How to Properly Store Your Roller Banner

Roller banners are brilliant. Lightweight, portable, easy to set up (and, crucially, take down), they’re a firm favourite at exhibitions, trade shows, and conferences alike. But once the event’s over and your banner has served its purpose, what then?

If you’re just rolling it up and chucking it in the back of a cupboard (or worse, leaving it in the boot of the car for weeks), we hate to say it... but you're shortening its lifespan. Roller banners are an investment. Storing them correctly means they’ll keep looking crisp and professional every single time you need them.

Here’s how to store yours properly - and no, it doesn’t involve bubble wrap or any overly complicated rituals.

Start with a clean banner

Let’s begin with the obvious, shall we?

Before you even think about storing your roller banner, check that it’s clean and dry. Even a bit of moisture or dust can wreak havoc over time. Moisture leads to mould (yep, gross), and dust particles can settle and dull the print or damage the mechanism.

If there are smudges or fingerprints, gently wipe them off using a dry microfiber cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning chemicals unless you’re certain the material can handle it - some inks are less hardy than others.

In short: clean now, save yourself from disappointment later.

Retract it... carefully

We know - you’re tired, the event just wrapped up, and packing everything away as fast as humanly possible is the only thing on your mind. But don’t let fatigue turn into force.

Retract the banner slowly and with care. That sharp snap back into the base might seem harmless in the moment, but over time it can warp the banner or stretch the internal mechanism. Even a tiny misalignment can mean your roller banner doesn’t sit straight next time you use it.

If the base has a locking pin or clip, use it. They're not decorative. They're there to stop the tension spring from weakening during storage.

Always use the carry case

You’d be surprised how many people bin the carry case after the first use. Or leave it behind at a venue (we’ve seen it more than once). But here’s the thing:

That padded case isn’t just for easy transport - it’s for protection.

Even if your banner is sitting safely in a cupboard, the carry case shields it from dust, light, and accidental knocks. Plus, if you're storing multiple banners together, the case prevents any rubbing or scraping between them. (Friction is the enemy.)

Quick tip: make sure the banner is fully retracted and secured before slipping it into the case. Otherwise, you’re inviting unwanted creases.

Store it upright - not flat

Now this part’s important.

Always store your roller banner vertically, with the base on the ground. Storing it flat - or worse, on its side - can cause pressure points that bend the frame or mark the print over time. It might not show straight away, but fast-forward to your next event and suddenly your once-sleek banner has a mysterious kink or droop.

You want it standing like a soldier, not slouched like a teenager on a sofa.

If vertical storage isn’t possible, at least make sure it’s not underneath a stack of other equipment. The base might seem solid, but it’s not invincible.

Avoid sunlight and humidity

We probably don’t need to say this, but… let’s say it anyway.

Sunlight fades. Humidity warps. Your roller banner is no match for either.

Ideally, keep it in a cool, dry, and shaded space. Think storage cupboard, not conservatory. This isn’t just about protecting the ink or fabric - extreme temperatures and moisture can also affect the spring mechanism inside the base, causing it to rust or lose tension.

Trust us, roller banners and garages do not mix.

Rotate your banners (if you have more than one)

If you’re using roller banners regularly - for instance, rotating them at weekly expos or events - it’s a good idea to rotate the banners you use too. It sounds obvious, but lots of companies tend to grab the same one over and over again (usually the one that’s easiest to reach).

By giving each banner a fair turn, you’re spreading the wear and tear across your inventory. And if you’re updating your branding, it’s a good excuse to revisit what you’ve got and see what still holds up.

Also - on that note - if you're looking to make a bigger impact at your next event, take a look at our vertical displays for marketing events.

Don’t wait until the next event to check it

A small plea from those of us who’ve had to deal with last-minute banner disasters...

Check your roller banner well before you need it again. Don’t wait until the night before your event to realise it’s wrinkled, misaligned, or still covered in last year’s glitter.

Take it out, give it a once-over. Make sure it rolls out smoothly, stands up straight, and looks fresh. If it doesn’t, at least you’ll have time to fix it (or replace it) before it becomes a panic.

Final thoughts

Look - we get it. Roller banners are designed to be durable. And they are. But they’re not invincible. Treat them well, and they’ll reward you by making your business look polished and professional time and time again.

So clean them. Retract them properly. Keep them upright. Give them the storage space they deserve.

Because when your next event rolls around, you’ll want your display to shine - not sag.

And if you ever need a fresh design, new hardware, or help deciding which display solution is right for your next big outing, we’re here. It's kind of our thing.