Once you have decided what you want to say and how big the banner is to be, the next item of equipment you need is a computer with a word processor with an adjustable font size.
By selecting a plain outline font it will be easier and take less time to paint.
Type in the slogan or text and adjust the font type, height, width, bold, spacing until the ratio is the same ratio as the banner size.
The next step is to project the text onto the material.
If available, you can use a data panel on a overhead projector (OHP) connected to a computer and project the image of the text onto the material.
The size of the text is not important as is the ratio. If you are using a data panel (transparent computer screen) the font size can be changed to fit the banner size, but if you are using a transparency, the OHP can be moved closer or further away until you are satisified with the results.
Don't forget that the bulbs in OHP are expensive (many over $50.00 ea). Don't move OHP while they are turned ON or still HOT as the filiment can break.
If a data panel is not available then you need to make a transparency.
Transparencies can be made by using a bubble jet or laser printer. A poor grade transparency can be made using a dot matrix printer if there is no other option.
The third simplest way of all is to print out the text on paper and with the use of a photocopier and a photocopier grade transparency sheet to make your transparency. Remember there are different grades of transparency sheets depending what they are to be used with.
Place the transparency on the overhead projector and project and focus the image onto the material. The material is best placed on a flat wall and the image traced on with a pencil or a very fine-tipped felt pen. (preferablely the same colour as the paint to be used.)
Now you are ready to paint the banner. Plastic paint is the best to use as it can be cleaned up easily. Small trial sized tins of a colour of your choice can be obtained from some paint stores for a low cost. Indoor flat plastic is the cheapest and has been known to last several months outdoors.
Another posibility for lower cost paint is asking your supplier if they have any mis-tinted tins of paint. Off-white or pale cream colours can be used as a background colour. Usually it would not make much difference to the shade of red, green, blue or any other colour on a banner when cost is a factor.
If you are making several banners all at the same time, it may be advantageous to make a stencil and use a small paint roller. Banners made using a stencil usually look better but it still takes time to make a stencil and then touch up the banner where the paint has run under the stencil.
Unbleached calico is inexpensive and readily available fabric that is strong enough to last for several months in an outdoor environment. Several widths are available: 900 mm, 1200 mm, 1800 mm, and 2400 mm.
Sew a hem around the material for reinforcing.
First, decide either to place eyelets in each corner (not recommended for a long term banner.) or place a thin rope through the hem top and bottom to tie it up by or sew wider hems in the sides to allow it to be held up on poles in a street march or at meetings.
Remember it is illegal in some Australian States to afix timber or metal poles to protest banners or signs in street marches. This can be overcome by using the cardboard tubes out of rolls of cloth. Ask your local milliner for some long thick cardboard tubes.
If the banner is to be out in the weather for some weeks then it is advisable to paint all the material with a coat of paint before adding the text to prevent mildew.
(Hem the material first, paint all material, if required, then add text last.)
Local schools, churches, colleges will most probably have a OHP which they may allow an environmental group to use, but don't forget the bulbs have a short life and cost money. Finding a large flat wall and then some method of holding up the material for marking must also be considered.
This page is maintained by
The Rivermouth Action Group Inc
E-mail: activist@rag.org.au
as a community service.