewhere it won’t get lost and can be accessed for future use.
6. When you’re ready to use your banner stand, simply prepare the pole. Some models feature telescoping, retractable poles, while others use fixed poles. Once the pole is attached or adjusted to the desirable height, slowly pull your graphic out and attach it to the top of the pole. Most models will feature a hook and grommet system to secure the graphic while it is deployed.
If you want to swap out one banner for another, just repeat the steps above, while first removing the old graphic.
1. Pull the old graphic out of the base, securing it at the top and bottom with the help of either a clamp or a second person.
2. Once the old banner is securely affixed with your clamp or a helper, insert your key back into the key hole. If you’re the kind of person who always loses things, it’s a good idea to own more than one of the same banner stand model in order to cannibalize keys as needed.
3. After the key is in place, check once more to ensure there is no tension coming from the roller.
4. Remove the top of the graphic. You may need a screw driver (flat head for most American-made model, Phillips for some other brands) to release the clamp.
5. Once the top part is free, you can remove the bottom part. Both Velcro and double-sided tape should be fairly easy to remove, although with tape, you may have to cut off any excess with a pair of sharp scissors (being careful not the damage the old graphic if you want to reuse it!).
6. Once the now-retired banner is removed, it can be rolled up and stored in a cool, dry space for future use. To install the new graphic, simply follow the steps in the first part of this article. Most banner stands come complete with an extra set of Velcro or double-sided tape. Your local sign shop or hobby store will usually have extra supplies on hand, or you can just get them here and here on Amazon.
When In Doubt, Ask the Experts
If at any point in the process, you’re unsure of something, please feel free to give your sign maker a call. Here at Signs NY, we’re always more than happy to field questions, whether by phone or email. If you’re inexperienced with banner stands, it’s always a good idea to conduct a “dry-run” a few days before you need to use your banner stand in order to make sure everything is copacetic.
Most of the time your banner stand will come pre-loaded, but it’s a good idea to learn how to switch out graphics in order to get the most out of it. If you’re still not sure and afraid of damaging your new graphic, simply bring your old banner stand by our store. We’re more than happy to preload a newly purchased banner for you. For more information, please email [email protected], or call (718) 453-8300. Good luck with your new banner stand!
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