What’s new at Comgraphx?
Comgraphx now prints three new sign products: custom aluminum signs, custom PVC signs, and fence signs. All three are printed in-house at our facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, with no order minimums.
We’ve been printing stickers, labels, and retail graphics for businesses since 1973. These signs use the same production team and the same ordering process. Order one sign or thousands, and we keep your art on file for easy reorders.
Here’s what each sign is, how they compare, and how to pick the right one for your business.
What are custom aluminum signs?
Custom aluminum signs are rigid metal signs printed with your design for long-term outdoor use. Comgraphx prints every aluminum sign on solid .040″ aluminum with outdoor-rated inks. Aluminum won’t rust, rot, or warp, and our signs last at least 5–7 years outdoors depending on sun and weather exposure.
Common uses for custom aluminum signs:
- Parking and reserved parking signs
- No trespassing and private property signs
- Safety and facility notices
- Contractor and job site signs
- Storefront, entrance, and property ID signs
Standard sizes are 6″ x 12″, 10″ x 14″, 12″ x 18″, 18″ x 24″, 24″ x 24″, and 24″ x 36″. Custom sizes are also available. Order custom aluminum signs.
Solid aluminum vs. aluminum composite signs
Comgraphx aluminum signs are solid metal all the way through, not aluminum composite. Many online sign printers sell aluminum composite material (ACM), also known by the brand name Dibond. ACM is two thin aluminum sheets bonded to a plastic core.
|
|
Solid aluminum (Comgraphx) |
Aluminum composite (ACM/Dibond) |
|---|---|---|
|
Construction |
One solid .040″ aluminum sheet |
Thin aluminum skins over a plastic core |
|
Edges |
Clean metal edge |
Plastic core visible at the edge |
|
Weight |
Thin and lightweight |
Thicker and heavier |
|
Mounting |
Screws, bolts, rivets, or zip ties through the metal |
Usually screws or adhesive |
If a listing says “aluminum sign” but gives a thickness like 3mm, it’s usually composite. Ask before you buy.
What are custom PVC signs?
Custom PVC signs are rigid, lightweight plastic signs built for indoor and covered outdoor spaces. Comgraphx prints them on 1/8″ (3mm) PVC board, a solid white plastic often sold under the brand name Sintra. A Sintra sign and a PVC sign are the same type of product.
PVC gives a smooth, flat, professional finish at a lower price than metal. It works outdoors in shaded or covered spots like entryways, patios, and under awnings. In full sun and heat, PVC can warp over time, so choose aluminum for signs that live outside for years.
Common uses for custom PVC signs:
- Office, conference room, and suite signs
- Retail, sale, and aisle signs
- Menu boards and pricing signs
- Lobby and reception signs
- Trade show and event signs
- Indoor safety and policy notices
What are fence signs, and why do fence companies use them?
Fence signs are small aluminum signs that fence companies install on every finished fence. Each sign shows the company’s logo and phone number, so the fence keeps advertising long after the crew leaves. Neighbors and passing drivers see who built it and know who to call.
Comgraphx fence signs are printed on the same solid .040″ aluminum as our aluminum signs. Many fence tags on the market use thinner .024″ aluminum, which can bend during install or in high winds. At .040″, the sign stays flat and readable, and it lasts at least 5–7 years outdoors depending on the environment.
Fence signs work on every common fence type:
- Wood privacy fences: screw the sign to a post or board.
- Chain link fences: zip-tie the sign through the holes.
- Farm and ranch fencing: mount to a post or gate.
- Vinyl and ornamental fences: zip-tie or screw to a post.
There’s no minimum order, so you can test a small run before stocking up for the season. Order fence signs.
Aluminum vs. PVC vs. corrugated plastic: which sign do you need?
Choose aluminum for signs that stay outdoors for years, PVC for indoor and covered spaces, and corrugated plastic for short-term yard signs. Comgraphx prints aluminum and PVC signs.
|
|
Aluminum |
PVC (Sintra) |
Corrugated plastic |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Material |
Solid .040″ aluminum |
Solid 1/8″ (3mm) PVC board |
Hollow fluted plastic |
|
Best for |
Long-term outdoor |
Indoor and covered outdoor |
Temporary yard signs |
|
Full-sun durability |
At least 5–7 years |
Can warp over time |
Short-term |
|
Look |
Smooth, rigid metal |
Smooth, rigid, clean finish |
Fluted and flexible |
|
Mounting |
Screws, bolts, rivets, zip ties |
Tape, screws, standoffs |
Wire stakes, zip ties |
|
Comgraphx product |
Not offered |
Quick picks by business:
- Fence companies: aluminum fence signs on every finished job.
- Property managers and parking lots: aluminum signs.
- Offices, retail stores, and restaurants: PVC signs.
- Contractors and facilities: aluminum outside, PVC inside.
What size sign do I need?
12″ x 18″ is the most popular sign size for parking, policy, office, and retail signs. Pick the size based on how far away people will read it.
|
Size |
Common uses |
Readable from about* |
|---|---|---|
|
6″ x 12″ |
Door and room signs, small ID signs |
10–20 ft |
|
10″ x 14″ |
Safety, restroom, and policy notices |
15–25 ft |
|
12″ x 18″ |
Parking, no trespassing, office, and retail signs |
25–40 ft |
|
18″ x 24″ |
Property, contractor, menu board, and lobby signs |
40–60 ft |
|
24″ x 24″ |
Logo signs, directories, and wayfinding |
50–70 ft |
|
24″ x 36″ |
Job site, large facility, and event signs |
60–100 ft |
*Assumes the main text fills most of the sign. More text means smaller letters and a shorter reading distance.
For 24″ x 24″ and 24″ x 36″ signs, mount them flat to a wall or solid backing so the sign stays flat. Need a size not listed? Choose a custom size when you order.
How do you mount aluminum, PVC, and fence signs?
Aluminum and fence signs mount with screws, bolts, rivets, or zip ties. PVC signs mount with tape, screws, or standoffs. Mounting hardware is not included.
|
Surface |
Aluminum and fence signs |
PVC signs |
|---|---|---|
|
Wood fence, post, or wall |
Screws |
Screws |
|
Metal sign post |
Bolts with rustproof washers |
Not recommended |
|
Metal surface |
Rivets |
Not recommended |
|
Chain link fence |
Zip ties |
Not recommended |
|
Smooth indoor wall |
Screws |
Double-sided mounting tape or screws |
|
Floating display |
Standoffs |
Standoffs |
Keep text and logos about ½″ from the edges if you’ll use screws or standoffs, so hardware doesn’t cover your design.
How does ordering work?
There are no order minimums on aluminum signs, PVC signs, or fence signs. Order a single sign or a large run, and pricing per sign drops as your quantity goes up.
- Reorders: we keep your art on file, so you can rerun the same signs from our Reorder page without re-uploading.
- Multiple locations: franchises, property managers, and contractors can order the same signs for every site.
- High-volume accounts: our cgpro B2B team offers dedicated account management and bulk pricing.
- Design help: email hello@comgraphx.com and we’ll help you set up your file.
Need stickers or labels to match your signs? We print those too.
Frequently asked questions
How long do aluminum signs last outdoors? Comgraphx aluminum signs and fence signs last at least 5–7 years outdoors. Lifespan depends on sun exposure and climate, but aluminum itself won’t rust, rot, or warp.
Do aluminum signs rust? No. Aluminum doesn’t rust like steel, which makes it a strong choice for permanent outdoor signs.
What thickness are Comgraphx aluminum signs? All Comgraphx aluminum signs and fence signs are printed on solid .040″ aluminum.
Can PVC signs be used outdoors? Yes, in covered or shaded areas like entryways and patios. In full sun, PVC can warp over time. For long-term outdoor signs, choose aluminum.
What is a Sintra sign? Sintra is a brand of PVC board, and the name is often used for any PVC sign. Comgraphx PVC signs are printed on 1/8″ (3mm) PVC board.
What thickness aluminum is best for fence signs? .040″ aluminum holds up better than thinner .024″ fence tags, which can bend during install or in wind.
Is there a minimum order? No. There are no order minimums on aluminum signs, PVC signs, or fence signs.
Do you offer double-sided signs? Yes. Reach out to our CGPro team for a quick and easy quote.
Can I reorder the same sign later? Yes. We keep your art on file, so reorders don’t require a new upload.