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MAKING BIG BANNERS

MAKING BIG BANNERS

Some Activist Suggestions

There are numerous ways of making banners, but here are a few suggestions.

Materials Muslin -- This is an inexpensive material that holds the paint well and can be folded. The cost of this material depends on the size of the width. At a fabric store in New Haven muslin which is 36" wide is about $.99 to $1.50 per yard. The size of 9 feet by 3 feet or 12 feet by 3 feet makes a good size banner and with large painted letters is very visible for the rapidly passing traffic. The material for a 9 foot by 3 foot banner would cost about $4.50.

Paint -- Use a latex paint. This is a water base paint and dries in a couple of hours. The brushes are cleaned with water and any spills can be wiped off with water and a cloth or sponge. For banners the paint can be used in full strength or thinned down with water, about two parts paint to one part water. Pick bright colors. It is your preference whether to use flat or gloss paint. The paint store would have a color chart to see the different colors. A quart of black paint is about $10.00 and would be plenty for two banners. Go to Home Depo for Customer Return paints; Just $5 a gallon, $1 a pint!

Brushes -- There are many different kinds of brushes used for various styles of lettering. For a basic block type of lettering, a sponge brush works very well. Most hardware stores carry these in various widths and do not cost very much. For the proportions of a 9 feet by 3 feet banner the one inch or two inch sponge brush works well.

Tape (duct tape or other types) -- Tape is used to reinforce the edges of the banner and gives it a little extra support. This is not entirely necessary. Heavy string, wire or shoe strings -- For this action it is good to prepare the banners so they can be attached to the freeway overpass.

Plastic -- Paint the muslin on a large piece of plastic or some other paint drop cloth. The paint will bleed through the weave of the muslin. Planning the banner These banners will be viewed by fast moving traffic so there must be a concise bold statement. For marches add phone numbers and web addresses and more smaller info. NOTE: Choose slogans that will serve many different causes so they can be reused. Making the banner If you have a carpenter, chaulkline or snapline it can keep lettering straight, prevent slumping. For the spacing of the letters, count all letters and spaces. Example; "ENDLESS WAR" there are eleven letters and a space with the half way point being between the "SS." Allow for space at the edges and compute the size for the letters. With a marker or pencil outline the letters on the muslin or use other indications such as dots or guidelines for the letters. It is best to paint the banner on the floor to avoid runs and drips. When the paint is dry, the letters can be outlined with another contrasting color to emphasize the message. This is done with the thin edge of the sponge brush or even a magic marker. A border painted around the edges gives the banner a definite frame. The edges can be taped to give a little extra support. Try not to crowd the edges with letters, graphic can hit the edge. In the middle of the banner cut horizontal slits to allow for the wind. Cut holes into all four corners and the half way point on the top and bottom for the strings. Attach string or wire or even shoe strings to holes. Prepare this with extra lengths since the fencing or poles to attach the banners may vary. A length of 18 to 24 inches should be enough. Displaying the banner When attaching the banner on the overpass tie the top row of strings then grab the strings for the bottom and attach it. Really tie down the banner and if there is time cut the ends. Make it hard to remove these banners. It usually takes two to three people to attach the banner but also try to have someone watching your back just in case someone who does not like the message wanders by. It should not take a long time to attach the banner. At most overpasses there are places to attach banners for traffic going in both directions so have two banners prepared. If is against the law in your area, organize friends to hold the banner during rush hour. Heavy duty clothes pins or small clamps may be helpful in holding up the banner. If possible, have someone take pictures. This could be snapshots, digital, or video cameras. Send us your photos! Art makes our movement vibrant and attractive Adding graphic and multiple colors, movement and shading all contribute to the message. The artistic among us can draw in pencil on the sheets and the rest of us can color-by-number with the paints. Painting an organizational logo on the banner adds a special touch and serves to build the identity of key organizers.

Distributed by: Activist San Diego.org 619-528-8383 Thanks to Not in our Name for much of the info above.