Yard signs are a type of temporary sign typically used for marketing and promotional purposes. They are often made from corrugated plastic, corrugated cardboard, or aluminum. They are commonly seen in people’s yards, business premises, and at events.
Choosing a Substrate
The first step in making a yard sign is to choose a substrate or base material.
Corrugated plastic, also known as Coroplast, is a lightweight material commonly used for yard signs. It is made from two layers of polypropylene plastic joined together by flutes (ridges). Corrugated plastic is a durable material resistant to weather and the sun’s rays with the addition of a UV-resistant coating.
Corrugated cardboard is a paperboard made from two layers of linerboard joined together by a corrugating medium (flutes). It is a lightweight and inexpensive material which is easy to print on. However, it is not as durable as corrugated plastic and is not resistant to weather or UV light.
Aluminum is a heavy-duty metal which is durable and weather resistant. It is molded into sheets and then cut into custom sign sizes. Aluminum signs are more expensive than those made from corrugated plastic or cardboard, but they last much longer, making them ideal for long-term use.
Printing Methods
Once a substrate has been chosen, the next step is to print the design onto the material. This is done with several methods, including screen printing, digital printing, or vinyl lettering.
- Screen printing involves creating a stencil of the design and then utilizing the stencil to apply ink to the substrate.
- Digital printing is a technique which uses digital files (usually vector files due to their scalability) to create the design. The design is then printed directly onto the substrate with a large format printer.
- Vinyl lettering is a printing technique which involves cutting individual letters from a sheet of vinyl and then applying them to the substrate. This method is typically used for smaller quantities of signs or for designs which require intricate detail.
Installation Methods
Once the sign has been printed, the next step is installation. This can be done in several ways, including staking into the ground, mounting onto a wall or fence, or as a hand-held sign.
- Staking is the most common method of installation for yard signs. This method uses H -shaped metal stakes added during the construction process. The sign is inserted into the ground, hiding the stake.
- Mounting is another common method of installation. The sign is mounted onto a wall or fence with screws, nails, or adhesive. This method is typically used for larger signs.
- Hand-held signs are smaller signs designed to be held by people. They are typically made from corrugated plastic or cardboard and have a handle on the back.
If you’re looking for yard signs, FASTSIGNS® of Mesa is your one-stop shop. Our experienced team will help you every step of the way, from design to installation. Contact us today to get started!
