Direct Printing

Temporary signs are a necessity for events and promotions in order to communicate. Because of the short period of time that these signs are being used, they are typically ordered with short lead time and need to be cost effective. To mass produce these signs within a short amount of time they used to be painted, silk screened, or hand crafted.

A more current method of sign making is done by vinyl application; it is printed, cut, and applied to a substrate in order to produce a more professional looking finished product. This process is still being used.

Now there’s an even better advancement in technologies that allows for direct printing to almost any surface. For example, the diagram on the left shows the time and expenses that go into making 10 lawn signs – it shows how much more efficient it is to direct print than it is to use the current “standard” method of applying vinyl.

This process is even more efficient with the use of UV curable inks. These inks allow for fast drying with a scratch resistant and waterproof surface. Since the ink is scratch and water resistant there is no need to laminate, which saves additional time and money.

Direct printing is also more environmentally friendly than all other sign creation methods because of the UV curable ink, less material waste, and opportunity to print on ecofriendly materials.

This evolution in printing technology has given companies and their production staff the opportunity to produce temporary signage at a faster speed than ever before. Printing has come a long way from the days of the printing press.