{"id":27713,"date":"2021-04-09T16:54:32","date_gmt":"2021-04-09T16:54:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/suprefreshprod.wpengine.com\/\/?page_id=27713"},"modified":"2026-04-17T08:12:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T13:12:00","slug":"sign-printing-faq","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/product-faq\/sign-printing-faq","title":{"rendered":"Sign Printing FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Custom<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Have a question about printing custom signs<\/a>? Check out these sign printing FAQ and learn about sign substates, die cutting, maximum dimensions, installation and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"An<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A-Frame Sidewalk Signs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the stand made of?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stands for A-Frame Sidewalk Signs<\/a> are made of durable Signicade\u00ae plastic. We offer white and black A-frame stands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the printed sign dimensions?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Each stand holds two printed signs measuring 24-1\/4\u201dW x 36\u201dH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What print substrate should I use for my signs?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We recommend corrugated plastic, which is a fluted polypropylene material. Also known as Coroplast, it\u2019s durable, lightweight, waterproof and known for outdoor yard and lawn signs as it holds up the elements very well. Learn more: Banner Materials & Sign Substrates<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you have a dry erase sign option?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes. You can request a dry erase sign via Custom Quote<\/a>, one of our premium online printing services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What format and resolution should my artwork be in?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your artwork should have a minimum resolution of 150 PPI. As a customer-focused online printer, Smartpress accepts artwork files in the following formats: PDF, JPEG and PNG, as well as packaged InDesign and Illustrator files. Learn more: PPI, DPI & Image Resolution<\/a>, Packaging InDesign Files<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is my design applied to the printed signs?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our online printing process ensures your design is printed directly on top of the material with UV ink. Learn more: Ink Technology: Large Format<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are my installation options?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The frame simply unfolds for placement wherever you\u2019d like. It can also be filled with sand or water for outdoor stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long will my sign last?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The lifespan of your sign depends on the usage, environment and proper care. The stand includes a one-year warranty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why can the shipping cost increase with signs?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shipping charges can increase due to dimensional weight. Any rigid material with a high order quantity requires additional care when packaged to prevent damages from occurring when shipped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your order meets or exceeds these limits, the large dimensions require us to ship via freight or custom crate packaging. Learn more: Dimensional Weight Shipping<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Aluminum Signs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is the material?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Maxmetal digital aluminum composite material is a lightweight, rigid substrate with a white face and back. It has a black plastic core with a UV-blocker to increase UV-resistance and offers perfect flatness even in thin sheets. Durable and weather-resistant, it\u2019s 100% recyclable and highly recommended for indoor, outdoor, long-term or permanent use. Learn more: Banner Materials & Sign Substrates<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are my thickness options?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aluminum Signs<\/a> are available in one thickness: .125\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the max dimensions?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The maximum dimensions for custom signs can vary, depending on material availability and the production process. When you enter your desired dimensions in the Finished Size fields on the product page, a notification will alert you if they are outside our parameters. In that case, you can request a Custom Quote<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What format and resolution should my artwork be in?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your artwork should have a minimum resolution of 150 PPI. We accept artwork files in the following formats: PDF, JPEG and PNG, as well as packaged InDesign and Illustrator files. Learn more: PPI, DPI & Image Resolution<\/a>, Packaging InDesign Files<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is my design applied to the aluminum?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our online printing process ensures your design is printed directly on top of the aluminum with UV ink. Learn more: Ink Technology: Large Format<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I print double-sided?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Simply select one-sided or two-sided in the Sides dropdown on the product page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can my sign be any shape?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes. Our online printing services include simple and complex digital die cutting. You can customize your sign into any shape, from circles, ovals and stars to unique brand logos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are my installation options?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a customer-focused online printer, Smartpress offers a variety of drill hole sizes, as well as hook and loop, magnet tape and foam tape options for easy installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend hook and loop if you want the ability to move or replace the sign frequently, magnet tape for applying to any magnetic surface and foam tape for a more permanent (or longer lasting) hanging solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To reduce sharp corners, feel free to provide a dieline with rounded corners at no additional cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long will my sign last?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aluminum is our longest-lasting material for outdoor use, but the lifespan of your sign depends on the usage, environment and proper care. To clean: Wipe with a wet non-abrasive cloth. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaning detergents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why can the shipping cost increase with signs?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shipping charges can increase due to dimensional weight. Any rigid material over 36″ or a high order quantity requires additional care when packaged to prevent damages from occurring when shipped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your order meets or exceeds these limits, the large dimensions require us to ship via freight or custom crate packaging. Learn more: Dimensional Weight Shipping<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Backlit Signs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s backlit film? How do backlit signs work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Backlit film is an opaque polyester UV material that has natural light diffusion properties, resulting in high-impact prints with superior, vibrant color when used with a lightbox. Water-resistant, it withstands heat from prolonged backlit exposure and is designed for most lightbox applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the max dimensions?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The maximum dimensions for custom signs can vary, depending on material availability and the production process. When you enter your desired dimensions in the Finished Size fields on the product page, a notification will alert you if they are outside our parameters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In that case, you can request your dimensions via Custom Quote<\/a>, one of our premium online printing services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend knowing which lightbox you\u2019ll be using before placing the order for your sign. Having the lightbox first will let you know dimension and installation requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is a lightbox included? How do I order one?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No, a lightbox is not included with Backlit Signs<\/a>. We can help you order one from a lightbox display manufacturer via Custom Quote<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What format and resolution should my artwork be in?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your artwork should have a minimum resolution of 150 PPI. As a customer-focused online printer, Smartpress accepts artwork files in the following formats: PDF, JPEG and PNG, as well as packaged InDesign and Illustrator files. Learn more: PPI, DPI & Image Resolution<\/a>, Packaging InDesign Files<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is my design applied to the backlit film?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our online printing process ensures your design is printed directly on top of the film with UV ink. Learn more: Ink Technology: Large Format<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are my installation options?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your backlit sign must be used with a lightbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long will my sign last?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The lifespan of your sign depends on the usage, environment and proper care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why can the shipping cost increase with signs?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shipping charges can increase due to dimensional weight. Any rigid material over 36″ or with a high order quantity requires additional care when packaged to prevent damages from occurring when shipped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your order meets or exceeds these limits, the large dimensions require us to ship via freight or custom crate packaging. Learn more: Dimensional Weight Shipping<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Cardstock Signs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is cardstock?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cardstock is a paper-faced, two-sided coated, recyclable material that can be cut into any shape. It\u2019s the standard substrate for printing indoor signage, stanchion signs, various signs that fit into holders, window signs with suction cups and more. Learn more: Banner Materials & Sign Substrates<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does 12 pt., 24 pt. and 48 pt. mean?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These options are called point weights and refer to the thickness of the cardstock – the larger the point weight, the heavier the stock. For Cardstock Signs<\/a>, we recommend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n