Press wall (brand wall) manufacturing

A press wall (brand wall) is a portable structure consisting of a metal frame and a banner with large-format full-colour printing. It is assembled for an event and taken down afterwards. The frame holds the shape and keeps the banner taut, so the image doesn't sag or wrinkle even in large formats – that is why this design is used rather than a banner tied up with ropes or a bare frame without a cover. The same system goes by many names: brand wall, media wall, photo wall, press backdrop, backdrop. The names reflect different uses of the same structure, from a press conference to a photo cut-out board at a wedding.

Design and support options

All series share the same basis: a frame of metal tubes with the banner stretched over it. The type of support is chosen to suit how it will be used, and in the catalogue it is part of the series name:

• High or low legs – the classic telescopic support; the difference is the height from the floor to the bottom edge of the banner
• "Arc" – curved support elements instead of straight legs, for a lighter look
• Reinforced frame, including a double frame – for large formats and frequent transport
• Metal or composite legs – different support materials with the same assembly method
• Wall mounting – for locations where the structure stays in one place permanently
• Combined structures – several sections assembled into one continuous backdrop

Banner fixing: eyelets or pockets

There are two ways to fix the banner to the frame, and they define the series – you can't switch from one to the other on a finished product.

• Eyelets – metal rings around the edge of the banner; the banner is fixed to the tube with plastic cable ties. This method is simple and quick to assemble, but the ties remain visible, so it looks less neat than pockets.
• Pockets – welded pocket channels run along the banner, which slides onto the top and bottom tubes of the frame, is stretched and clamped; there is also a version with pockets around the whole perimeter. The fixings are hidden inside the pockets, so only the taut banner is visible.

Both methods keep the banner flat without sagging and come apart as quickly as they go together.

Outdoor versions: water or paving slabs

For structures used outdoors, wind resistance matters as much as the support. The catalogue has two different base versions for this, each a separate series:

• Water-filled base – a container in the base is filled with water on site, adding weight without having to carry extra ballast
• Paving slab base – the weight comes from paving slabs supplied in the kit, so nothing needs filling

These are two different products for different situations: where there is a water source nearby, a fillable base is more convenient; for a one-off installation with no water nearby, choose the paving slab base.

Formats and kit options

Within each series, the only variable is the banner size in metres: the structure for each size is designed so that the frame holds that particular banner without sagging. You can also choose what the order includes: a complete kit (frame plus printed banner), a replacement banner only for a frame you already have, or a frame only without printing. Some series also offer an advertising banner with or without printing, and combined structures let you choose the number of sections in the line.

Portability and assembly

The frame breaks down into compact parts and packs into a carry bag. For mobile events, the principle is the same as with the neighbouring exhibition stands: the structure must not only look good on site but also fit easily in a car boot or hand luggage. No tools are needed for assembly – every joint is fixed by hand, so one person can set up a press wall on their own.

How to choose a series

Three questions settle the choice of series:

• Indoors or outdoors – this determines whether you need a weighted base and which kind
• How often the structure moves to a new location – if often, lightweight composite legs and a carry bag matter; if it stays put, a wall-mounted version will do
• Which matters more – speed of assembly (eyelets) or a clean look with no visible fixings (pockets)

The format is chosen separately to fit the venue: a stage, a wall for a photo zone or a corner of the hall for a meeting point.

Press walls and brand walls are used at press conferences, presentations, corporate events, exhibitions, weddings and other events – as a backdrop for official photos, a photo zone for guests or a photo cut-out board in the entertainment programme. Examples of finished structures are in the press wall photo gallery, and if you are looking for a more compact solution for a meeting point, take a look at the Portable display stands section.

A press wall takes 3–7 days to make; the exact lead time for your series is shown on the product page.