Caring for Outdoor Banners During the Rainy Season

Zimbabwe's rainy season, typically running from around November through to March, brings a real risk to outdoor banners and signage. A banner that looks sharp in June can start to show wear by March if it hasn't been looked after between events. A little care goes a long way toward getting more use out of the same banner.

Know what your banner is made for

Not every banner is designed for prolonged exposure to rain. Some are built for short-term outdoor use at events, while others are made to withstand longer periods outside. Before you leave a banner up during the rainy season, check what it was designed for, and if in doubt, ask us directly rather than assuming.

Setting up in wet conditions

• Choose a stable, weighted stand so wind and rain don't cause the banner to fall or twist
• Avoid setting up directly in standing water or waterlogged ground
• If using a freestanding teardrop-style banner such as the 3m Teardrop Full Sublimation Banner (Set of 2), make sure the base is properly secured, as wind is often stronger during rainy season storms
• Check the ground conditions the morning of the event rather than the day before, since Harare storms can turn a dry stand site muddy overnight

During the event

• Keep a cloth on hand to wipe down the banner surface if it gets splashed with mud or rain
• If heavy rain sets in, consider lowering or temporarily removing freestanding banners rather than leaving them exposed for hours
• Avoid leaving banners up overnight outdoors during the rainy season unless necessary
• If your event spans several days, such as a multi-day expo, check banners each morning for any overnight damage before the doors open

Storage between events

How a banner is stored between uses matters as much as how it's used on the day.

• Dry it fully before packing away - rolling up a damp banner encourages mould and can damage the print over time
• Roll rather than fold sublimated banners where possible, as sharp folds can crack the print surface with repeated use
• Store in a dry, covered space, away from direct sunlight, which can also fade prints over time
• Keep the carry bag or case that came with the banner, as it is designed to protect the material during storage and transport
• Label banners if you own more than one, so staff know which is due for a check or clean before the next event

Rainy season vs dry season use: what changes

• Dry season (roughly April to October) - dust and strong sun are the main concerns; wipe down banners regularly and avoid prolonged direct sunlight where possible
• Rainy season (roughly November to March) - moisture, wind and mud become the primary risks; prioritise a secure base, quick drying after use, and shorter outdoor exposure windows

Signs it's time to replace a banner

• Visible cracking or peeling on the printed surface
• Persistent mould spots that don't clean off
• A stand or frame that no longer holds the banner securely

Buyer questions

Can I still use a banner outdoors during the rainy season at all? Yes, with the right setup and by avoiding leaving it exposed for extended periods unattended - most issues come from banners left up for days rather than used for a single event and then stored properly.

Is it worth having a second banner to rotate? For businesses attending frequent events through the rainy season, a second banner allows one to be drying or resting while the other is in use, extending the working life of both.

Planning around the season

If you know you have events planned through the rainy season, it's worth having a banner that is stored indoors between uses and only brought out for the event itself, rather than left up outdoors for extended periods. This single habit extends the working life of a banner considerably.

Ready to order?

Need a new banner or a second one to rotate with your current setup? Browse the catalogue to see current banner options. Email admin@apeiromedia.co.zw or WhatsApp +263 778 008 258 and we will help you choose the right option for your events through the rainy season.