How to Install Grommets on PVC Banners & Fabric: A Complete Guide
October 30, 2026
How to Install Grommets on PVC Banners & Fabric: A Complete Guide
Grommets (eyelets) are the finishing step that makes a banner or piece of fabric ready to hang, tie and reuse. A properly installed grommet sits flush, holds under wind and tension, and doesn't tear the material. A poorly installed one pulls out on the first job — and that means rework, waste, and an unhappy customer.
Whether you run a sign shop or finish banners by hand, this guide walks through the equipment you need and the exact process for installing grommets on PVC banners, mesh and fabric — cleanly, every time.
What you need to install grommets
Installing grommets is a two-step process: punch the hole, then set the grommet (with its washer behind it). Depending on your volume, you choose the tool:
- Manual hand press — for a few grommets a day; you position, punch and set each one by hand
- Semi-automatic grommet machine — the machine punches and sets the grommet automatically; you position each hole. Best for most sign shops.
- Automatic grommet machine — for high-volume production; material feeds through and grommets are set with minimal handling.
Whichever you use, you need the correct die set for your grommet size, and grommets + washers that match.
Step-by-step: how to install grommets on a PVC banner
1. Decide the spacing and positions
Grommets are typically placed in the corners and along the edges for hanging. A common rule of thumb: place a grommet near each corner, then space the rest every 30–60 cm (12–24 in) along the edge. Plan positions so the banner hangs flat without sagging.
2. Mark the positions
Use a ruler and a light pencil mark (or a template) so each grommet lines up. Consistent spacing looks professional and keeps the banner straight when hung.
3. Punch the hole
Place the material over the punch die at the marked position. On a machine, position the banner and trigger the cycle. The punch cuts a clean hole sized for your grommet. A clean hole is key — a ragged or too-small hole stresses the material.
4. Place the grommet and washer
On the back side of the material, place the washer; on the front, the grommet. The washer reinforces the material so the grommet doesn't tear out under tension.
5. Set the grommet
Bring the die together to crimp the grommet around the hole, clamping the washer and material firmly. The grommet should sit flush against the fabric — not loose, not crushed through.
6. Check the result
Run your finger around the set grommet. It should feel smooth and firm, with no sharp burrs and no movement. If it's loose or the material is torn, reset or reposition.
Tips for clean, long-lasting grommets
- Match the die and grommet size exactly. Mismatched parts cause loose or crushed grommets.
- Use the right washer for the material. Heavier banner fabric needs a proper washer to spread the load.
- Keep the punch sharp. A dull punch tears fabric and creates weak holes.
- Set the grommet once, cleanly. Re-crimping weakens both the grommet and the material.
- Test on a scrap piece first — especially when you change material thickness or grommet size.
Common mistakes to avoid
| Mistake | Result |
|---|---|
| Hole too small or off-center | Torn fabric, weak or crooked grommet |
| No washer behind the material | Grommet pulls out under tension |
| Die and grommet size mismatch | Loose, crushed or broken grommet |
| Grommets spaced too far apart | Banner sags or edges flap in the wind |
| Re-crimping the same grommet | Weakened grommet that fails early |
FAQ
How far apart should grommets be on a banner?
A common practice is a grommet near each corner, then spaced every 30–60 cm (12–24 in) along the edges. Closer spacing suits windy outdoor banners; wider spacing works for indoor displays.
What side does the washer go on?
The washer goes on the back side of the material, with the grommet on the front. The washer reinforces the material so the grommet holds under tension without tearing.
Can you install grommets by hand?
Yes — a manual hand press installs grommets for light volume. For sign shops finishing many banners, a semi-automatic or automatic grommet machine is much faster and more consistent.
Why do my grommets keep pulling out?
Usually one of three causes: no washer behind the material, a hole that's too small or ragged, or a die/grommet size mismatch. Fix those and grommets hold reliably.
Set grommets that hold up to the job
Clean grommet installation is a skill that separates a shop that ships professional banners from one that fights rework. With the right machine, matching dies and a consistent process, you'll finish banners faster and with fewer callbacks.
If you're ready to speed up your finishing line, we manufacture semi-automatic and automatic grommet machines for sign shops:
- D03 Semi-Automatic Grommet Machine
- LD750 Series Automatic Grommet Machine
- LD750A Automatic Grommet Machine
Tell us your material and volume and we'll recommend the right machine with a factory-direct quote. Contact us for a quotation today.