When your banner hardware is solid but the printed fabric is faded, torn, or simply out of date, buying a complete new flag kit is an unnecessary expense. Replacement flag skins let you reprint just the fabric and reattach it to the poles and bases you already own, typically saving 40-60% compared to ordering a full new kit.
This guide covers how replacement flag skins work for bow, teardrop, and rectangle banners, what to check before ordering, and how to prepare your artwork so the new skin fits correctly.
Whether you are refreshing a seasonal graphic, rolling out a rebrand, or replacing fabric worn down by outdoor exposure, reprinting the skin alone is almost always the smarter choice.
Cheat sheet
- Replacement skins are available for bow, teardrop, and rectangle banner shapes
- From $44.40 AUD inc. GST, no minimum order quantity
- Single-sided (~110-120gsm) or double-sided blockout (~145gsm) available
- Guaranteed compatible with Paperlust original hardware; third-party poles require confirmation before ordering
- 2-3 working days production after proof approval
- Flat-rate shipping Australia-wide
- Fabric only, no poles, bases, or carry bags included
What Is a Replacement Flag Skin?
A replacement flag skin is the printed fabric panel of a promotional banner, supplied without the hardware. The fabric is printed via dye-sublimation onto knitted polyester, giving you the same colour-fast, vibrant finish as a full banner kit, at a fraction of the cost.
You receive the sleeve (the channel that slides over the pole) and the printed panel. The poles, base, and carry bag you already own stay in service.
This approach suits any business that runs regular events or permanent outdoor signage. Once the hardware is paid for, the graphic becomes a consumable you can update season by season or campaign by campaign.
Shapes and Sidedness Options
Replacement skins are available for three banner shapes:
- Teardrop – the tall, pointed-top flag widely used at outdoor events, car yards, and retail frontages
- Bow – a swooping convex profile with strong visual presence from multiple angles
- Rectangle – a true rectangular panel on a straight pole, common at trade shows and indoor venues
The skin you order must match the exact shape and size of your existing hardware. If you are unsure of your current size, measure the printed panel of your flag from hem to hem rather than the overall pole length.
Single-Sided vs Double-Sided Blockout
Single-sided skins (~110-120gsm) suit the majority of outdoor applications. The reverse face shows a mirrored bleed-through of the design, which is expected and normal for this flag type.
Double-sided blockout (~145gsm) includes an opaque inner layer that prevents bleed-through, so both faces display the design cleanly. This is worth the additional cost when the reverse of your flag is visible from a pedestrian pathway, a shared thoroughfare, or under even indoor lighting.
When to Reskin vs Replace the Full Kit
Choosing between a replacement skin and a full new kit comes down to the condition of your hardware.
Order a replacement skin when:
- The pole, base, and carry bag are structurally sound with no cracks or bent sections
- You are keeping the same flag shape and size
- You are updating a graphic, swapping seasonal artwork, or replacing faded fabric
Order a full new kit when:
- The pole is bent, cracked, or the bungee cord has snapped
- The base is corroded or no longer holds the flag stable in wind
- You are changing flag shape or moving to a size outside your existing pole’s range
- You are starting from scratch with no hardware on hand
Most businesses hit the reskin scenario within 6-18 months of their first kit purchase. Flags used in full sun outdoors fade more quickly than those used in covered outdoor spaces or indoors.
Compatibility With Your Hardware
Replacement skins from Paperlust are guaranteed to fit Paperlust original banner hardware. If your poles were supplied by a different manufacturer, sleeve diameter and pole profile may vary.
Before ordering a third-party-compatible skin, contact the Paperlust team with your pole brand and dimensions. Most standard-sized AU poles are compatible, but confirming first is far easier than discovering a mismatch the morning of your event.
If you purchased teardrop banners or bow banners from Paperlust, compatibility is guaranteed and you can order a replacement skin with confidence.
How to Order a Replacement Skin
Step 1 – Identify your shape and size. Check the shape (teardrop, bow, or rectangle) and the height of the printed panel. If you ordered from Paperlust previously, your original order confirmation will have the size listed. If not, measure the printed area.
Step 2 – Choose your sidedness. Single-sided for most applications; double-sided blockout when both faces need a clean print.
Step 3 – Prepare your artwork file. Accepted formats are PDF, SVG, or Adobe Illustrator (.ai/.eps). Minimum 100dpi resolution; vector artwork preferred. Include 5-10mm bleed on all sides and outline all fonts before exporting.
Step 4 – Upload and order. There is no minimum order quantity, so a single replacement skin is a completely valid order. Volume pricing applies at 20 or more units, which suits businesses maintaining a large fleet of flags across multiple venues.
Production takes 2-3 working days after proof approval, with flat-rate shipping dispatched Australia-wide.
Design Refresh Tips
If you are reskinning as part of a rebrand or seasonal update, these practical points will save you a reprint:
- Use the correct template for your shape and size. Starting from the right artwork template eliminates the most common bleed and clearance errors.
- Check both reverse and front placement if ordering single-sided. The bleed-through is a mirror of your design, so text-heavy layouts should be checked to ensure the reverse read does not conflict with adjacent signage.
- Test your colours in CMYK. Dye-sublimation on polyester can render colours differently from paper printing. Request a proof from the team before approving a large run to confirm colour output on the actual fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a replacement skin for a flag I did not buy from Paperlust?
Replacement skins from Paperlust are guaranteed compatible with Paperlust original hardware. For flags sourced from other suppliers, contact the Paperlust team first with your pole brand and dimensions so compatibility can be confirmed before you order.
What if I do not know what size my existing banner is?
Measure the printed panel of your current flag from top hem to bottom hem and note the shape. If you are still unsure, send a photo to the Paperlust team and they will help match your hardware to the correct replacement size.
What is the difference between single-sided and double-sided blockout?
Single-sided skins (~110-120gsm) are printed on one face; the reverse shows a mirrored bleed-through. Double-sided blockout (~145gsm) includes an opaque inner layer so both faces display the design clearly. Choose double-sided when the reverse of your flag faces your audience or is visible under even lighting.
How long does production take?
Production takes 2-3 working days after your proof is approved. Shipping is flat-rate Australia-wide and dispatches on completion of production.
Can I order a single replacement skin without a minimum quantity?
Yes. There is no minimum order quantity. You can order one replacement skin for a single flag or a bulk run for a fleet of banners, and the same production timeline applies.
Do you offer pricing for large fleet orders?
Volume pricing applies at 20 or more skins. Contact the Paperlust team directly for a quote if you are replacing a large number of flags across multiple locations.
