How to Read Fabric Care Symbols for Custom-Printed Display Graphics

Proper care of custom-printed display graphics, such as table covers, banners, backdrops, and silicone edge graphics (SEG), is essential for businesses trying to optimize the value of their marketing displays. These graphics help them make a strong impact at events.

At a crowded trade show or promotional event, first impressions matter. A vibrant, well-maintained banner can draw attendees in from across the room, while a faded, poorly cared-for display might get overlooked entirely. If you want to set up a booth with attention-grabbing custom-printed display graphics, you must be aware of fabric care symbols. This post offers you insights on some common fabric care symbols for your custom-printed display graphics.

Decoding Fabric Care Symbols for Your Custom Display Graphics

Fabric care symbols are icons that teach you something about textile maintenance. At FLS Banners, our experts spend several hundred hours in a year understanding their requirements and guiding them to the right decision. Besides this, we print on premium fabrics employing advanced dye sublimation and direct-to-fabric techniques. While we use durable, fade-resistant fabrics and premium printing techniques, proper care ensures your graphics stay sharp and event-ready. Here’s how to decode the most common fabric care symbols used on your custom-printed display graphics.

1. Washing Symbols: These symbols will tell you whether a fabric is suited for a hand wash, machine wash, or merely needs to be dry cleaned.

• Washtub with Water or a Plain Tub: This shows the fabric is machine washable.
• Washtub with Hand: This means handwashing only.
• Washtub with a Line Underneath: This indicates a gentle washing cycle.
• Washtub with a Number (e.g., 30, 40): This indicates the maximum washing temperature in Celsius. For instance, "40" means washing in warm water (104°F).
• Washtub with a Cross: This symbol means the fabric is not washable. You must spot clean or dry clean it.

Expert Tip: Many of our fabrics, especially for table covers and banners, are machine washable and air-dried.

2. Drying Symbols: These symbols will help you avoid shrinkage and heat damage.

• Square: This symbol indicates that the item can be tumble dried. The lines or numbers in the square specify the level of agitation and drying temperature.
• Square with a Circle: This symbol indicates the item is safe for dryer use. You can air-dry or drip-dry it. Dots inside the circle indicate heat level:
  • One dot = low heat

• Two dots = medium heat
• Three dots = high heat

• Square with a Circle and an “X”: This indicates that the item is not meant for tumble drying.
• Square with Horizontal Line: This symbol advises line drying or flat drying.
• Square with Three Vertical Lines: This shows drip drying, which is ideal for display fabrics that can retain shape better when hung.
• Square with Curved or Drooping Line: This means hang to dry.
• Square with Diagonal Lines in the Corner: This means you should dry that item in the shade.

Expert Tip: For most display fabrics, air drying or tumble drying on low is safest to prevent shrinkage or heat-related print damage.

3. Dry Cleaning Symbols: Not all printed fabrics are suitable for dry cleaning. However, if you are using one, these are further symbols to help your dry cleaner.

• Circle: It means dry clean only.
• Circle with a Letter (e.g., "P" or "F"): This indicates the type of solvent that can be used.
• Circle with a Line at the Bottom Left: This means the fabric should be dry-cleaned on a short cycle.
• Circle with a Diagonal Bar at the Top Right: This recommends dry cleaning with reduced moisture.
• Circle with a Line at the Bottom Right: This instructs the item to be dry-cleaned on low heat.
• Circle with a Line at the Top Left: This advises against steam finishing.
• Circle with an “X”: This recommends not to dry clean.

Expert Tip: Most of our custom graphics can retain their vibrancy for several years with easy fabric care at home, but always check the care tag or consult us if you are unsure.

4. Bleaching Symbols: If used incorrectly, bleaching can damage your printed fabric. Here are some symbols to look out for.

• Triangle: This shows the fabric can withstand chlorine and non-chlorine bleach (rare for printed fabrics).
• Triangle with “CL” Letter: This advises using a chlorine bleaching agent. This is obsolete now.
• Triangle with Diagonal Lines: This advises using non-chlorine bleach only.
• Black Triangle with a Cross: This advises against bleaching, which is common for custom-printed graphics. Bleach can cause colors to fade or run.

Expert Tip: We always recommend avoiding bleach altogether to preserve the color vibrancy and print clarity.

5. Ironing Symbols: Some graphics may wrinkle during ironing. The following symbols will help you make the right decision.

• Iron Icon: This shows the fabric is safe to iron. Dots inside indicate heat level:
  • One dot = low heat
  • Two dots = medium heat
  • Three dots = high heat
• Iron with an “X”: This warns you against ironing. This applies to heat-sensitive materials or graphics with coatings.
• Three Little Bursts of Steam Under the Iron: This shows it is safe to steam the garment.
• Iron with an “X” Symbol with Three Bursts of Steam: This shows avoiding steaming.

Expert Tip: If ironing is required, avoid direct contact with the print. Use a pressing cloth above the print. A handheld steamer is often a safer option for wrinkle removal.

Why It Matters

Improper washing, drying, steaming, and ironing can lead to:

• Fading graphics
• Distorted or puckered seams
• Fabric shrinkage
• Permanent stains or wrinkles

Thus, reading and following fabric care symbols is quite important. By following simple care instructions, you can maintain the professional look of your display graphics event after event.

Care Confidence with FLS Banners

At FLS Banners, we partner with distributors and brands to ensure long-term success. This includes helping you or your customers care for products properly. Our team is always available to answer questions on caring for your custom-printed graphics. Whether you are ordering in bulk or customizing for a single event, we make maintenance simple.

Do you have questions about caring for your display graphics? Reach out to our team; we are happy to help you get the most out of every print.