How to Hem Banners with Banner Hem Tape
TigerTape's super-aggressive adhesive lets you fold and bond a straight, kink-free hem on vinyl banners of any length no sewing machine, no heat tools required.
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A proper hem keeps banner edges from fraying, gives grommets something solid to bite into, and adds stiffness that makes a large banner hang flat. TigerTape uses a high-tack acrylic adhesive that bonds permanently to vinyl in seconds — no stitching, no hot-air welder, no press required.
Overview
Banner hem tape creates a folded edge by bonding the banner back to itself. The tape sits between the two layers of the fold, holding them under constant pressure. TigerTape’s formulation is specifically designed for banner vinyl — it stays flexible in cold and does not soften in heat, so the hem stays tight year-round.
A hemmed banner is significantly stronger than a raw-edge banner at the grommet or tab location. By doubling the material at the edge, you double the tear resistance before the hanging hardware ever sees stress.
Step 1 — Apply TigerTape
Peel the release liner from one side of TigerTape and apply it along the banner edge, adhesive-side down. Keep the second liner in place — this protects the top adhesive layer while you crease the fold in the next step. Position the tape so its inner edge aligns with your intended fold line.
Step 2 — Pre-Crease Your Edge
With the tape applied and the second liner still on, fold the banner edge over onto the tape. Run your fingernail or a straight edge along the fold to set a crisp crease. This step is what separates a straight hem from a wavy one — a clean crease gives you a reference line to follow when you press the final bond.
Step 3 — Remove Liner and Press Hem
Remove the second TigerTape liner in short 6–12 inch sections. As you expose each section, immediately press the banner fold down onto the adhesive. Work your way along the edge rather than pulling the full liner at once — this prevents the tape from curling and keeps the fold aligned.
Step 4 — Finish the Fold
Once the full hem is pressed, run a brayer or squeegee along the folded edge with firm, even pressure. This collapses any remaining air pockets and forces the adhesive fully into contact with the banner surface. Repeat on all four sides.
Finishing & Hanging
With all four edges hemmed, apply BravoTabs at each corner and every grommet location. Fold each BravoTab over the hemmed edge so it bridges both layers. Use an EZ Punch or PowerPunch to create a clean hole through the tab, then run rope or zip ties through the holes to hang.
FAQ
How wide should my hem be?
A 1″–1.5″ hem is standard for vinyl banners. Wider hems add stiffness; narrower hems are faster but provide less edge reinforcement for larger banners.
Can I hem a banner that is already grommeted?
Yes. Apply TigerTape up to the grommet position, then fold. Use a craft punch or hobby knife to cut out the grommet after hemming so it remains exposed.
What is the difference between TigerTape and PowerTape?
TigerTape is double-sided and designed for folded hems. PowerTape is single-sided and designed to reinforce banner edges and seal the back of adhesive tab installations. They work best together — TigerTape for the hem fold, PowerTape for edge sealing.
How long does the hem bond take to fully cure?
Initial tack is immediate. Full cure is reached in 24 hours at room temperature. For cold weather installs (below 40°F), warm the banner slightly before applying TigerTape to activate the adhesive.
