VINYL SIGNS AND GRAPHICS

Need help with design or implementation? AlphaGraphics can help you with every step of the process, from strategic development to delivery and installation of the finished product. Our advanced printing technologies deliver sharp, full-color images that will draw eyes from all directions.

Looking for a high-quality marketing solution to help raise awareness for your business or upcoming event? Vinyl signs make a huge statement at a very low cost.  AlphaGraphics Chicago North offers a wide variety of sizes and colors for both indoor and outdoor use. When you’re looking to create awareness for your trade show booth or promote your next event, say it big with  custom-made vinyl signs! 

While the most popular version of a vinyl sign is the traditional banner, there are several formats and options to choose from. Common uses for a vinyl signs in the Chicago-land area include billboards, street banners, street festival banners, trade show banners, as well as custom flags. Our experienced team of design and marketing professionals can help hone-in on a distinct look based on your specific needs.    

SOME OPTIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN GETTING STARTED:

• Indoor or outdoor use
• Full color or black and white printing
• Weather, fade and abrasion-resistant ink and finishes
• Single or double-sided images
• Grommets, clear tabs, hemming and taping

OUTDOOR 

Typical uses for outdoor banners in growing communities like Lincoln Park include grand openings, sporting events, boulevard banners, sales and special events. AlphaGraphics premium signs are produced in high resolution, and offer superior protection against moisture and the beating rays of the sun. This material also flexible which means it can easily be transported, installed, and reused. Worried about high winds? Mesh signs are printed on a heavy-duty banner material. They are suitable for large outdoor advertisements where wind load is an issue.

For traditional vinyl signs, a glossy finish is usually recommended for outdoor vinyl sign usage. Lamination helps bring out vibrant coloring in your design making the banner readable from a long distance. A glossy coating also helps prevent colors from fading over an extended period of time. If properly installed and cared for, your outdoor vinyl sign can last up to 5 years!

INDOOR / TRADE SHOWS

Every year McCormick Place hosts hundreds of the world’s largest trade shows. At each event vinyl signs are used to guide, inform, and grab the attention of attendees. Because of vinyl’s strength it can be cut into almost any length or dimension, this versatile material offers a wide range of custom design options for your upcoming trade show event. Combine multiple banner signs together to create an eye-catching display, making certain this year’s attendees take notice and take action.

As a rule of thumb, most experts agree that matte finished vinyl is best for indoor use. When exposed to large quantities of artificial light a glossy finish reflects light, creating a glare that can negatively impact visibility. This is particularly important for photos taken at your office party or trade show booth. The bright flashes wont reflect off a matte surface like they may with a glossy finish.  

DESIGN MATTERS!

You want your banner to be visually striking and easy to read. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just need help formatting your artwork, our design team delivers impressive results faster than you think. Below are some tips to help you maximize the impact of your vinyl signage.

• To ensure your message is legible from a distance, add 1 inch of text height for every 10 feet of viewable distance
• If your “Grand Opening” sign needs to be read by passersby on a road 60 feet away, select letters that are at least 6 inches tall
• Consider shortening your message and increasing text size if drivers are traveling at a high rate of speed
• When selecting colors for your banner text and background, you can increase readability by choosing a high-contrast combination; like black text on color, or color text on white. 

PRINT-READY ARTWORK

Our production experts require print-ready artwork for most print jobs. This means your art file is in PDF format, sized to the dimensions of your specific job. It’s also recommended that artwork that extends to the edge of your print include crop marks. Art files can be sent via email or submitted through our file sharing website.

If your design isn’t print-ready, no sweat. We’re happy to help!  AlphaGraphics Chicago North features a full-service, in-house graphic design studio. So, whether your starting from scratch or just need a file resided for print, our design experts are on hand to help ensure your project is a huge success. 
 

PRINTING 

Most banners are now digitally printed on large format inkjet printers which can produce large, full-color billboards on a single piece of material. At AlphaGraphics Chicago North, we use the latest equipment and software to deliver the highest quality resolution, usually within 24 hours of final artwork approval.  Full-color printing allows you to use as many colors as you want - with no extra charge. You can even add photographs or detailed vector images!  

FINISHING

At AlphaGraphics we recommend hemming the outer edges of your vinyl banner with threading or high strength double sided tape. A hemmed edge provides superior strength and durability to help protect your message throughout the seasons. Eyelets (or grommets) are nickel inserts that that help keep your vinyl sign affixed to a fence, pole, or building. Grommets are typically placed in all four corners and every 2-3 feet on all four sides. The circular shape provides a convenient way to fasten your sign (with rope or cords) while minimizing stress. Additional display options include:  

• Adhesive hangers
• Metal grommets
• Velcro
• Popup and retractable vertical stands
• Hang bars or pole pockets 

INSTALLATION

Your banner installation is just as important as the design and final production. High winds and even the weight of the vinyl material can impact the look and longevity of your sign. Our technicians are highly skilled and trained to both fabricate and install the highest quality sign to exceed your expectations. From start to finish, the experts at AlphaGraphics will make sure you have the tools and support needed to get the job done right! 

CLEANING AND CARE 

If properly cared for, vinyl signs can last years – even in the harshest of conditions. We suggest wiping down your full color vinyl sign with a damp and soft cloth, ensuring not to use any detergents or abrasive cleaners. Our experts also recommend folding and storing your vinyl sign with the printing facing out. If your hem or grommets need repair, feel free to bring your sign back to your sales person to discuss repair options. 

Your AlphaGraphics Chicago North consultant will advise you on proper banner maintenance and transport of your banner, allowing your outdoor sign to last years longer.   

Ready to promote your next big event or corporate fundraiser? Contact an AlphaGraphics Chicago North professional in the Chicago area to make a bold statement with your next outdoor sign.