The most common reason a sign disappoints is that it was made from a material meant for somewhere else. A foam board sign left outside warps in a week; a rigid aluminum panel is overkill for a one-day event. Pick the material by answering a few questions first.

Start with Where It Goes and How Long It Stays

Inside or outside, and if outside, in direct sunlight?
Days, months or years?
Will it face wind, rain or snow?
How far away will people read it?

Common Outdoor Materials

Corrugated plastic: light and weatherproof, the standard for yard and lawn signs and short-term outdoor use.
Vinyl banners: flexible and durable, hemmed with grommets for hanging, with wind slits for exposed spots.
Aluminum composite: rigid and long lasting, for permanent exterior signs.

Common Indoor Materials

Foam board: light and inexpensive, for short-term displays and events.
PVC board: rigid and durable, for longer-term interior signs.
Poster and photo paper: for framed or mounted graphics.
Retractable banner stands: portable signs for lobbies and events.

What Makes an Outdoor Sign Last

Sun fades ink and wind tears unfinished edges. Outdoor pieces should be printed with UV-resistant inks and, where they will face years of weather, protected with a laminate. Banners need reinforced hems and grommets placed for the way they will hang.

Printing and Finishing

We print and finish signs ready to put up, with lamination, hems, grommets and stakes as needed. Mounting and installation are handled by you or your installer. See signage and displays for what we produce, and the trade show display checklist if your signs are going to an event.