Ethan Clarke
Plastic signs are a great way to advertise your business and make an impact with potential customers. They are lightweight, durable, and versatile, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. You can design custom plastic signs in various shapes, sizes, colours, and styles, such as engraved or full-colour printed signs. You can either create your own design or use a template provided by the manufacturer. Once you have your design, you can upload it to the manufacturer's website and place your order. Some manufacturers also offer additional services, such as graphic design assistance and mounting accessories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Indoor and outdoor |
| Durability | Long-lasting |
| Affordability | Affordable |
| Design | Customisable, assorted shapes and sizes |
| Colours | Available in 21 colours, full-colour printing |
| Mounting | Tape, holes with screws, standoffs, sign stand |
| Font | Customisable |
| Materials | PVC, acrylic, foam, vinyl |
| Weight | Lightweight |
| Eco-friendly | Recyclable |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a template and design
When creating a plastic sign, the first step is to choose a template that suits your needs and preferences. Websites such as Signs.com and VistaPrint offer a variety of customizable design templates, including industry-specific options, or you can upload your own ready-to-print design.
Signs.com allows you to either type the kind of template you want into the search bar or click on the templates shown on the page. They offer pre-made design templates that are easy to use, even if you don't have a background in graphic design. You can also submit a design request, and their team of professional designers will bring your vision to life. They offer free design services and will make improvements to your design at no additional charge.
VistaPrint offers design templates in assorted styles, including classic square and rectangle shapes, as well as circle and oval designs. They also provide fully customizable templates, where you can add custom details such as drilled holes or mounting accessories.
Once you've chosen a template, you can customize it to make it your own. Add text, change the font, upload images, or include any other information you deem fit. You can also add a logo to your sign at no extra charge. Make sure that your design is sized the same as the order size, with an additional 1/8 of an inch for each side, and that the resolution is at least 150 DPI. It's recommended to use RGB color mode and check that your file does not exceed 50MB.
Before printing, double-check your design by clicking "View Proof" in the design tool. You can then save your work as a draft or choose to proceed to checkout.
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Cut to size and shape
Cutting plastic to size and shape is a simple process, but it requires careful consideration of the type and thickness of the plastic, as well as the tools available. The method you choose will depend on these factors, so it's important to identify them before beginning any work.
For thin, flexible plastics, a simple utility knife or box cutter can be used to make straight cuts. Mark the line you wish to cut with a marker, then secure the sheet to a large work surface with a clamp. Use a sharp, new blade and cut with smooth, quick back-and-forth motions, applying light pressure. This method is suitable for thin sheets of plastic up to 1/8 inch (0.32 cm) thick.
For thicker sheets of plastic or more complex shapes, a fine-toothed saw or jigsaw is recommended. When using a saw, it's important to use a blade with fine, small teeth to avoid tearing or shredding the plastic. Clamp the plastic securely to your work surface and cut with smooth, quick motions, using the full length of the blade. A jigsaw is useful for cutting thicker pieces of plastic and provides more flexibility for cutting curves and complex shapes. When using a jigsaw, be sure to select a thin blade specifically designed for cutting plastic.
If you're working with very thick or hard plastic, you may need to use power tools such as a circular saw or a table saw. These tools are particularly effective for straight cuts on larger pieces of plastic. To improve precision and ease of cutting, you can drill a series of small holes along the line you wish to cut before using your saw. This weakens the structure of the plastic and makes it easier to cut.
In addition to the manual methods mentioned above, there are specialized tools available for precision work, such as laser cutters. These tools are computer-controlled and ensure accurate, detailed cuts, making them ideal for small projects and intricate designs.
Remember to always take the proper safety precautions when working with plastic and take your time to achieve the best results.
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Add text, logos, and images
When creating a plastic sign, you can add text, logos, and images to make it your own. This can be done by choosing a template from a sign-making platform, such as Signs.com or VistaPrint, and using their online design tools. These tools allow you to customise your sign by adding text, changing fonts, uploading images, and including other information.
It is important to ensure that any images you upload are not pixelated, especially if you are creating a large sign. Signs.com accepts JPEG/JPG, PNG, AI, EPS, and PDF files, with a maximum file size of 50MB, and recommends using RGB colour mode. Before printing, remember to double-check your design by clicking “View Proof” in the design tool. You can then save your work as a draft or proceed to checkout.
When adding text, logos, and images to your plastic sign, it is essential to consider legibility, especially if your sign is intended for outdoor use or to be read from a distance. Choose fonts and type sizes that are easy to read from a distance, and keep your message concise and clear. If you are creating a sign for outdoor use, it is recommended to use a font size of at least 22pt, and signs larger than 12”x12” tend to have the clearest printing. Additionally, consider the placement, size, and orientation of your sign to maximise its visibility.
If you are creating a sign for your business, don't forget to include branding elements such as your business name, logo, and website. Keep your design simple and use bold colours to make your sign stand out and entice customers.
Some sign-making platforms, such as Signs.com, offer free design services and improvements to your submitted designs at no additional charge. This can be helpful if you are unsure about the design process or need assistance with creating a professional-looking sign.
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Engrave or print
Engraving plastic is a versatile technique that allows you to create precise and detailed designs, patterns, or text on various types of plastic materials. Laser engraving is a highly effective method for engraving different types of plastics. It uses a focused laser beam to precisely etch or mark the plastic surface, creating detailed designs, texts, or patterns. Laser engraving provides exceptional accuracy and versatility, making it a preferred choice for engraving plastics in many industries and personal projects.
Laser cutting and engraving plastic require the use of a laser cutter or engraver, which uses a beam of light to cut or engrave the plastic. The energy of the laser beam is so high that it vaporizes the material. The laser cutter software guides the laser beam to move on the plastic according to the designed path. Before starting, it is important to be aware that not all types of plastics are suitable for laser cutting and engraving, and some plastics release toxic gases when exposed to lasers.
There are several types of laser cutters and engravers that can be used for engraving plastic. Diode laser cutters, for example, offer a more affordable entry point, but they can only cut and engrave opaque plastic. Infrared lasers are also excellent choices for engraving plastics, creating sharp, high-quality engravings on a broad range of plastic materials.
To engrave plastic, you will need to prepare your design using graphic software, choose the appropriate plastic material, set up the laser engraving machine, secure the plastic material, perform a test run, and finally, start the engraving process. During the engraving process, it is important to monitor the process for precision and quality.
Plastic signs can be created through printing or engraving and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They can be used for construction sites, parking facilities, real estate properties, trade shows, and more. You can design custom plastic signs by choosing a template, customising the design, and uploading a print-ready file.
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Mount or hang
Mounting or hanging a plastic sign can be done in several ways, depending on the type of sign and the surface you are fixing it to.
One method is to use stud mounts, which involve screwing studs into the back of the sign and then sliding them into corresponding holes drilled into the wall. This method is sturdy and straightforward but may require an extra pair of hands and a ladder if the sign is heavy or being hung high up.
Another option is to use clip-in acrylic standoffs, also known as "snapfixes". These consist of a stud ball ("male part") and a socket ("female part"). The stud balls are glued to the back of the sign and then clipped into the sockets. This method does not require drilling holes, but care must be taken when applying pressure to avoid breaking or bending the sign.
If you want to avoid drilling holes, double-sided tape can be used to mount a sign to a flat, smooth surface. This method is less durable and may not be suitable for heavier signs.
For signs with pre-drilled holes, threaded metal rods with spacers or coupling nuts can be used as a mounting feature, although this may not be suitable for acrylic signs as the material could break during installation.
Other methods include using adhesive pads, rope or steel cable, or a ""hidden shelf" design where bolts are used to form a line to support the bottom of the sign.
It is important to consider the weight and size of the sign, as well as the type of surface it is being mounted to, when deciding on a mounting or hanging method.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic signs are commonly used for advertising and promoting businesses. They can be used indoors and outdoors and are available in various sizes, shapes, and colours.
You can either design your own sign and upload a print-ready file or choose from a range of templates and customise it to your liking.
Plastic signs are made from durable, weatherproof, lightweight plastic. They can be made from acrylic, foam, vinyl, and PVC.
You can use super glue or sticky tape to attach your plastic sign to a surface.
There are many companies that offer custom plastic signs, such as Signs.com, VistaPrint, Woodland Manufacturing, PlaqueMaker.com, and FASTSIGNS.
