Sign buying guide
Not sure what to order?
Quick tools to answer the hardest questions before you buy: how big the sign needs to be, which material to print it on, and whether you'll need a permit.
How big should my letters be?
Tell us how far away people read the sign from. We'll size the text so it actually lands.
- Best impact
- 4″
- reads comfortably
- Minimum
- 3″
- just legible
Guidance based on standard signage legibility tables. Bold fonts and high contrast read from farther.
Which material should I pick?
Cost vs. how long it lasts vs. where it works.
| Material | Lasts | Cost | Indoor | Outdoor | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrugated plastic (Coroplast) | 12–18 months | $ | Yard signs, events, real-estate, short-term outdoor. | ||
| Vinyl banner (13 oz) | 1–3 years | $ | Grand openings, promotions, fences, temporary displays. | ||
| PVC / Sintra board | 2–5 years | $$ | Directional signs, indoor/semi-outdoor rigid signage. | ||
| Aluminum / ACM (Dibond) | 5–7+ years | $$$ | Permanent outdoor, parking, traffic, building ID. | ||
| Acrylic | 5+ years (indoor) | $$$ | Lobby logos, office plaques, premium indoor signage. | ||
| Magnetic | 2–3 years | $$ | Removable vehicle door signs, flexible fleet branding. |
Will I need a permit?
A quick read on whether your sign likely needs a city permit — so there are no surprises after you order.
8.0 sq ft — probably no permit needed
Small wall signs under ~32 sq ft usually don't need one, but always double-check your city's code.
Codes vary by municipality — we'll confirm the exact requirement for your address before fabrication.