Month: February 2019

  • Screen vs. Digital Printing: Which One is Right for You?

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    If you’ve ever needed custom signs, you may have wondered: What’s the difference between screen printing and digital printing? The answer isn’t about which method is better—it’s about which one fits your needs best. Both techniques have their strengths, and understanding how they work can help you make the right choice for your signage needs.

    Let’s break down the pros and cons of screen printing and digital printing so you can decide which option is best for your project.s.

    What is Screen Printing?

    Screen printing is a tried-and-true method that has been used for decades. It involves transferring ink through a fine mesh screen onto the sign material (typically corrugated plastic for yard signs). The screen is coated with a light-sensitive emulsion, and a stencil is created for the design. Once the stencil is set, ink is pushed through the screen with a squeegee, applying it to the sign surface. The ink is then cured under UV light for durability.

    Pros of Screen Printing:

    • Cost-effective for large orders – The setup process takes time, but bulk printing lowers the cost per sign.
    • Durable for outdoor use – UV-resistant inks ensure signs last 3-5 years, withstanding sun, rain, and wind.
    • Vibrant and glossy colors – The thick ink application results in bold, long-lasting prints.

    Cons of Screen Printing:

    • Limited color options – Typically limited to 1-3 colors per design; full-color printing isn’t feasible.
    • No full-bleed printing – A small ⅓-inch border is required around the edges, preventing edge-to-edge designs.
    • Longer setup time – Requires creating individual screens for each color, making small orders less cost-effective.

    What is Digital Printing?

    Digital printing is a modern method that works similarly to an inkjet or laser printer—just on a larger scale. The design is uploaded digitally and printed directly onto the sign material using high-quality UV inks. Unlike screen printing, digital printing allows for full-color, high-resolution images without the need for separate screens.

    Pros of Digital Printing:

    • Full-color capability – Ideal for complex designs, gradients, and detailed graphics.
    • Faster turnaround times – No screen setup means quicker production, perfect for last-minute orders.
    • Full-bleed printing available – The design can extend to the very edge of the sign with no border.

    Cons of Digital Printing:

    • Higher cost per unit – More expensive per sign compared to bulk screen printing.
    • Less durable outdoors – Typically lasts 2-3 years in prolonged outdoor exposure before colors start fading.
    • Not as glossy as screen printing – Colors may not be as bold or shiny as traditional screen-printed signs.

    Which Printing Method Should You Choose?

    The right printing method depends on your needs, budget, and design complexity:

    • Go with screen printing if: You need a large quantity of signs with a simple design and limited colors, and you want them to last for several years outdoors.
    • Choose digital printing if: You need a small batch of signs, require full-color designs, or need a quick turnaround.
    • If you need full-color signs in bulk: Be prepared for a higher cost, as digital printing is more expensive per unit but offers better design flexibility.

    Maximizing Your Sign’s Impact

    Regardless of which printing method you choose, here are a few tips to ensure your signs make an impact:

    • Use high-contrast colors to make your message stand out.
    • Keep the font bold and legible for easy readability from a distance.
    • Include a call-to-action like a website URL, phone number, or QR code.

    Get High-Quality Custom Signs Today

    Whether you need screen-printed signs for a large campaign or digitally printed signs for a small promotion, we’ve got you covered.

    👉 Shop Custom Signs Now and let us help you make a lasting impression!

    Final Thoughts

    Understanding the difference between screen printing and digital printing can help you make a smart investment in your signage. If you’re still unsure which method suits your needs, our customer service team is happy to assist.

    Contact us today for expert guidance and custom sign solutions!

  • Affordable Business Signs That Appeal to Customers

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    Yard signs have stood the test of time and have been most popular to 3 local markets; good old fashion garage sales, political campaigns, and real estate. There are other markets to appeal to such as small businesses or contractors, but the ones mentioned before are the three main contenders. So, what does it take to make those signs eye-catching? Is it the font or colors? Is it a unique design? With only a few seconds to attract the attention of your audience, knowing these certain insights can give you an extra boost over your competitors and could have potential clients choosing you first. As we go over these tricks of the trade, keep in mind that your signs are not limited to these guidelines and you are free to create your signs as you see fit.

    Why use yard signs for your business?

    Yard signs are much cheaper than larger forms of advertising and are highly effective from a local standpoint. Made from a 4mm piece of corrugated plastic, most yard signs are 18” x 24” and are printed with a UV ink which helps for prolonged outdoor exposure. They’re less expensive than billboards, LED and digital ad displays, but will endure the elements as well.

    Insider Knowledge

    Something to consider when designing your sign is the budget you have to work with. The bigger the budget, the more colors and/or higher quantity you can attain. A smaller budget suggests a one-color sign at a much lower quantity. Another thing to think about is, what colors do your competitors use? You don’t want to have signs that match too closely to your competition’s colors or design. Below are more key points to help you achieve your goal of an affordable and appealing sign that gets your message across.

    • Keep It Local!Yard signs are a great local strategy for small businesses and using the local lingo to promote your message is a great way get your point across. If you can easily communicate with your community then it makes reaching your market that much more effortless.
    • Keep It Simple! – By keeping the message on your signs simple and clear, you’ll be able to get more attention with just a few words. Overdesigned logos or too many words can deter someone from wanting to read your sign. For yard signs, there is a small window to nab the reader’s attention so keeping it easy to read should do the trick.
    • Text Layout! – Make sure to distribute the words on your signs wisely. Too much clutter will defeat the purpose of the sign. You want to make it as aesthetically pleasing as possible, so simple fonts and bold colors are what you’re going to be looking for when designing your sign.
    • Location of Signs! – High traffic areas are key to the success of your signs. You’ll also want to consider the height of which your signs are going to be displayed. Finding that perfect viewing angle can be tricky, but oh so rewarding. The surroundings of your signs are something to think about as well. You wouldn’t want a pesky bush getting in the way of your reach.
    • Be different! – Having a funny slogan or a witty phrase can definitely help with standing out from the rest. As long as you keep it tasteful, non-offensive and in-line with the message you are trying to put out there, then there is no reason you can’t make a sign to remember.

    These are just a few of the deciding factors to consider when creating your sign’s design. Remember, you don’t have to adhere to these methods entirely, just use what you need to help get your layout started. Hope these tips were useful and have answered some doubts you might have had about making your signs more appealing to your customers. With this new-found knowledge behind you and a wide variety of templates to choose from online, there’s nothing to hold you back from getting started!