How to Reuse Vinyl Banners

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.

Things You Will Need

• Overhead projector

• Transparencies of the alphabet

• Label paper, standard size or larger

• Poster markers

• Several rolls of 3-inch clear packing tape

• Scissors

• Yardstick or level

Step 1.

Prepare the surface of your banner by either removing the letters or cleaning the back, blank side.

Step 2.

Sketch the message you want to create on your banner to help you maintain the correct spacing.

Step 3.

Hang the banner so you can work on it while you are standing.

Step 4.

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.

Step 5.

Trace the letters to the label paper.

Step 6.

Use poster board markers to color the letters.

Step 7.

Carefully cut out the letters.

Step 8.

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.

Step 9.

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.

Tip

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.

Warning

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.