There are principally three types of yard
signs for political campaigns. These are:
Poly-Bag Signs
Corrugated Plastic Signs
Fold-over Signs
Each can present an effective graphic as a sign for
lawn placement; there are characteristics, however, that can set them apart.
Poly-Bag Signs - Signs produced on plastic film take the form of
white plastic bags or sleeves that can be slipped over U-shaped wires; the
wire frames must be the same width of the bag in order to hold the bag
taunt. Bag signs are normally printed by a web process which is cost
effective only on high volume sign orders. The bags are low in bulk and
weight. There is a manufacturing and shipping cost premium for the wider
wires. The tendency of these signs to "bow out" at the bottom with the wind
detracts aesthetically from their appearance.
Corrugated Plastic Signs - Fluted,
corrugated
plastic signs are very rigid and weather proof. They can easily be put
up and taken down. Thus they are appropriate if a candidate runs year in and
year out and is committed to the same message and look. As the medium is not
completely opaque, two sided printed signs do have a "show thru". As being
the more expensive than the other types, replacement cost during the
campaign, due to theft and damage, and after the election, due to being
misplaced, should be factored into the total cost equation.
The typical H frames, which are welded when fabricated, with one or two
cross braces, are more expensive than other bent type frames. A few
suppliers do offer cheaper, single pole wires.
Fold-over Signs - The last type of sign is the plastic coated,
paperboard sign. Quality printers use a water proof laminate - the interior
being an all white, opaque, stiff, solid bleached, paperboard core which has
been treated for water resistance. This stock is then extruded on both
surfaces with a plastic film.
This sign is then printed, but on one side. A back-score allows the sign to
be folded - and edges either stapled or glued to form what is referred to as
a double sided,
fold-over sign. The sign is slipped over a U-shaped wire frame, which
because of the rigidity of the total structure, need only be 2/3 the sign
width. Weather ability of this sign to wind, snow and rain is excellent.
There is no printing "show thru".
Screen printing is the process utilized in printing both the corrugated
plastic signs and plastic coated paperboard signs. Signs are printed flat.
The screen printing process affords the greatest economies at the lower to
mid-range sign quantities. Both sign types present the rigid, flat sign
look. And screen printing offers the greatest color graphics punch.
Although selecting the type of sign for your campaign is not an easy
process, it can be less formidable if you think about your priorities (e.g.
price, quantity, re-use, image, etc), then let an experienced sign
manufacturer walk you through the qualifying process of selection.