Common Banner Stand Problems
Having banner stand problems? Perhaps the top rail has failed, allowing the vinyl to detach and retract into the base. Or, worse, has the vinyl caught along one side of the base as it fell?
We've written a bit about the cheap banner stands that we won't sell you. As with any product, if you search for the cheapest options, chances are you will get an inferior product.
KCBGraphics.com is a leading supplier of banner stand products in Toronto, Ontario. If you're in need of a banner stand after having problems with your current product, please take a look at our banner stand banner pricing. Don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-350-7152 with any questions.
Thin, low quality aluminium. No this stand shouldn't look that like that.
Banner Stand Problems Big or Small
Truth be told, sometimes a low quality banner stand can fail. The leader strip (the part that connects the banner to the base) can lose adhesion. The top rail can release the banner. Those are big problems (though they can usually be fixed). Other, minor issues can occur as well. A low quality or cheap stand could tilt to one side. Likewise, a cheaper material can curl badly.
In some very cheap stands, remember the old saying, "you get what you pay for". Most likely, a stand that costs less to purchase because it's made of thinner material. A thin aluminum base is soft, and could pinch and bend. A pole cheaply made could bend, causing your banner to lean or wobble.
From the Top Rail Down
One of the easiest places to have a problem with your stand is the top rail. This might seem like a small piece of your banner stand but it this parts fails, your banner comes spiralling down into the base. (Again, this is fixable, but very frustrating.) There a few different styles and types of top rails.
J-trim sticks right to your graphic, and is often the only thing holding it in place.
Some banners are only held in place by a thin strip of tape. The vinyl is attached to a piece of plastic called "j-trim". The trim, taped to the banner, is then slid into the top rail.
With this method, there is no pressure or force holding the vinyl to the rail. Just tape. Banner stand problems can arise if this tape fails, releasing the banner into the base. This results in the banner stand losing tension.
As strong as tape can be, after a few dozen trade shows, under hot spotlights, this single bond can start to lose its grip.
Locking Pinch and Downward Clamp
Another type of top rail uses no tape or adhesive whatsoever. Instead, the vinyl is held in place by pressure. The vinyl is clamped in place, and as a result any downward pull only tightens the top rail's grip on the graphic. We find this a better solution, but still not the best.
To avoid banner stand problems a good top rail should have a piece of aluminum taped to the top of your vinyl banner, and that strip is then firmly held in place (usually by a series of five or six screws) to the top rail.
Again, if you only require your stand for a few uses, a simple j-trim top rail might be fine. But if you're looking for quality and a long-lasting product, find a premium banner stand with a strong top rail.
Instead of tape or j-trim, this top rail uses a locking pinch and a downward clamp.
The best solution for a banner stand's top rail, adhesive tape AND pressure.
A Strong Base for Your Stand
There are many options to choose from. Too many, perhaps. Banner stands come in many different sizes, including many different styles of bases. When buying your stand, find one made of a sturdy base. To aid against banner stand problems resulting fro uneven floors, ask if the base has adjustable leveling feet. These little beauties can be used to balance out the stand (and work much better than a sugar packet under your table leg).
Avoiding Banner Stand Problems
In all honesty, I'm not saying you should only buy the most expensive. Far from it. But taking an interest in the stand you purchase can ensure you get a quality product that will last.
To recap, look for a banner stand that has a top rail with either a tension clam or an aluminum rail with tightening screws, and preferably a base made of sturdy aluminum with levelling feet. For best results, avoid thin, easily bent or damaged stands. Similarly, keep that top rail in good condition.
Lastly, if you are having problems with your current stand, contact us. We might be able to repair your stand.
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