So we have the need, the ideas, now we need to know what colors are available. This question goes very deep. I say that because we are able to print full color on vinyl in the shop. This allows us to create your sign in any color combination you might need. The drawback to this process is the warranty. We only get a 3-4 year outdoor guarantee on this product. 
   However, if you are looking for a sign made in cut vinyl graphics which is limited in the number of colors available. But we haven't run across a sign job that we haven't been able to match using vinyl. When you choose cut vinyl the warranty is for 8 years. Please take a look at our color chart and manufacturers on our color samples page.

This is stolen from my favorite font house myfonts.com they use whatthefont to find fonts that their customers are not able to figure out themselves. If you have had any dealing with letter styles you know that there are a LOT of font styles. They can definitely make or break a signs look. We take great pride in using the best font available for the sign needed. If we don't have one in our archives of thousands of fonts we will look in the various font houses to find one that will work best. We have links to font houses and other information on our font page.

   When looking for a sign size is definitely a major factor in the decision making process. If you have a certain area you need to fill that makes the decision very easy. However if you are coming up with a size by yourself that can be difficult.
   The first concern is how far away do you need to see the sign from. If you have a few blocks to the nearest major road you will need to make the sign larger than if you are right next to the road. Makes sense right? Well, in addition to that you have to figure in the budget. Obviously when you go larger the price goes larger as well so there needs to be a happy medium between the size and price.

   Now we have the design, the colors, the letter style, and the size. Now we have to decide what material the sign will be installed on. If you are mounting the vinyl directly to a building that makes this job really easy. But if you are not, the decision gets a little more in depth. There are many different options when it comes to sign board. But I have narrowed it down to the most popular 5 materials that we use. When it comes to outdoor rated, non transparent sign board alumilite is definitely this sign makers choice. It is guaranteed for 8 years against color fading and is extremely rigid. However, that comes at a cost. Following that is a couple of plastic materials. Sintra (basically sheet pvc) and corrugated plastic. These materials are definitely considerably cheaper but are not guaranteed outdoor so you take a chance with the weather with these materials.
   When it comes to transparent/translucent materials you really have only two choices. Acrylic or Polycarbonate/Lexan. Both materials hold up well outdoors. However polycarbonate tends to yellow over a number of years, but it has more sizes available. Acrylic only comes 5' * 10' at the largest so if you are going to need a larger sign the polycarbonate is your only choice.
 Below I have attached links to the various manufacturers of the materials I use.

 

Frames / Stands / Brackets are the final part of the sign decision process. What do you want the sign to look like, why does it matter. When it boils right down to it the way your sign is mounted is just as important as the sign face itself. A nice sign mounted to a less than desirable post leaves your customer / friend whatever less than impressed. If you take a sign and mount it on a tree that is telling the person coming to visit your establishment that you really didn't want to finish off the job. Now instead of mounting the sign to a tree you take that sign and mount it on 2 - 4" * 4" posts and use white pvc post covers with a nice post cap and you have instantly changed the look of the sign, it is professional looking and it means you are there to stay.
   If you would like an illuminated sign that is a different story. You will have to have a fabricated sign cabinet that will either need to be mounted to a building or have steel supports fabricated for it. These cabinets are very attractive when lit up at night using fluorescent bulbs. Again, with almost everything the price of these signs is a lot more than just a simple sign mounted on 4" * 4" posts.

   Die-Hard Graphics is very proud of our construction and installation services. We use computer software and good construction practices to make sure that when a sign goes in the ground or on your building it will be there a long time.
   We use the best materials from local lumberyards and other dealers. We strive to use the finest fasteners that we can find that will not rust or discolor the sign.
   Any metal fabrication that needs done will be done through a job shop located in Galva, Il. Their construction practices are among the best. They supply laser cut, welded, powder-coated materials for Komatsu a heavy equipment manufacturer.
   So do you have to dig the hole or climb the ladder? Only if you want to. If you would like us to install your sign we have the experience to do the installation for you.