Roll-up is one of the most popular display systems in the world — and for good reason. It's lightweight, portable, quick to set up and relatively affordable. It works everywhere: at trade fairs, in company reception areas, at conferences, in service and retail points, and at outdoor events.
In this article, we'll walk you through everything worth knowing about roll-ups: from size standards, through cassette and material types, to graphic design principles and the advantages of latex printing — our speciality at Fengo.
What exactly is a roll-up?
A roll-up (also written as rollup or roll up) is a portable presentation system consisting of two elements: an aluminium cassette with a retractable mechanism, and a printed banner that, once unrolled, is tensioned between the cassette and a top rail supported by a telescopic mast.
The whole thing fits in a carry bag and typically weighs between 3 and 7 kg, depending on the cassette type. Setting it up requires no tools and takes just a moment.
Standard roll-up sizes
Several standard cassette widths are available on the market. The most commonly found are:
| Width | Graphic height | Application | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85 cm | 200–215 cm | Standard — trade fairs, receptions, events | ★★★★★ |
| 100 cm | 200–215 cm | Larger displays, backdrop walls | ★★★★ |
| 120 cm | 200–215 cm | Large stands, composite backdrop walls | ★★★ |
| 150 cm | 200–215 cm | Premium exhibition displays | ★★ |
| 60 cm | 160–200 cm | Mini roll-up — counters, POS | ★★★ |
By far the most popular format is 85 × 200 cm. If you're ordering a roll-up for the first time and have no special requirements, go with this size.
Types of roll-ups
Standard roll-up (economy)
• Aluminium cassette with spring mechanism
• Weight approx. 3–4 kg, lifespan: several dozen set-ups
• Ideal for one-off events, short campaigns or permanent display
• Lowest price
Premium roll-up
• Reinforced cassette, wider aluminium profile
• Weight approx. 5–7 kg, lifespan: several hundred set-ups
• More stable mast, often with adjustable height
• Easier graphic replacement
• Recommended for companies that regularly exhibit at trade fairs
Double-sided roll-up
• Two banners mounted on both sides of the cassette
• Ideal as a freestanding element, visible from all sides
• Works well in shopping centres, at exhibitions and conferences
• Heavier (6–9 kg), but still fully portable
Outdoor roll-up (external)
• Hardened cassette with water or sand ballast for stability
• Designed for outdoor use — in front of buildings, at open-air events
• Higher price, but durability that's in a league of its own compared to standard models
Type comparison
| Feature | Standard | Premium | Double-sided | Outdoor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ★ | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Durability | Low | High | Medium | Very high |
| Weight | 3–4 kg | 5–7 kg | 6–9 kg | 8–12 kg |
| Graphic swap | Difficult | Easy | Possible | Possible |
| Outdoor use | No | Limited | No | Yes |
Banner materials for roll-up printing
The choice of material has a direct impact on print quality, durability and how the roll-up will be used. Here are the most commonly used substrates:
PP material (polypropylene)
• Smooth, satin surface with excellent colour reproduction
• Lightweight and flexible, rolls easily inside the cassette
• Available in matte and semi-matte variants
• Our recommended solution for most applications
PET material (polyester)
• Greater rigidity and scratch resistance
• Longer lifespan under intensive use
• Ideal for premium cassettes with interchangeable graphics
Blockout for double-sided and backlit roll-ups
• Opaque material that prevents the graphic on one side from showing through to the other
• Essential for double-sided roll-ups
• Heavier than standard PP material, but guarantees a professional result
Why is latex printing the best choice for roll-ups?
At Fengo, we print roll-ups using HP Latex technology — and that's a deliberate choice, not a coincidence. Latex printing offers a unique combination of qualities that make it ideal for display systems:
No odour
Latex inks are water-based. Once dry, the banner has no smell whatsoever, and you can safely use it in enclosed spaces: at trade fairs, in offices, hotels, hospitals or schools.
Scratch and abrasion resistance
Resistance to mechanical damage, thanks to a special "overcoat" print layer. This is crucial for roll-ups that are rolled and unrolled repeatedly.
Rich, vibrant colours
HP Latex delivers a wide colour gamut and excellent reproduction of photographs and gradients. The print looks professional on both matte and satin materials.
High print quality
We use the latest generation of printers, which deliver very high resolution — producing sharp details and clean edges, free from banding and uneven coverage.
Eco-friendly
Latex inks contain no organic solvents (VOC) and meet the strictest indoor emission standards, including those for schools and medical facilities.
Instant readiness
A banner printed with Latex technology is ready to use immediately after printing, with no drying time, airing out or lamination required (though lamination can further extend its lifespan).
Print technology comparison
| Feature | Latex (HP) | Eco-solvent | UV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odour | None | Strong (2–3 days) | Slight |
| Indoor use | Immediately | After airing out | Immediately |
| Mech. resistance | High | Medium | Very high |
| Colours | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Eco-friendliness | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Price | Medium | Low | High |
How to design graphics for a roll-up? Practical tips
A great roll-up isn't just about a sharp print — it's above all about well-designed graphics. Here are the principles we apply at Fengo and recommend to every client:
Content hierarchy using the three-zone rule
1. Top zone (eye level, 120–200 cm): main headline, key message or image. This is where the eye goes first.
2. Middle zone (60–120 cm): expanded offer details, key selling points, benefit icons.
3. Lower middle zone (0–60 cm): logo, contact details, website address, QR code.
Legibility from a distance
• The main headline should be readable from 3–5 metres
• Minimum font size for the title: approx. 100–150 pt
• Avoid long texts — a roll-up is not a leaflet, it's a billboard
• Maximum 5–7 lines of text across the entire banner
File technical specifications
• Resolution: min. 200 DPI (optimally 300 DPI for the 85 × 200 cm format)
• Colour space: CMYK
• File format: PDF, TIFF, AI or EPS
• The bottom 10 cm of the graphic is hidden inside the cassette and should be added to the total graphic height.
Common design mistakes
• Too much text — nobody will read paragraphs on a roll-up
• Logo at the bottom in micro size — it should be visible, not buried
• Low-resolution images — at large format, every pixel shows
• No hierarchy — when everything looks the same, nothing catches the eye
• RGB colours instead of CMYK — neon shades from a screen simply don't exist in print
Where do roll-ups shine? Business applications
Trade fairs and industry exhibitions
This is the natural habitat of the roll-up. Quick to set up, professional-looking, easy to transport — the perfect complement to a trade stand. Place two roll-ups on either side of a table and you have an instant display backdrop.
Company receptions and lobbies
A roll-up featuring your company mission, current offer or seasonal campaign is an affordable yet striking interior decoration. You can swap it out each season without investing in permanent fixtures.
Conferences and training sessions
As a set dressing element, photo backdrop, or information carrier for logistics details (agenda, partners, WiFi). Increasingly, roll-ups are also being used as backgrounds for networking zones.
Point of sale (POS)
Mini roll-ups (60 cm) work brilliantly on shop counters, at checkouts and in window displays. They promote current offers, new products or loyalty programmes.
Events and outdoor gatherings
Outdoor roll-ups with a weighted base can withstand wind and weather. They work well at entrances, sponsor zones and participant registration areas.
Medical practices, law offices, public offices
Thanks to odour-free latex printing, roll-ups can stand in medical practices, waiting rooms and public spaces with no health concerns whatsoever.
Why order your roll-up from Fengo?
We're not an online print shop that just prints "whatever you upload". We're a creative agency with our own production facility — and that makes all the difference:
• HP Latex printing — odour-free, eco-friendly, with rich colours. Prints ready immediately, no airing out needed.
• Graphic design — our team of designers will make sure your roll-up looks professional, not "like it came from a free template".
• Quality control at every stage.
• Fast turnaround — standard 2–3 business days, express in 24h.
• Comprehensive service — a roll-up is often part of a bigger picture. Need business cards, flyers or vehicle wrapping too? We handle everything in one place.
• We take care of our print heads and use only original consumables — because cutting corners on quality simply isn't something we allow ourselves.
• Local service with on-site visits — we operate from Cieszyn, serving clients across Silesia and across Poland.
How much does a roll-up cost?
The price of a roll-up depends on the cassette type, size and quantity. Approximate price ranges for the 85 × 200 cm format.
We'll prepare an exact quote once we know the details — drop us a message or give us a call, we respond quickly.
Summary
Roll-up is one of the most versatile advertising tools available — affordable to produce, easy to transport and effective in action. The key to success lies in well-designed graphics, the right choice of cassette and material, and printing with a technology that guarantees durability and quality.
At Fengo, we bring all of these elements together — from design, through HP Latex printing, to a complete display system with carry bag delivered to your door. If you're planning a trade fair, an event, an office opening, or simply want to stand out — get in touch with us!
