boy with banner image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com
Churches, other nonprofits and businesses use vinyl banners as inexpensive mobile signs. Banners created for a one-time event, or a group that changes its name, can become obsolete. When this happens, it is desirable to find a way to reuse them so they do not go to waste. It is usually possible to recycle a vinyl banner. If it has removable letters, you can peel them off. If you cannot remove the letters, you can display your new message on the back of the banner.
How to Reuse a Vinyl Banner
Recycle image by sarkee from Fotolia.com
Prepare the surface of your banner by either removing the letters or cleaning the back, blank side.
tools for planning image by Chad McDermott from Fotolia.com
Sketch the message you want to create on your banner to help you maintain the correct spacing.
girl with her painting & looking at other painting image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
Hang the banner so you can work on it while you are standing.
glass of water on table with projector behind image by Dmitry Goygel-Sokol from Fotolia.com
Use an overhead projector to project the image of the letters you will be using onto a sheet of label paper. You can control the size of the letters by moving the projector closer or farther away.
three letters "abc" isolated on the white image by Elnur from Fotolia.com
Trace the letters to the label paper.
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Use poster board markers to color the letters.
découper image by corinne matusiak from Fotolia.com
Carefully cut out the letters.
level image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
Place the letters on the vinyl banner according to the sketch you made. You can use a level or a ruler to help you position your letters correctly. Once you are confident you have them where you want them, peel the backing off and stick them on the banner.
water splash image by Studio Pookini from Fotolia.com
Take the 3-inch clear packing tape and tape it over the entire banner. This will ensure that the letters stay on the banner and it will provide some protection from moisture.
Tips
If you do not have an overhead projector you can use banner creating software. Label paper comes in standard-size sheets that you can run through a printer.
Warnings
Positioning the letters correctly is the most difficult part of this project. Once you have taken the backing off of the letters and adhered them to the vinyl it is not easy to remove them for repositioning. When you are taping, use shorter strips instead of longer ones. You will find it easier to keep the tape taut and apply the tape without creating creases. This will add to the overall polished look of your banner.
Tips
- If you do not have an overhead projector you can use banner creating software.
- Label paper comes in standard-size sheets that you can run through a printer.
Warnings
- Positioning the letters correctly is the most difficult part of this project. Once you have taken the backing off of the letters and adhered them to the vinyl it is not easy to remove them for repositioning. When you are taping, use shorter strips instead of longer ones. You will find it easier to keep the tape taut and apply the tape without creating creases. This will add to the overall polished look of your banner.
Writer Bio
Cori Wood has been writing since 1981. She has been published in an employee newsletter called "The Samaritan Sounder." Wood has a Master of Education from Georgetown College. She also is a certified teacher and holds a certificate in Moral Re-cognation Therapy.