Ever wonder what those little metal looking wires are that hold up the yard signs? You know, the yard signs you see on the side of the road? They are called H-wire stakes, more commonly called wire stakes or H-wires and they are made of galvanized steel. There seems to be a variety of different types of H-wires but after just learning what they are, how do you know which to get? Here at Super Cheap Signs, we carry 4 options of wire stakes. We’ll go over the different kinds and what they’re best suited for when it comes to displaying your signs.
The Standard
Standard H-wire
First, we have the Standard H-wire. They consist of 4, 9-gauge steel wires that are welded together to form an “H” shape, just with two lines in the middle instead of one. These are 30 inches tall and 10 inches wide and best suited for signs no bigger than 24”x 24”. These are the most common type of H-wire to see in the wild and are going to be our base of comparison for the other wire stakes we’re about to go over.
Half the size, all the hype!
Half-Size H-wire
Second, we have Half-size H-wires, which are just as they sound. Imagine taking a standard H-wire and cutting it in half. What you’re left with is 2 half size h wires. Nifty, right? These are only 15 inches tall but still 10 inches wide. Great for keeping your signs low to the ground and create the illusion that the signs are just standing upright on their own. These are also great for areas with higher winds than average. Best for smaller signs but can still hold the traditional 18×24 signs as well.
Economy’s booming
Economy H-wire
Third up on our list are Economy H-wires. These are slightly shorter than the standard wire stakes, but still stand tall at 24 inches. These also maintain the same width of 10 inches, as well as 9-gauge steel wire. Being a bit cheaper than the standards, but still offering similar results, economy H-Wires are definitely the more budget friendly option. Plus, if you need something to be displayed lower than the standard but higher than the half size, these are the perfect middle ground.
Don’t worry, these are Heavy-Duty!
Heavy-Duty wire stake
Finally, we have our Heavy-Duty H-wires. These are as the name implies, heavy-duty and meant for places where the ground is tougher than your grandpa. But seriously, the base of these are made from 3-gauge steel wire which is considerably thicker than the 9-gauge the rest are solely made of. They still have the 9-gauge wires too, just on the top of them so that the signs can still fit. They’re the common choice for displaying signs with sizes like 24×32, 24×36, and 24×48. They can be used for signs as big as 4’x4’, as long as you use two at a time. We recommend using U-channel posts for signs 4’ or taller but this article is about wire stakes, so we’ll come back to that later. Either way, having some heavy duty H-Wires will definitely help your signs stand up to the elements, no pun intended.
The Choice is Yours!
The Choice is Yours With all these options, now you have a better idea on what would work best for your specific needs. When in doubt the standard size is going to be the safe bet. They’re the standard for a reason, right? If you have any further questions, check out our accessories page. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at 512-833-9900 and as always, we look forward to keeping on providing you with more sign knowledge in the future.
TLDR: So… What kind of H-wires are there?
Standard H-wires: Tried, true, and versatile; as a standard should be
Half-Size H-wires: As the name implies, half of a standard and cheaper too
Economy H-wires: Slightly shorter than the standard but perfectly budget friendly
Heavy-Duty H-wires: Thicker at the base and a meant for tough ground and tougher elements
When people ask what I do for a living, I tell them I work at a sign company. Almost every time, the follow-up question is, “What kind of signs?” When I mention screen-printed signs, many people are surprised and ask, “Is that still effective?” or “Do people still do that?” The answer is yes! Screen printing remains a great option for certain types of signage, especially yard signs. But like any printing method, it has its advantages and limitations. Let’s explore the differences between screen printing and digital printing and why screen printing is still a valuable choice.
Screen Printing vs. Digital Printing: What’s the Difference?
To understand the limitations of screen-printed signs, it’s important to compare them to their main alternative—digitally printed signs. In today’s advertising world, digital printing has become more common due to advancements in inkjet and laser printing technology. These methods allow for full-color designs to be printed quickly and efficiently.
Screen printing, on the other hand, can achieve full-color prints, but the process is far more complex. It involves using a four-color process (CMYK—Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) to layer ink in tiny dots, much like vintage comic books. While this technique can produce high-quality results, it’s much more time-consuming, making it less practical for smaller orders or highly detailed images.
The Limitations of Screen Printing
While screen printing is a great option for specific applications, it does come with a few restrictions that customers should be aware of:
1. Limited Color Options
Screen printing works best with one to three solid colors. Unlike digital printing, which can easily handle gradients and complex color blends, screen printing requires separate screens for each color. This makes full-color designs impractical and costly.
2. Bulk Orders Are More Cost-Effective
Because of the setup required for each color and design, screen printing is best suited for large production runs. If you only need a few signs, digital printing is often the more affordable and convenient option.
3. No Edge-to-Edge Printing
One of the biggest limitations of screen printing is the required blank border around the edges of the sign. A ⅝ to ¾-inch border is necessary to prevent ink from spilling over and smudging. This border also ensures the signs can be handled properly during printing and drying.
4. Longer Production Time for Complex Designs
While simple text and graphics can be produced efficiently, intricate designs with multiple colors require precise alignment. Each layer must be carefully registered to avoid misalignment, which can slow down the production process.
Why Screen Printing is Still a Great Option
Despite these limitations, screen printing remains a highly effective method for specific types of signs. It’s particularly useful for yard signs, real estate signage, and bulk advertising campaigns due to its durability and cost efficiency at high volumes. Plus, the ink used in screen printing is thick and vibrant, resulting in long-lasting and weather-resistant prints.
What are these yard sign limitations you speak of?
In Screen Printing, 1 – 3 colors are ideal, No full color designs (that’s for digital printing).
The more the merrier… screen printing is better for bulk orders, not just a few signs.
Screen printed signs must have a blank 5/8 – ¾ inch border around the edge as necessary for the printing process, No edge-to-edge printing.
Final Thoughts
Screen printing may not be the best choice for every project, but for bulk orders and simple, bold designs, it’s hard to beat. Understanding these limitations can help you make an informed decision when choosing the best printing method for your needs.
If you’re looking for high-quality screen-printed signs, feel free to stop by or reach out to our customer service team. We’d be happy to help you find the best signage solution for your business or event!
During the 2020 election season, tensions were high – and record numbers of political yard signs were stolen and vandalized. And while the act of stealing lawn signs has been around since the yard sign was invented, it’s important that you can keep them displayed proudly on your front lawn.
If you’re here to search for advice on electrifying your yard sign, unfortunately, we can’t provide those tips. What we can tell you, however, is that there are simple, straightforward ways to ensure that these items stay put. Even though yard signs are cheap, people spend considerable time and effort installing them, so campaign yard sign thieves shouldn’t just get a free pass.
Is Stealing Lawn Signs Illegal?
Absolutely, yes. Theft and vandalism of political signs is a crimes, and so is trespassing on private property. Most states consider these misdemeanors, but if multiple signs have been vandalized, these charges can quickly add up.
“Is It Illegal to Electrify a Yard Sign?”
We understand that you don’t want to lose the products you’ve paid for with your hard-earned money. But let’s talk about what you shouldn’t do.
In Washington, Ray Gilbride used copper wire to hook his campaign sign up to a non-lethal electric fence. As he explained, “Situational ethics is wrong. Stealing is stealing. You’ve got to go back to the basics: If it’s not yours, don’t touch it.”
While Gilbridge consulted with police to ensure its legality, this situation likely depends on the local jurisdiction (and Super Cheap Signs obviously can’t provide you with legal advice).
How to Booby Trap a Yard Sign
If you want to avoid potential lawsuits but need to prevent yard sign theft, there are plenty of colorful methods that people have employed. Your booby trap needs to be effective but also has to ensure that no one gets hurt.
Rub Some Vaseline on It
The internet is filled with references to covering the backs of political signs with vaseline and it works well because it’s a substance with a disturbing texture. Some people have gone as far as to suggest using fecal matter as a deterrent, but this is ill-advised.
It Needs More Cowbell
After losing four of their lawn signs to thieves, a Pennsylvania couple created their own sign out of 4’x8’ sheets of plywood. Two alarms were connected to a tripwire with another silent alarm triggered inside the house when someone walked onto the property. Not to be outdone, a surveillance camera was also installed to catch perpetrators red-handed.
Fishing Line
One Indiana resident connected a fishing line between his lawn signs and his front porch to keep them from being taken away. He went one step further by adding another thin green string along the ground to trip up thieves. The Indianapolis citizen claimed to be “2-and-0” with his effective and (mostly) harmless method.
It Doesn’t Always Work the Way You Think…
In Massachusetts, Arthur Gonsalves placed a black box reading “Danger” on one of his political signs and some colorful wires dangling from it. It seemed harmless enough…until local police treated the “booby trap” seriously, calling the state bomb squad in to investigate.
While Mr. Gonsalves told the authorities that it was fashioned from his old stereo system’s equalizer, it probably wasn’t the best way to protect his yard sign.
Simpler Ways to Prevent Yard Signs from Being Stolen
If you’re handy and clever, we’re sure you can create inventive ways to keep political signs from being stolen. However, most of us could follow these straightforward rules:
Bring your signs in at night time.
Keep signs in your front windows or porch windows.
Install a motion-sensing light directed at your yard signs.
If someone keeps stealing your yard signs – or you simply want to purchase something to place outside your home or business – our team offers incredibly low prices for our high-quality signs. And if you’re considering purchasing larger quantities, you’ll save substantially more. That’s the Super Cheap Signs promise!
When it comes to advertising your business, it literally pays to maintain mobility. Sure, there are few things as effective as a well-placed sign or banner—however, there is one medium of advertising that is able to go where those mediums cannot: vinyl stickers.
Custom stickers are one of the most cost-effective means of promoting any business or cause. Simply place them on a vehicle in a well-chosen spot and you will have people all over town registering your brand in no time. Still not convinced? Read on to learn about some of the other advantages of vinyl stickers.
The Benefits Of Vinyl Stickers
When it comes to advertising and promotion, vinyl stickers have some clear benefits as opposed to other approaches. For one, vinyl stickers are much more durable than stickers constructed from paper. Additionally, they are resistant to tearing, fading, and degradation—properties which make them ideal for outdoor applications and public displays.
The benefits of vinyl stickers are directly correlated with the beneficial properties of the vinyl itself. These include:
Affordable and durable material
Environmentally friendly
Easily removable with no harmful residue
Moisture and humidity resistant
Available in matte
Vibrant images on a mobile platform
Potential Uses For Vinyl Stickers
The potential uses for vinyl stickers are virtually limitless. Whether you use them to advertise specific aspects of your product or as a warning label, vinyl stickers are a cost-effective means of conveying your message. This versatility is amplified by their inherent ability to be customized with specific lettering, colors, shapes, and messages that provide pertinent information to your target audience.
Using Vinyl Stickers For Mobile Advertising
Mobile advertising is one of the most practical uses for vinyl stickers. With some clever placement and a little luck, vinyl stickers could open your business up to an entirely new customer base. This is especially advantageous if your stickers include your contact information such as an email address or phone number. Even if you opt not to include contact information, a colorful, eye-catching logo is sure to garner some attention and amplify your visibility. Pairing with a seasoned signage company like Super Cheap Signs is an excellent idea, as they have everything required to create quality vinyl stickers that are adherent to a variety of shapes and sizes. So if you have specific questions, do not hesitate to get in contact with a member of their team.
Vinyl Stickers Cheap To Produce In Large Quantities
When it comes to mass appeal, one of the most advantageous aspects of bumper stickers is their inexpensive cost when produced in large quantities. Thanks to advancements in technology, printing is now largely automated, which has substantially driven down costs across the board. So before you spend an arm and a leg on that gigantic billboard, ask yourself if that is really a better way to achieve brand recognition than having thousands of instances of your logo all over town.
Using Vinyl Stickers Means Easy Distribution
To put it succinctly, people love putting stickers on things. Whether for artistic or psychological reasons, something about affixing stickers to things is resolutely appealing. As far as advertising is concerned, stickers essentially automate the entire process. As a quick tour of any social media profile will demonstrate, people will not hesitate to show others what brands they associate themselves with. Vinyl stickers ensure that you are able to use this proclivity to your advantage.
Don’t Just Introduce Your Brand, Reinforce Its Identity
Any seasoned entrepreneur will tell you that building a reputable brand identity is no easy task. From finding the perfect logo to developing a comprehensive message and strategy, conveying the best aspects of your brand requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Fortunately, once you have successfully developed your brand, you can use vinyl stickers to drive your message home. No matter whether you give them away for free or sell them, you are conveying that your brand has value. In the long run, this will facilitate closer relations between your brand and your target audience. What’s more, you will get free advertising when any of these people affix the sticker to their vehicle and drive around.
When it comes to today’s advertising landscape, few things are more important than establishing a trusted brand identity. This is why it is so important to have customers sporting your logo. When their friends see that they trust your brand enough to put your logo on their vehicle, they are more likely to trust your company. Needless to say, this gives you a clear advantage when it comes to growing your business and expanding your customer base.
Never Underestimate The Power Of Word-Of-Mouth
With the rising popularity of social media, many people seem to think that successful marketing must take a decisively digital direction in order to maintain relevance. Fortunately, these people are wrong. Several recent studies have demonstrated that most of the world—over 85%, in fact—trust word-of-mouth recommendations from their friends and acquaintances. To this extent, most word-of-mouth conversations take place on-site and offline. Rather than appealing to one side or the other, stickers occupy the middle ground by encouraging people to discuss your brand both online and offline.
Stickers Are A Great Way To Reach People Who Do Not Like Advertising
Given the influx of advertising these past few decades, it is not surprising that most people are becoming resistant to traditional methods. Consequently, this has forced advertising and marketing professionals to adopt more connection centric approaches. In this regard, stickers are extremely effective thanks to their ability to be displayed without seeming like an outright advertisement. In this context, a sticker is mobilized more like an endorsement or recommendation than an advertisement.
Stickers Can Be Used For Inexpensive Branding
Although giving away stickers for free certainly comes with its own advantages, they can also be used to brand your products and related packaging or signage. Rather than solely relying on your audience to put your message out into the world, you can ensure that some of that ground is covered before your product even hits the shelves.
Use Stickers To Compound Your Marketing
While increasing your brand exposure is certainly something you should remain focused on, you can also use stickers to strengthen your marketing efforts. For one, stickers make great giveaway prizes. All the better if they contain pertinent information or some kind of message on the reverse side. Additionally, you should always be sending stickers if you operate by direct mail. That’s because stickers have been shown to increase the open rates of direct packages. Even better, stickers serve as a crucial linchpin in cooperative campaigns by keeping costs down and garnering more impressions.
Stickers Can Help You Develop Future Marketing Efforts
As you have likely learned from this article, a lot of time and effort should go into creating the perfect sticker design. The nature of this process affords ample time to develop a comprehensive understanding of your brand’s message and how to convey it. In turn, this knowledge will inform future marketing efforts, including future logo designs, business card ideas, website ideas and features, press releases, and more. So when you are engaging in this process, pay close attention to what you learn. Specifically, understand who you want to communicate with, how to find them, what their interests are and how you can appropriately address them, and how you can clearly and succinctly convey your message in the most effective but least intrusive way possible.
Can’t I Just Make Stickers Myself?
Many people have purchased expensive printing machines and attempted to make their own vinyl stickers only to find out that the process is much more arduous than it seems on the surface. Problems typically tend to arise when die-cutting, coloring, or applying adhesive, and can prove to be rather time-consuming in the event that anything goes wrong. This is why many professionals opt to order their stickers from seasoned signage companies like Super Cheap Signs, who use powerful machines and software to produce a variety of custom images with expedient turnaround times.
The professionals at Super Cheap Signs understand that marketing is all about developing and maintaining relationships. It is about forming a symbiotic relationship with people who will ultimately benefit from your services and support you in the process. As far as these relationships are concerned, stickers signify trust and understanding. Consequently, equipping the right people with your stickers could potentially spread brand awareness much faster than any expensive advertising campaign, and lend your brand an air of authenticity in the process.
In addition to providing a comprehensive array of fonts, shapes, and colors, stickers from Super Cheap Signs can be completely customized using their convenient website. Beyond that, their impeccable team of seasoned professionals is ready to help with any questions or concerns you may have along the way. The process is so smooth you’ll wonder why you ever thought about doing it yourself in the first place.
You might be wondering what the best material is for your next sign. Well, there are plenty of options available to you, and aluminum seems like a popular one – so why not take advantage? Super Cheap Signs has everything from high-quality signs made with this sturdy metal down to affordable kits that let anyone create their own custom message without breaking into a sweat or spending too much money!
The durability of aluminum is one reason it’s such an ideal material for signs. Signs constructed from this metal can withstand even the most extreme conditions with no problem!
For example, if your outdoor sign has to stand up to harsh weather — like extreme heat, snow, or rain — then nothing survives and thrives like aluminum. Make sure your signs look great for years by using durable .040 gauge sheet aluminum.
Aluminum is the most cost-effective material for making signs and awnings. With proper care, it can easily outlive other materials like plastic or wood by being both lightweight and durable in nature! Signage made from this metal typically has an affordable price tag compared to its longevity which may surprise some people who expect them to be not only expensive but also disposable after just one use
Does Printing a Sign on Metal Affect the Way it Looks?
Just because aluminum is affordable does not mean it is cheap quality. In this regard, aluminum keeps costs down while conveying the utmost professionalism. That’s because people typically associate metal finishes with class and expertise. Metal lends an air of permanence to the sign and the company behind it.
Aluminum Is Versatile
It’s hard to find a material that can be used outdoors and inside the building. But aluminum is perfect for all sorts of applications, making it an excellent choice compared to other materials like wood or PVC!
These three options might seem like they have similar properties – but there are some major drawbacks associated with each when compared to aluminum. For example: PVC will bend in high winds, and wood will eventually rot if exposed to rain and snow, but Aluminium retains structural integrity even after being subjected to wet and windy weather, which makes it invaluable for permanent, outdoor signage applications.
Aluminum Can Be Customized
Another reason aluminum is amazing is its ability to be customized to your specific needs. For example, it can be printed in a full array of colors, allowing your message to stand out the way you designed it. You can even cut the aluminum into a custom size, giving you plenty of room to impart a little personality to your signage.
When you work with Super Cheap Signs to create your signage online, you will achieve a thorough understanding of how your sign and associated print will withstand the external environment, including excessive exposure to rain and sunlight. You can also get an idea of how your signs will look in shaded conditions, under direct sunlight, and in the context of divergent color palettes.
When customizing your signage, it is important to remember that the result needs to be readable, so don’t get too carried away with the aesthetic side of things. The seasoned professionals at Super Cheap Signs are more than capable of helping you decide on a layout that will work better in terms of visibility and readability. Additionally, they will help you identify what size works best for your specific application and budgetary needs.
To review, aluminum is one of the most popular materials in the sign industry for the following reasons:
Durability
Affordability
Versatility
Elegance
Ability to be customized
Professional look and feel
Now that we have expounded on aluminum’s most desirable properties, let’s explore its appearance a little more in-depth.
Standard aluminum signs sport an iconic, professional look that renders them ideal for business solutions, construction sites, parking lots, and even homes. So if you are looking for something tried and true, this is the best path forward. Regarding holding the print, standard aluminum supports high-quality UV inks, such as those offered by Super Cheap Signs.
Our standard aluminum signage is printed in matte, giving you plenty of options regarding the overall look and feel. When printed, they are much more vivid than standard signs.
It is a good idea to consider where your sign will be located. As noted, standard aluminum is ideal for indoor and outdoor use. So, if you need something that can function as a sign and decorum, a standard aluminum sign will suit you just fine.
Standard aluminum is durable and does not require any extra coatings. That said, you can certainly anodize them if you please. Doing so will help prevent staining and guard against fingerprints.
Your sign will be exposed to daily elements like rain, mud, dust, and bird droppings. You want your aluminum signage to last as long as possible; after all, that’s why you pick aluminum over other available types. So how should you clean and care for your sign? Simply use a mixture of water and light soap, and your sign will be as bright as when it was first purchased. Be sure not to use anything stronger, as some abrasive materials might scratch the metal or damage the print. Always dry the sign with a soft cotton towel after a good wash. Care for your investment by cleaning it regularly. Your aluminum sign is there to work for you.
When you purchase your signage, you will need something to support it. Fortunately, Super Cheap Signs has a vast array of sign accessories sure to meet your needs. Whether your application requires metal frames, plastic frames, or sign riders, Super Cheap Signs has all that and more.
Plastic and steel sign frames are ideal for prolonged outdoor exposure since they are much more rigid and will protect your sign better, helping it to last longer. Their tapered ends facilitate expedient installation without needing digging, and their hole-per-inch design means you will not have to struggle to make any adjustments. The black steel yard sign frames are perfect for use with aluminum signs, providing two pre-drilled holes for adding a bottom rider sign. If you need something more lightweight, plastic frames made of high-grade engineered polyethylene provide durability without the fear of rusting. These plastic frames hold an 18” H x 24” W sign and 6” H x 24” W rider sign, making them perfect for Real Estate signs and other uses.
Our Promise to the Customer
Super Cheap Signs products are manufactured in the United States and are shipped directly to you at an economical rate and quick delivery time. Do you still have questions? Please contact Super Cheap Signs today at 512-833-9900 or online. Ready to purchase? Use our Builder to start your custom order today!
