FAQs

PowerTabs are used for virtually the same application as Banner Ups. They simply include several product innovations. For instance, PowerTabs are made of a super strong engineered multi-ply film. This film is just as strong as the thicker plastic from which Banner Ups are made, but because it is thinner it blends more invisibly into the banner surface. Also, the shape of the PowerTabs is different, making them more natural looking on a banner corner. Both tabs can be mounted horizontally or vertically on the banner, but the Banner Up can also be mounted at a 45 degree angle. Finally, PowerTabs are mounted on a release sheet making them much easier and faster to peel and stick than regular Banner Ups, a factor which becomes more important on larger volume jobs. On the other hand, regular Banner Ups have a foam adhesive system which can be an advantage when adhering to uneven surfaces. Though PowerTabs have been embraced enthusiastically by the graphics industry, we still have many loyal customers for whom Banner Ups remain the product of choice.

Banner Ups and PowerTabs® are designed specifically to withstand outdoor conditions. The polymer films and adhesive systems are engineered for use in the widest possible range of temperatures and environmental conditions. If you want a banner that will last for a year of continuous use, or many years of seasonal use, we would recommend that you buy a heavy duty banner material, reinforced with webbing and grommets. However, if you are creating an economical banner that will be used for between a few weeks and a few months, you can use Banner Ups and PowerTabs® with confidence. We have had customers tell us they had our products on banners that lasted over a year and were still going strong!

It is very important to put the PowerTape on top of the PowerTabs. Why? Because the tape has a silicone release coating on it to make self wound rolls possible. As a result, if you put the PowerTape down first the tabs will not stick to the PowerTape! Try it and see. If you discover a situation where you really want to adhere the tabs over the tape, you may dissolve the silicone release coating from the surface of the PowerTape by gently rubbing the tape film surface with a rag soaked in nail polish remover (don’t overdo it – it could melt the plastic film too!). This will quickly remove the silicone release coat and adhesive will stick to it.

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The two questions above need to be considered together because the answers relate to the amount of strength required for your application. There are several degrees of strength that can be achieved with the Banner Ups, and PowerTabs/ PowerTape system. We recommend that for indoor or light duty outdoor use you may use either Mini Banner Ups or Mini PowerTabs. In either case simply apply a mini tab directly to each corner of your banner and then use the tab’s center hole to fasten the rope. Similarly, for indoor or light duty outdoor you may use the Large Banner Ups or PowerTabs with the rope attached through the corner loop. For the next degree of strength, use the large tabs with the rope through the center hole. This can be used for most outdoor situations with banners in the range of 8 foot length and under. For the maximum strength, use both PowerTabs and PowerTape as described above. This is recommended for banners of lengths in excess of 8 feet or where maximum wind exposure is expected. Naturally no banner can be guaranteed to withstand all possible environmental conditions, but consider this strength data. The strength of a rope when tied through the center hole of a mini tab or through the loop of a large tab will hold up to about 50 lbs of force. A rope tied through the center hole of a large Banner Ups or PowerTabs will hold up to about triple that force -150 lbs. With the addition of PowerTape that number goes to over 200 lbs of strength. That means when you use the PowerTabs/ PowerTape system on all four corners you can create super strong banners that can withstand up to 800 lbs of wind load!

Banner Ups EdgeTabs can be used along the edges of banners when additional fastening points are desired. EdgeTabs’ square shape makes them look great along the edges, but also allows you to use them at the corners.

Crystal Clear EdgeTabs are larger and stronger than the Crystal Clear Mini PowerTabs. They have the handy “neck loop” for light duty or indoor hanging, just like the Large Crystal Clear PowerTabs, but they are less expensive, so for jobs not requiring the strength of the largest tabs, they can be a great economical alternative – a one size fits all.

BravoTabs® are square in shape so they work great for both corners and along edges. One tab fits all!

The neck loop on PowerTabs® and EdgeTabs® is only intended for light-duty use. Placing the rope through the tab center hole give much greater outdoor strength. As a result, many of our customers cut off the neck loop in order to prevent improper installation. With BravoTabs®, there is no neck loop to cut off. That saves time.

Absolutely. Though the shape is different, the surface area of the tab is virtually identical, and we use the same high-performance films and adhesives as the large Crystal Clear PowerTabs®.

For banners up to about 6 ft in length we recommend using four BravoTabs® at the banner corners. For banners over 6 ft in length we recommend adding tabs along the edges about every 2-3 feet.

Using the Banner Ups PowerPunch® is the safest and easiest way to punch the tab center hole in the media. The PowerPunch® hole is perfectly sized and the PowerPunch® punches the hole at just the right position. Using a knife to cut the center hole is possible, but risky because if the tab is cut slightly it may diminish the banner strength significantly. The PowerPunch® is reasonably priced and heavy duty for long life.