When looking at display graphics you must distinguish between indoor and outdoor applications. Different applications have different requirements.

Indoor display graphics are most frequently set up in trade shows, retail stores, malls, and conferences. Outdoor display graphics are typically vinyl banners, adhesive vinyl used for vehicles or windows, signs, large outdoor posters, and street banners.

The major distinction is that outdoor graphics are exposed to the elements and they therefore require special inks in order to be waterproof and resistant to UV light. That means it is necessary to use special solvent inks that will not fade as quickly in bright sunlight, and are also water resistant.

Even for indoor graphics it is often best to use solvent inks. For example, banners that you expect to use a number of times will have to be rolled and unrolled, and non-solvent inks are much more likely to break down or scratch with this kind of handling. Or if you want to hang a display banner across the front of your display table at a trade show you can almost count on it being bumped and have drinks spilled on it. The more durable you make it, the better.