Alexei Volkov
Plastic signs are a great way to showcase your brand and grab customers' attention. They are lightweight, durable, and versatile, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. With advancements in technology, it is now possible to create custom plastic signs with high-quality print or engraving, ensuring that your sign is unique to your brand. In this discussion, we will delve into the process of creating a permanent plastic sign, exploring the various options available, from design to installation, to ensure your sign is eye-catching and long-lasting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Indoor and outdoor |
| Affordability | Affordable |
| Durability | Long-lasting, weather-resistant, and lightweight |
| Customization | Custom text, shapes, colours, and sizes |
| Mounting | Screw, adhesive tape, magnetic strip, suction cups, hooks, nails, wall mounting kits, flag attachments, hanging, standoffs, sign stands, acrylic backing |
| Printing | UV colour printing, laser engraving |
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What You'll Learn
- Design: Choose from custom templates or upload your own design
- Size: Select from standard or custom sizes
- Material: Pick from acrylic, foam, vinyl, or Forex (foam PVC)
- Mounting: Opt for screws, tape, standoffs, sign stands, or flag attachments
- Durability: Consider UV laminates or clear coats for extended longevity
Design: Choose from custom templates or upload your own design
When it comes to designing your permanent plastic sign, you have two main options: choosing a custom template or uploading your own design.
Custom Templates
If you opt for a custom template, you can browse a gallery of fully customisable design templates, including industry-specific options. You can then add your custom details and select any additional features you may require, such as drilled holes or mounting accessories.
To get started, simply choose your preferred template by typing the kind of template you want into the search bar or by clicking on the templates shown on the page. Once you've chosen a template, you'll be redirected to an online design tool, where you can customise the design to make it your own. You can add text, change the font, upload images, or include any other information as you see fit.
Upload Your Own Design
If you already have a design ready to go, you can upload it directly. Most online design tools accept JPEG/JPG, PNG, AI, EPS, and PDF files, with a maximum file size of 50MB, and require the use of RGB colour mode.
Remember to double-check your design before printing. You can preview your design, save it as a draft, or proceed directly to checkout.
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Size: Select from standard or custom sizes
When creating a permanent plastic sign, you'll need to decide whether to go for a standard or custom size. Standard sizes are off-the-shelf options that are readily available and typically more affordable. Custom sizes, on the other hand, offer greater flexibility as you can tailor the sign to your specific needs.
If you opt for a standard size, you'll be choosing from pre-set dimensions offered by the sign manufacturer. This is a convenient choice if your space requirements align with the available sizes, and it can streamline the ordering process. Standard sizes are usually designed to cover a range of common use cases, so you'll likely find an option that suits your basic needs.
Custom sizes, however, give you the freedom to create a sign that perfectly fits your intended space. This is especially useful if you have unique or specific dimensions in mind. For example, you might need a sign that spans the width of a large storefront window or a sign that fits within a designated space on a wall alongside other design elements. With custom sizes, you can ensure your sign is exactly as big or small as you need it to be.
Some manufacturers offer both standard and custom size options, giving you the best of both worlds. VistaPrint, for instance, provides 10 standard sizes while also allowing for custom size requests. This flexibility ensures that you can make the right choice for your specific project.
When deciding between standard and custom sizes, consider factors such as cost, lead time, and the specific requirements of your project. Standard sizes are often more cost-effective and have quicker turnaround times due to their ready availability. Custom sizes may incur additional costs and could extend the production time, depending on the manufacturer's capabilities and processes. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your unique needs and preferences, and it's essential to review the options provided by different manufacturers to make an informed choice.
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Material: Pick from acrylic, foam, vinyl, or Forex (foam PVC)
When creating a permanent plastic sign, choosing the right material is essential. Acrylic sheets, foam boards, vinyl, and Forex (foam PVC) are all popular options, each with unique advantages.
Acrylic sheets are lightweight, durable, and impact-resistant. They are less likely to shatter than glass and maintain their optical clarity for a long time. However, they can scratch if not handled carefully. Acrylic sheets are commonly used for signage due to their transparency, glossiness, and ease of shaping or moulding.
PVC foam boards are also highly durable and impact-resistant. They are incredibly lightweight due to their cellular structure, making them easy to handle, transport, and install, even for large-scale projects. PVC foam boards are versatile and can be used in construction, advertising, furniture, and marine applications. They are also ideal for moisture-prone environments like bathrooms and kitchens.
Forex, or foam PVC, is a brand name for an expanded PVC foam board produced by 3A Composites, a Swiss company. Forex foam boards are designed for outdoor use as they are highly resistant to moisture, UV light, and temperature changes. They are commonly used for outdoor signage, billboards, and displays that require long-term durability and weather resistance. Forex foam boards are also suitable for printing and graphics applications due to their high-quality surface finish.
Vinyl is another option for permanent plastic signs. However, there is limited information on using vinyl for permanent signage.
Each material has its own set of characteristics, and understanding these differences will help you choose the best option for your specific requirements, ensuring a successful and long-lasting sign.
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Mounting: Opt for screws, tape, standoffs, sign stands, or flag attachments
Plastic signs are versatile and can be mounted in a variety of ways, depending on your needs. Here are some options to consider for mounting your permanent plastic sign:
Screws
If you're looking for a secure and permanent mounting option, screws are a good choice. Stand-offs, a type of screw mounting, are ideal for achieving a professional look. They affix your sign to the wall and provide a gap between the sign and the mounting surface, adding depth and a polished appearance. This option does require drilling holes into your sign and the wall, so it's more permanent and may not be suitable if you plan to change your signage regularly.
Tape
For a more temporary solution, tape can be an effective mounting option. Industrial-strength, double-sided foam tape creates a secure bond between your sign and the mounting surface. It is available in multiple thicknesses and is suitable for flat, non-porous walls or doors. 3M clear tape is another option, particularly suitable for window or glass installations.
Velcro
If you anticipate routinely changing your signage, velcro offers a low-bond, easy-to-replace option. This method is simple to install and remove, and it won't damage your walls or doors. It is ideal for painted, stained, or varnished surfaces.
Sign Stands or Flag Attachments
If you don't want to mount your sign directly to a wall or surface, consider using sign stands or flag attachments. These options provide flexibility in terms of placement and are suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
When choosing a mounting option, consider the surface you'll be affixing your sign to, whether you need a permanent or temporary solution, and how often you plan to change your signage.
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Durability: Consider UV laminates or clear coats for extended longevity
Plastic signs are a great option for permanent signage due to their durability and affordability. They can be used both indoors and outdoors and are lightweight, making them easy to transport and install.
However, to ensure extended longevity, it is essential to consider additional treatments for your plastic sign. One option is to apply a UV laminate or clear coat. This treatment provides an extra layer of protection against the elements, including sunlight, which can cause fading and cracking over time.
UV laminates are available in matte or glossy finishes. A matte finish, such as Invisible UV Matte, reduces glare and minimises the appearance of fingerprints and scuffs, which is ideal for signs that will be handled frequently. On the other hand, glossy finishes can enhance the colour and visual impact of your sign.
Clear coats, such as vinyl clear coats, are another option that provides excellent UV protection for digital prints. Products like Clearshield, ClearJet, and Frog Juice are designed to protect your prints from the elements and offer similar benefits to UV laminates.
By investing in these treatments, you can be confident that your plastic sign will maintain its quality and effectiveness for an extended period, ensuring your message remains visible and professional-looking.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic signs are used for indoor and outdoor advertising, company signs, office signs, information signs, door signs, letterbox signs, name plates, directional signage, architectural signage, real estate signage, trade show signage, parking facilities, and more.
Plastic signs are durable, lightweight, weatherproof, and affordable. They are also versatile and can be used in a variety of display options, such as mounted against a wall, hung outside a storefront, or placed in a sign holder on the wall.
There are two main types of plastic signs: engraved plastic signs and printed plastic signs. Engraved plastic signs are made from high-quality acrylic and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Printed plastic signs can be fully customized with text, images, or logos and are often used for advertising or informational purposes.
To create a custom plastic sign, you can either design it yourself or use a company that offers custom plastic sign services. If you choose to design it yourself, you will need to determine the size, shape, color, text, and mounting options. If you use a company, they will guide you through the process and may offer design services as well.
To ensure the longevity of your plastic sign, you can protect it with UV laminates and automotive-grade clear coats. Proper care and storage will also help extend the life of your sign.
