What is a Step and Repeat Banner Stand
Step and repeat banner stands are a big product for us. We make them in a variety of sizes, on a multitude of substrates and a plethora of hardware used to display the banner. With so many sales for a single product line, you know we are going to get lots of “How Do I…” calls. Today we will dive into the step and repeat display world and explain what they are and how to use them, but first, let’s address the How Do I Install question:
HOW DO I INSTALL A STEP AND REPEAT BANNER STAND?
Hardware Included:
- 2 Feet
- 2 Side Poles (telescopic)
- 2 Support Poles (top & bottom, telescopic)
- 6 Pole Attachment Screws (stored in the end of the poles)
- Custom Printed Banner
- Carrying Case
Installation:
- Remove the screw from the bottom side pole and insert the side pole into a foot and reinsert the screw to the pole through the bottom of the foot. Snug with a Philips screwdriver, creating the base. (screwdriver not included)
- Repeat with the other side pole.
- Screw the support poles together, hand tighten only. Loosen both pole extensions, extend completely and retighten.
- Installation requires 2 people.
- Spread the banner out on floor.
- Slide a support pole thru the pole pocket at the bottom of the banner.
- Slide the second support pole into top pole pocket and attach ends to the top of the side poles with the supplied screws. (stored in the end of the poles)
- Extend both side poles until the banners bottom is slightly off the floor.
- Attach the bottom pole ends to the side poles with the supplied screws. (stored in the end of the poles)
- Extend both side poles simultaneously to erect the banner.
- *Connect the middle support pole and insert into the slits at the top and bottom of the banner and extend until tight.
Disassembly:
- Reverse the installations and store the hardware in its carry case. The carrying case comes with the stand at no additional cost.
WHAT IS A STEP AND REPEAT?
Everyone has seen them (unless you live under a rock without TV or Internet) you just don’t know what the real name of them are. When professional sports athletes give media interviews, the banner behind them, with all those logos, is called a step and repeat.
Images (usually the team logo and their best sponsor) are printed in an offset pattern, like an Excel spreadsheet, every other image is the same logo repeated. Hence the name Step and Repeat.
Step and repeats are normally 2 logos, we have made many step and repeat banners with 4 and 5 different company logos on it. They make such a good background for pictures and videos, marketers can use them to promote 2, 3 or even 4 companies/sponsors simultaneously.
WHAT TYPES OF STEP AND REPEATS DO COMPANIES MAKE?
Step and repeat banners are usually made of Vinyl banner material, but can be made of fabric, and for a premium look can be created using boards and back stands.
Banner: This is almost always a vinyl banner with grommets that is “hung” with nails, bungee cords or simply tied off. Vinyl banners have the huge advantage of not requiring hardware to display the banner, thus cutting the cost dramatically. This is not our prototypical step and repeat order, but we do make some periodically. We make vinyl banners in an unlimited array of sizes, too many to list and we have discounts available for large orders.
Retractable Banner: This is our most popular banner display, but typically not ordered in the step and repeat pattern. This has a Mylar backed vinyl banner that retracts into the base, much like a window blind. Retractable banners are easy to assemble and disassemble, along with east traveling with the included carry case.
The widths start at 31 ½” and extend to 59” (which is wide enough for a 2 people photo) and heights start at 78” tall and will reach up to 120”. We also offer these in a 2-Sided banner, (2 banners retract into a single base).
Banner Stands: Our most popular step and repeat backdrop. We make these in both vinyl and fabric, creating a pole pocket in the top and bottom of the banner so a telescopic support pole can be inserted thru the pole pocket, then attached to the telescopic side poles that easily erect the banner to its display height. Our standard sizes are: 8’ x 8’, 8’ x 10’, and 8’ x 12’.
As you can tell, we know our step and repeat banners and always welcome inquiries about them and the other event signage we manufacture. Our business model is based on Turn-Key service and that includes support after the sale.
A step and repeat banner (sometimes a step and repeat wall or press wall) is a publicity backdrop used primarily for event photography, printed with a repeating pattern such that brand logos or emblems are visible in photographs of the individuals standing in front of it. Step and repeat banners are common fixtures of red carpet or fashion events, or custom-printed for weddings or galas in order to give a more “celebrity-like” feel to attendees’ photos.
Material
Step-and-repeat backdrops can be made in several ways. The most common ways are either vinyl, fabric, poster paper, canvas or adhered onto a hard substrate such as plywood or foamcore. Recently step and repeats have been created with greenery, called ‘green step and repeats’. Each has its own sets of pros and cons. Fabric is less likely to have hotspots in photography which means it tends to absorb a flash rather than reflecting it. Vinyl is heavier duty and sometimes has brighter, more vibrant images. The support structure can vary depending on size. Standard Trade show display frames are often used, or it can be hung from or applied on a wall.
Usage
The main use for step and repeats is brand awareness. Vendors may charge a sponsorship fee for a logo to be displayed or for the company name to be featured in the background. The idea is that the photos will be shared through various platforms causing a ripple effect in impressions. More recently, step and repeat banners are being used more widely in and not just for hollywood style events. They can also be seen at trade shows, conventions, demo days, grand openings and even weddings, and birthdays.