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Materials We Use

We make our signs out of a variety of materials depending on different factors. Is the sign for indoor or outdoor use? Is is permanent or temporary? How will it be hung/mounted? How durable should it be? How should it look? What is your budget and desired level of quality?

Some of the materials we use are:

  • PVC
    • - Excellent for indoor or outdoor
    • - Medium durability, cost-efficient
    • - Available in thicknesses from 1/16" to 3/4"
  • MDO (Medium Density Overlay)
    • - Laminated Plywood with a smooth, painted top layer
    • - Better suited for outdoor use
    • - Durable, good for temporary or permanent use
  • DiBond
    • - Solid plastic core with thin aluminum faces
    • - Excellent for indoor or outdoor use
    • - Very durable and lightwieght
  • Alumalite
    • - Corrugated plastic core with thin aluminum faces
    • - Excellent for indoor or outdoor use
    • - Very lightwieght and bend-resistant even at 1/4"

About Computer Files

We use different types of computer files depending on what type of sign we are making. Many of the signs we make require a special format, but we can usually manually convert your file into a format that we can use.

Our preference for file types:

  1. Vector or Line Art, (.eps, .ai, or .cdr format). These can only be made from programs like Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand or a sign-making software.
  2. High quality bitmap (.tiff, .bmp, .cpt, .psd) at 150 dpi resolution or more. These graphics may require extra work to convert to our format, depending on the type of sign we are making.
  3. Lower quality bitmap (.gif, .jpg). These graphics are low resolution and require more work to prepare.

You can send us your artwork via our site, email it, or bring it in to our store.