Finishing and display hardware are the final steps that turn a printed graphic into a functional, professional sign. The right finishing option not only affects the appearance of your piece, but also how it installs, how portable it is, how long it lasts, and how easily it can be reused. Choosing the best finishing depends on:
Where your sign will be displayed: indoors or outdoors, free-standing or mounted
How long it needs to last: one-day event or multi-year installation
Portability needs: permanent install vs. frequent travel or re-use
Mounting surface: wall, fence, table, storefront window, sidewalk, or lobby area
Professional presentation: clean edges, durable corners, rigid support, or premium hardware
Below is a guide to common finishing and hardware options used by Vanderbilt Printing Services to help you select the right solution for your display needs.
Banner Hemming
Reinforced edges folded and heat-welded or stitched to add strength and prevent fraying on vinyl banners. Ideal for outdoor displays, long banners, and any application where durability is essential.
Best for: Indoor or outdoor banners
Banner Grommeting
Metal grommets placed along banner edges to provide strong, tear-resistant attachment points for hooks, ropes, zip ties, or bungee cords. Essential for hanging banners or outdoor installations.
Best for: Indoor/outdoor hanging banners, fence signs, event signage
Pole Pockets
Fabric or vinyl sleeves sewn or welded along the top and/or bottom of a banner to accommodate poles, dowels, or banner rods. Provides a clean, hardware-free look for hanging displays.
Best for: Indoor hanging banners, stage backdrops, corporate events
Laminating (Gloss or Matte)
A protective film applied over printed graphics to improve durability, resist scratches, reduce fading, and enhance appearance. Both roll media and rigid signage can be laminated to enhance durability.
- Gloss: bright, vibrant, reflective
- Matte: low-glare, soft finish, ideal for readability
Best for: Indoor or outdoor prints, menus, signage, frequently handled pieces
Hole Drilling (for Standoffs or Mounting Hardware)
Drilled holes in rigid substrates to accommodate standoffs, screws, or decorative mounting hardware. Creates a professional, dimensional appearance for permanent signage.
Best for: Indoor office signage, acrylic displays, architectural graphics
Self-Adhesive Easel Back
A peel-and-stick cardboard easel applied to the back of mounted prints or board signs. Allows tabletop or countertop display without hardware.
Best for: Indoor tabletop signage, presentations, point-of-sale displays
Mightee Mount Base
A low-profile, heavy-duty steel base designed to hold rigid substrates like Foam Core, PVC, or ACM upright. Provides a sleek, minimal look for interior branding, wayfinding, or lobby displays. Available in 24", 36", and 48" widths.
Ideal print material: 1/2" Ultraboard
Best for: Indoor freestanding rigid signs
Retractable Banner Display (Pull-Up Banner Stand)
A portable aluminum stand that houses a retracting vinyl or fabric banner. Quick to set up, easy to transport, and perfect for recurring events, conferences, and presentations.
Best for: Indoor displays, trade shows, recruitment fairs, mobile presentations
H-Stake (for Yard Signs)
A wire stake that inserts into corrugated plastic yard signs (Coroplast) for easy, tool-free installation in soft ground.
Typical yard sign size: 24" x 18".
Best for: Outdoor yard signs, directional signage, temporary outdoor promotions
Contour Cutting
Precision cutting around the shape of your artwork—logos, letters, characters, decals, or specialty silhouettes. Works with adhesive vinyl, rigid substrates, stickers, decals, and POP graphics.
Best for: Custom shapes, decals, branding graphics, letters, floor graphics
Custom Installation Services
For complex or large-scale signage, professional installation ensures alignment, safety, hardware stability, and long-term durability. Includes wall mounting, vinyl application, hanging systems, window graphics, and architectural signage.
Examples of Printing Services' professional sign installation can be found in all areas of campus - from FirstBank Stadium, to the Vanderbilt Bookstore, to Sarratt Student Center.
Best for: Permanent installs, large graphics, multi-panel displays, outdoor signage
To learn more about signage and display graphics, or to request a specialty material, email Printing Services at printingservices@vanderbilt.edu or call 615-936-4544.