Banner Design Tips – Marketing Your Business or Event in Style

From local small businesses to national companies that are looking for an economical way to market to the masses, vinyl banners are an ideal choice. Vibrant, colorful, and attention-grabbing, banners are versatile and offer a creative channel to communicate with potential customers or clients. Banners look beautiful while hanging and, when thoughtfully designed, can influence the behaviors of local consumers.

Banners offer a variety of benefits –

Custom designed for your specific message or promotion, banners are a colorful, eye-catching way to attract the attention of hundreds of people a day
Available in custom sizes to fit your needs, banners are ideal for small shops, big business spaces, and everywhere in between
Banners are a cost-effective method of marketing your message to multitudes of people within a given time
Lightweight and durable, our flexible banners are easy to install, weather and fade resistant, and neatly roll for compact storage
Reusable and easily movable, banners are perfect for displaying messages precisely when and where they’re needed

Vinyl Banners 101

How Are Banners Constructed?

Our banners are made from high quality 13 oz. woven fiber vinyl with gloss finish, ideal for repeated indoor/outdoor use. Our vinyl is tear and fade resistant, providing exceptional print quality and affordability. Our banners include a reinforced hem to prevent fraying.

What Are Grommets?

Grommets are small metal rings placed on vinyl banners that provide reinforced holes for hanging. These small metal rings provide extra stability and help protect banners from tearing while hung. Grommets are placed in all four corners; additional grommets are added around banner perimeter as required for proper fastening.

What Are Wind Slits?

Wind slits are small, half-moon shaped cuts made directly in the vinyl that allow wind to easily pass through the banner while reducing wind pressure and stress.

Banner Cleaning and Storage

Clean with mild soap and warm water on a slightly dampened soft cloth and dry thoroughly before storing. To avoid wrinkles or creases, store banners loosely rolled in a cool, dry place.

Displaying Your Banner

When installing a banner, do not overstretch or pull the material too tightly. Especially when hanging outside where wind or rain may tug at the banner, leaving a bit of ‘play’ for the banner to gently move will prevent unnecessary damage.

Popular Banner Sizes and Costs

With our custom Design Your Own Banner tool, creating the perfect banner is ideal for whatever merchandise you’re marketing or event you’re promoting.

Popular banner sizes and costs are –

2’ x 3’ $19.95

Ideal for small spaces, windows, or hanging above merchandise or behind registers. Smaller banners can leave a big impression.

3’ x 6’ $37.95

Ideal for posting on storefronts or promoting special events, these banners are versatile and visible.

4’ x 8’ $67.95

Ideal for hanging high atop buildings or storefronts, these signs are designed to attract attention from travelers from a distance with a message they’ll remember.

Designing an Effective Banner

To promote your brand effectively, designing a banner with a valuable message is essential. Here are our five key tips for designing an effective banner –

Perfect your message!

Less is more. Messages that are short, clear, and concise are more readily remembered by potential customers or clients who are busy and often distracted. For large, outdoor banners five to eight words is ideal, indoor banners should not exceed 15 words or a few short phrases. Keep images and embellishments to a minimum. Too much visual clutter will detract from your core message.

Size matters.

Whether your banner will be read closely or from a distance, choose a banner size that will easily convey your message. Banners that will be read from the street should be larger and include text that is easily readable, while for interior spaces, smaller signs will pack a big punch.

Location, location, location.

Banners should be hung where they will get consumers’ attention, yet not distract from your message. Avoid placing banners over your store name, for example, or in hard to see places. Indoor banners should be strategically placed to lead customers and clients further inside or encourage them to ask questions or for additional information.

Consider color and contrast.

Ideally, the colors on your banner should match or complement your brand’s identity. A single color background will create a more polished, professional look. The greater the contrast between the banner background, font, and graphics, the better its readability will be.

Fonts and graphics.

When choosing font styles, simplicity is key. Stay away from fonts that are too elaborate or challenging to read. No more than two complimentary styles are best. Graphics should be high resolution and clearly relate to your message.

Whether you’re promoting a grand opening, a special event, that spectacular sale or professional services, Customsigns.com makes it easy to create the banners you need for your business. Design your custom banners from scratch or choose from one of our templates. With our custom design tool, your perfect banners are just a click away.

For more information on how to make banners work for you, please see our related blog posts:

Making Temporary Signs Work for You

Custom Banners for School Events

Tips for Designing Visually Effective and Interesting Signs

October 2, 2018July 24, 2019

Making Temporary Signs Work for You

Chances are travelers notice hundreds of temporary signs as they trek through neighborhoods and cities, urban and suburban areas. Whether traveling by automobile, bus, train, taxi, or bicycle – even walking or jogging – public and private properties are teeming with temporary signage competing for attention. If getting your signs – and your message – noticed is the name of the game, understanding the ins and outs of making temporary signage work for you is key!

What Are Temporary Signs?

Temporary signs are those designed to provide information for an event limited by a specific time frame. Examples include: political campaigns, real estate sales or rentals, construction sites, civic events, or any type of promotion aimed at the general public. Temporary signs are also used as short-term signage solutions announcing “Coming Soon!” or “Remodeling Underway”, virtually any reason that permanent signs are not in place.

Temporary signs come in many forms, including:

Banners – Signs made of durable, flexible materials that can be attached to walls or windows, hung from ceilings, and can be used indoors or out, depending upon the material the banners are made of

Political/Election Signs – Signs made especially to promote a candidate or a political agenda; typically these signs are only permitted to be displayed on private property and must be removed a specific number of days after voting has taken place

Real Estate Signs – Signs designed to advertise the sale or rent of specific properties, whether private or commercial; these signs are non-illuminated and are generally limited to one sign per property

Construction Signs – Signs erected at construction sites displaying individuals or businesses that are associated with a project; usually only one temporary sign is permitted per construction site

Directional Construction Signs – Signs directing those visiting construction sites and/or making deliveries to proper entrances and exits

Wayfinding Signs – Signs strategically placed to guide and/or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic when temporary detours are required

Yard Signs – Outdoor signs that can be single or double sided, designed to display a message to passersby; these signs are free standing and often supported by H-stakes

Light Boxes – Illuminated boxes of various sizes that can be free standing or affixed to a wall; interchangeable letters, numbers, and symbols allow temporary messages to be displayed and changed as needed

Indoor Temporary Signs – Signs made to inform people of temporary situations, such as when something is “Out of Order” or “Temporarily Out of Stock”; custom temporary signs that can easily be attached with Velcro give a much more professional appearance than a handwritten or computer printed piece of paper affixed with tape

What are the Benefits of Temporary Signs?

Temporary signs provide an exceptional platform for sharing your message with the masses. These signs are a cost effective marketing tool that can help your business – or your candidate – stand out from the competition. These signs can be exceptionally helpful in promoting a home-based business where additional signage is impractical and/or not permitted.

Additionally, temporary signs are easy to install and remove as needed. Durable, lightweight, and often weather resistant and reusable, temporary signs are portable and help to support the tried and true adage that location is everything!

What Are the Challenges of Temporary Signs?

Some of the biggest challenges for posting temporary signs are the varying rules and regulations in place throughout the country. These can be based on the density of a given area as well as local zoning laws. Public safety is also of concern, for both pedestrians and moving vehicles. Rules may be in place limiting the number of temporary signs that can be posted in a given area, as well as standards that specify font sizes and contrast levels to reduce potential accidents caused by those attempting to view hard to read signs. To make temporary signs stand out and effectively relay your message, less is more. Convey your message in clear, concise language with simple graphics and fewer colors to reduce visual clutter and enhance readability.

Historic districts often also have their own set of special regulations designed to maintain the integrity of local historic districts or landmarks. A temporary sign should never take away from the historic character of these thoughtfully preserved areas.

Urban vs Suburban Signs

Urban areas, such as bustling downtown districts, often have greater pedestrian and vehicle traffic than their suburban counterparts. Therefore, it is important to plan temporary signage that has a compelling, effective message that is clearly visible to travelers quickly moving from one destination to another. Successfully, and safely, catching a potential customer’s or voter’s attention is the name of the game.

Creating effective urban signage is not without its challenges. Often, clutter becomes a concern when an abundance of temporary signs are vying for prime visual space. Additionally, urban areas typically have countless permanent (most often illuminated) signs as far as the eye can see.

Customsigns.com carries an exceptional selection of customizable temporary signs sure to meet your needs. Our Customer Focus Team is here to guide you or answer any questions you may have along the way.

For more information on temporary signs, please see our related blog posts:

Tips for Designing Visually Effective and Interesting Signs

Political Yard Signs, What You Should Know

September 25, 2018June 18, 2020

The Importance of Understanding OSHA and Displaying Proper Signage for Workplace Safety

While OHSA is a commonly recognized name throughout the business world, it is safe to say that a large number of employees are unfamiliar with what OSHA is designed to do. OSHA, or the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, is a governmental oversight organization designed to hold employers responsible for providing a safe, healthful work environment for all employees and visitors.

OSHA Health and Safety in the Workplace

While OSHA does not specifically have an official regulatory section devoted solely to office safety, several standards and additional links can be found in OSHA’s Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs, applicable to workplace environments, as well as an OSHA Self-Inspection Checklist for Office Safety.

OFFICE HEALTH AND SAFETY – First and foremost is the health and well-being of every office employee and visitor. While office environments may appear to be relatively safe on a day-to-day basis, accidents do happen and employers often are at risk for losing thousands of dollars annually due to accidental injuries or illnesses. Add to that higher insurance premiums that are sure to follow, the loss of revenue from the need to replace an employee or employees (even temporarily), and the potentially high costs of workers’ compensation claims. And when the employer is at fault, personal injury claims for negligence can be significant.

SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS – Slips, trips, and falls can happen anywhere and are one of the leading causes of workplace injury. Things that may not appear to pose a hazard can actually cause significant injury, for example, wet or recently waxed floors, boxes in an isle way or objects blocking exits, open cabinet or filing drawers, fallen objects, loose power cords across walkways, and food spills, just to name a few. OSHA does provide guidelines for developing a safety policy at your place of business, with the understanding that training all employees is the key to success. Posting the appropriate safety signage can be an effective first step in alerting employees and visitors to be aware of certain situations where an accident may occur.

FIRST AID AND SAFETY – OSHA approved first aid includes the following:

Administering nonprescription medications at nonprescription strength
Administering tetanus immunizations ONLY (all others are considered medical treatment)
Cleaning, flushing, or soaking surface wounds
Applying wound coverings including bandages, gauze pads, butterfly bandages, or Steri-strips
Applying hot or cold therapy
Using temporary stabilization devices, such as splints, slings, or neck collars
Using eye-patches and removing foreign objects from eyes ONLY with irrigation or q-tips
Removing a splinter or other foreign body with tweezers, irrigation, cotton balls, or other simple means
Drinking fluids to alleviate the effects of heat stress

OFFICE SAFETY AND CHEMICAL USAGE – Chances are the cleaning and/or bathroom closets and cleaning supply area for the kitchen or break room are full of chemical products. Even “green” or organic products require proper precautions. When any chemicals are present in an office setting, OSHA requires proper training for all employees for handling chemical spills and other accidents appropriately.

Training specifics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Never mix cleaning products, especially those containing ammonia or bleach
Be aware of which cleaning products/chemicals require dilution and by how much
Proper chemical product usage and storage
Appropriate emergency procedures for caring for the patient and appropriately cleaning the contaminated office area(s)
Understanding the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to be worn when cleaning chemical spills, for example, chemical-approved gloves, goggles, and body suits
Always CLEARLY LABEL all cleaning and chemical containers with their contents and potential hazards
Proper ventilation to avoid buildup of dangerous vapors and chemical fumes
Thorough hand and arm washing after use of any and all cleaning and/or chemicals

GERMS AND BACTERIA IN THE OFFICE – Just about everyone has experienced how rapidly germs and sickness spread through the workplace, causing absenteeism to skyrocket and productivity to significantly decline. Consider the confined spaces that workplaces often include, add to that frequent sneezing and coughing near or by those around you. Additionally, we share water fountains, door handles, copy machines, faucets, and everything in between.

To combat the spread of illness in the workplace, OSHA has developed basic safety procedures for promoting the highest levels of health and safety. These include: proper hand washing techniques, cough etiquette, and the installation of “no touch” waste receptacles for used tissues, disposable towels, and cleaning supplies, among others. These wastebaskets should be placed generously throughout all office spaces.

PROMOTING A POSITIVE FEELING IN THE WORKPLACE – No matter what the goal, when everyone in the work group takes individual ownership – led by example from the top down – success is most likely to follow. Positive attitudes across the board help employees not only to perform better, but to feel like he or she plays an important role in the success of the organization.

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AND SAFETY – Workplace violence is a serious problem, and can occur either inside or outside the work environment. Violent acts can cover anything from threats or verbal incidents to physical altercations and even the loss of life. According to OSHA, more than 2 million Americans annually are victims of workplace violence. OSHA has put together a detailed fact sheet addressing workplace violence that every business should read and follow.

For more information, please visit OSHA or call 800.321.OSHA (6742), TYY 877.889.5627.

See our other OSHA blogs for additional information on keeping your employees and visitors safe:

The Importance of OSHA Signs for Construction Sites

How to Increase Workplace Safety Over the Summer

Caution, Warning, and Danger Signs Explained

OSHA’s National Youth Safety Initiative

September 24, 2018July 14, 2023

Custom Signs to Honor People, Causes & Celebrations

For more than 45 years, Helen Mitchell has remained a loyal employee of what recently has evolved into TIAA Bank in Jacksonville, Florida. After experiencing several acquisitions over the years, Helen continues to work every day at what now is officially named the Helen Mitchell Mail Center, dedicated in her honor. Many companies choose to honor employees for their years of work, for going above and beyond for a coworker or customer, or for producing consistently stellar work.

Getting Creative with Custom Signage

Creating your own custom signs and other unique plaques, plates, and products offers many benefits; the only limit is your creativity! Custom designed signs and donation plates, for example, make wonderful personalized tokens of appreciation for all to see. We offer a variety of custom signs, including custom engraved brass signs, brass wall plaques and name plates.

Here are just a few of our top-selling custom product ideas:

Donation plates representing donor names of honorees and amounts (or gift levels, i.e. gold level donors)
Donation plates recognizing charitable/philanthropic contributions, including donor name and date
Memorial plates to honor the life and memory of a loved one for years to come; for an extra special touch, add a meaningful quote and/or notable dates
Custom engraved plates to honor or highlight the special achievements of valued employees, celebrating company milestones, donors, patrons, teammates, graduates, or anyone deserving of extraordinary recognition
Choose from names, dates, numbers, logos, and more!

Our Custom Signs Specifications

Our custom engraved brass signs are available in a variety of specialized shapes and sizes to best fit your needs, including horizontal, square, and vertical sign shapes
We have engraved plates fully customizable for the number of lines of text you need
Your choice of engraving: etched (natural) or oxidized (black) lettering
We offer several mounting options, allowing your plates to be easily affixed to awards, benches, tables, or other durable surfaces
Optional extended UV coating provides longer life for your signs, especially recommended for outdoor usage

Mounting Options Include, among others:

Adhesive tape
Magnetic tape
Velcro
Holes/screws
Metal foil
Adhesive backing

Our Commitment to You, Our Valued Customer

If you do not see what you are looking for, or if you just need help navigating the options, our Customer Focus Team is here to help you every step of the way, before and after the sale. All our products are produced right here in the USA in our state-of-the-art facilities by our product and engraving experts!

September 18, 2018June 18, 2020

The Importance of OSHA Signs for Construction Sites

You have likely heard the title many times in the workplace, but what exactly is OSHA? The Occupational Heath and Safety Administration is an oversight organization created to hold employers responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for employees and visitors at all times.

According to the United States Department of Labor, workers’ rights include:

Working in a place where conditions are safe and do not pose risk of serious harm
Workers shall receive training (in an appropriate language that he/she will understand) regarding potential workplace hazards , ways to prevent these, and all OSHA standards that apply to his or her workplace
A review of work-related injuries and illnesses at their place of empolyment
All workers have the right to anonymously file a complaint asking OSHA to inspect the workplace if there is a potential hazard or the company is not complying with OSHA rules and regulations
These rights are protected under law to be exercised without fear of retaliation; if retaliation does occur, this should be immediately reported via a formal OSHA complaint no later than 30 days after the event

For more information, please visit OSHA or call 800.321.OSHA (6742), TYY 877.889.5627.

OSHA Regulated Construction Area Signs

Working in a construction area, is, by nature, a very dangerous job. If proper safety precautions are not taken, unnecessary and often serious injuries, including death, can occur. This is why proper OSHA signage is critical – and required – at every construction zone.

It is the employer’s responsibility to understand the risks associated with their industry, work areas, and equipment. Signs should never be used as generic warnings.

OSHA Safety Signage Applicable to Nearly All Construction Sites

DANGER – Posted in an area where hazards are likely to result in serious injury or death. Signs should be used ONLY in extremely dangerous areas, for example where high voltage is present, creating an electrical hazard. Danger signs are preceded by the safety alert triangle and feature bold white “DANGER” lettering surrounded by a red background.

WARNING – Posted in an area where serious injury or death may occur, yet overall risk does not require the danger sign. Examples include: heavy debris, high voltage, or blasting areas. Warning signs feature the safety alert triangle followed by the word “WARNING” printed in black with an orange background.

CAUTION – Posted where a minor or moderate physical injury could be caused. Examples include: contact with harmful equipment, substances, slips or falls, among others. Caution signs are symbolized by the safety alert triangle followed by the word “CAUTION” printed in black with a yellow background.

NOTICE – Posted in low risk areas where they serve as safety reminders. Examples include: informational signs about wearing hard hats, machinery, employees only in a specific area, or equipment. These signs often outline proper procedures, maintenance information and instructions, rules, or directions that do not relate specifically to personal injury.

GENERAL SAFETY SIGNS – Posted in low-risk areas as reminders for general safety. For example: signs relating to medical equipment, overall health, first aid, sanitation, housekeeping, and general safety measures.

ADMITTANCE – Posted in areas where restriction is limited to specific groups of people or individuals. These signs may specify the dangers of entering a restricted area.

FIRE SAFETY – Posted wherever fire exits are located and specify locations of emergency firefighting equipment.

NON-HAZARD SIGNS – While technically not safety signs, these signs are beneficial for sharing general safety information. For example: directional signs and procedures, via easy to read text and visual symbols.

Additional OSHA Guidelines

Once you have purchased the appropriate signs that comply with OSHA requirements, it is crucial that they are posted in the proper places. According to 29 CFR 1910.1 45(f)(4)(vi), signs must be placed “as close as safely possible” to the appropriate hazard.

It is also paramount that employees and anyone in the vicinity are able to clearly see and read the signs from a safe distance away. 29 CFR 1910.1 45(f)(4) specifies a distance of five feet away from the hazard.

See our other OSHA blogs for additional information on keeping your employees and visitors safe:

How to Increase Workplace Safety Over the Summer

Caution, Warning and Danger Signs Explained

OSHA’s National Youth Safety Initiative

September 5, 2018November 10, 2020

How to Design ADA Compliant Signs

The Value of ADA Signage

Proper ADA signage in public spaces is required by The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to help ensure that persons with visual, hearing, or other sensory disabilities are able to locate and read them easily, either visually or through braille or tactile touch (raised letters). In addition to improving mobility and independence for these individuals, ADA signage also supports safety in public places by ensuring that entrances and exits are clearly marked, visible, and distinguishable from other rooms.

The Basics of ADA Signage

According to the ADA, signs that must be ADA compliant include, but are not limited to, the following:

a) All informational signs (for example “Employees Only”)

b) All directional signs (for example “Exit to Lobby”)

c) All overhead signs (for example “Elevators”)

d) Signs that identify permanently dedicated rooms that will not change function, such as a lunch room, conference room, restroom, or closet

e) Signs highlighting the location of building floors, stairwells, and all exit levels

f) All restroom signs

ADA Signage Requirements

While there are many universal ADA signage requirements, it is important to check individual state laws that may have sign modifications or additional standards.

Where are ADA signs required?

ADA signs are required throughout all public access and employee areas.

Do ADA signs require braille or tactile letters?

ADA signs must include braille and tactile (raised) letters. Braille letters must be Grade 2 (shorthand braille), rounded/domed, and lowercase (other than proper nouns, letters that are part of a room number, initials, acronyms, or before the first word of sentences) and include a minimum 3/8 inch clearance on all sides. Tactile lettering must be 1/32 inch raised capital letters.

Since braille is a translation of words, signs that depict symbols or pictograms ONLY do not require braille.

Are there additional lettering specifications for ADA signs?

ADA signs must use sans-serif or other plain text and include spacing of 1/8 inch between adjoining characters for easy readability. Text height must be between 5/8 and 2 inches and printed in medium or bold font.

What makes ADA signs easily visible?

ADA signs must be made of high contrasting colors (dark/light or light/dark) for easy readability. Additionally, all signs (other than traffic and reflective parking signs) must have non-glare backgrounds and characters.

What symbols are ADA-approved for use on signage?

ADA signs may include any of the four approved accessibility symbols for pictograms:

a) Wheelchair, symbolizing mobility

b) An ear, signifying the availability of an assistive listening device

c) Keyboard, representing a text telephone (TTY)

d) Phone symbol with sound waves, representing the availability of a volume control phone

Pictograms must include a 6 inch high background area with nothing inside other than one of the four approved symbols described above.

a)Text descriptions are required for signs that include a pictogram and label rooms or spaces
<!- ->*Signs with pictograms that provide information about a space do not require text.

b) Tactile text should be directly under pictogram

c) Braille text should be directly under tactile letters

Does the ADA have special installation requirements?

The ADA lists specific installation requirements, depending on the type of sign. Generally, ADA room identification signs must be placed next to the doors they refer to, mounted between 48 inches, measured from the bottom of the lowest tactile character, and 60 inches, measured from the bottom of the highest tactile character, from the ground.

What is required for ADA parking signs?

All ADA parking signs must include the International Symbol of Accessibility, or “Wheelchair Symbol.” Signs need to be mounted a minimum of 60 inches from the floor measured from the bottom of the sign. Spaces set aside for vans must include the additional text “Van Accessible.”

For a comprehensive guide to all ADA regulations, please visit www.ADA.gov.

At CustomSigns.com, our Customer Focus Team is here to help determine your signage needs and answer any questions you may have along the way. Additionally, we make it easy for you to design your own ADA signs that meet current regulatory ADA standards.

See our other ADA blogs:

ADA Signage All Buildings Must Have
Where Should ADA Signs be Posted

August 28, 2018November 10, 2020

ADA Signage All Buildings Must Have

What is ADA Signage?

Table of Contents
What Is ADA Signage?
Why Is It Needed?
What Buildings Need It?
When Are Signs Required?
When Are Signs Not Required?
Keeping Signs Compliant
ADA Parking
ADA Sign Basics
Choosing a Manufacturer

According to the US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, ADA signs are signs specifically made so that individuals, including those with visual or other sensory disabilities, are able to easily locate and read them, visually or through braille or tactile touch.

ADA signs are specially designed to be posted in most public buildings (specified below) that ensure that individuals with disabilities will have equal access to public buildings as do those without disabilities. ADA signage is required to present the same information to all people irrespective of physical limitations.

Why ADA Signage is Necessary

Federal Law mandates that all public buildings and spaces must maintain proper, up-to-date ADA signage throughout their facilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) was enacted to strictly prohibit “discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and governmental activities.”

Another key reason that ensuring ADA compliant signage is properly posted throughout your buildings is to eliminate the possibility of your organization being charged with lawsuits, government penalties, and fines. While ADA requirements are simple to follow, many facilities fail to take the time or make the effort to post the appropriate signage and end up facing unnecessary and expensive consequences.

What Buildings Qualify as Commercial Buildings Needing Proper ADA Signage?

According to the ADA, any building used as a place of public accommodation is required to post ADA signage throughout. These include, but are not limited to, office buildings, school campuses, manufacturing plants and warehouses, hotels, restaurants and bars, and municipal buildings.

When Are ADA Signs Required?

Braille/tactile signs are required for:

Signs that display the locations of floors, stairwells, and all exit levels
Signs posted at every elevator
Signs that display the locations of all restrooms
Signs posted at every permanent room (such as a conference room, lunch room, storage room, or closet that will not change function for the foreseeable future)

When Are ADA Signs Not Required?

ADA compliant signs are not required for rooms including the following (among others):

Rooms that do not serve a permanent function or that are temporary in nature, such as classrooms and individual offices – these rooms can be identified with a simple room number sign
Temporary signs (posted for seven days or less)
Building directories
Building addresses
Parking signs
Advertising/marketing signs
Company logos and names

Keeping ADA Signs Compliant

ADA signage must be kept current and coincide with the latest official ADA regulations. This should be monitored regularly to ensure that your buildings are up-to-date at all times. Please visit the United States Access Board for the most recent updates and current regulations.

What Does ADA Parking Mean?

Based on availability, your parking facility will need to set aside a specified number of accessible parking spaces as found in the PDF found on ADA.gov. Spaces must measure 96 inches wide for cars and 132 inches wide for vans. An accessible parking space must include an Access Aisle adjacent to it that must be at least 60 inches wide and as long as the space itself. Access Aisles must be marked but how they are marked is based on State or local standards.

An accessible parking space must be marked with a sign bearing the International Symbol of Accessibility. Your parking sign does not require braille or tactile lettering, but needs to have a high-contrast between the background and text and symbol. ADA parking signs must be mounted at least 60 inches above the ground measured from the bottom of the sign.

ADA Sign Basics

- What are text requirements?

All ADA signs must include lowercase braille and uppercase tactile letters. Braille letters must be rounded and domed.

- What are color requirements?

All ADA signs must be made of highly contrasting colors (dark/light or light/dark) for easy readability.
All ADA signs (other than traffic and reflective parking signs) must have non-glare backgrounds and characters.

- What fonts are allowed?

All ADA signs must use sans-serif fonts

- What size font is ADA compliant?

Text must be between 5/8 inches and 2 inches tall.
Characters must be separated by 1/8 inch for easy readability.

- Where should signs be placed?

All ADA room identification signs must be placed next to the doors they refer to.

- What is ADA height for signage?

All permanent and indoor signs must be mounted between 48 and 60 inches from the ground.

ADA signs include four universal accessibility symbols:
- Wheelchair, symbolizing mobility
- An ear, signifying the availability of an assistive listening device
- Keyboard, representing a text telephone (TTY)
- Phone symbol with sound waves, representing the availability of a volume control phone

Choosing A Reputable ADA Sign Manufacturer

There are many companies that supply ADA signage and other compliant signage. When you’re equipping your buildings with required ADA signs, it is key to choose a company that is diligent about keeping up with current ADA requirements and producing appropriate ADA signage. Our Customer Focus Team at CustomSigns.com is here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

See our other ADA blogs:

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August 22, 2018June 18, 2020

Tips for Designing Visually Effective and Interesting Signs

As a content writer who has written about signs galore, I have discovered an occupational hazard. I notice signs. Everywhere I go! Signs are everywhere: the good, the bad, and absolutely atrocious. There are plenty of shameful signs out there.

For businesses and consumers alike, signs are an investment and are designed to achieve a specific promotional or informational purpose. CustomSigns.com will help design the signs you need to meet your promotional goals, including yard signs, directional signs, banners, or safety signs, just to name a few. To get you started, we’ve compiled the following tips so that you can design visually effective and interesting signs that are sure to get the attention they deserve.

Features of Poorly Designed Signs

There are multitudes of ineffectively designed signs out there, barely grabbing the attention of anyone whizzing by, whether by bus, car, bike, or even walkers out for a stroll. Signs tend to be crammed with entirely too much information, including text, colors, pictures, or logos, among others. Perhaps the size of the sign is all wrong for the message that is meant to be conveyed.

When it comes to effective signs, keep them visible and legible – less is always more!

The Benefits of Good Signage | Signs That Are Thoughtfully Made and Easily Readable

When signs are designed and custom made for your specific needs, they will become an integral part of your marketing and branding outreach efforts. Signs are economical, easy to install, custom, and an affordable way to advertise or spread your message. The professionals at CustomSigns.com are here to assist you every step of the way.

How to Create Appealing and Effective Signage

First, it is important to determine the type of signs you need. At CustomSigns.com, we’ve got you covered with banners, corrugated plastic yard signs, aluminum signs with vinyl overlay, street signs, and vinyl signs, just to name a few.

How to Design Your Signs

There are many factors that should be taken into consideration before and during your design process. First and foremost, signs should be attractive, reusable (when appropriate), clear, concise, easily readable, and visually appealing.

Things to Remember When Designing Signs:

Make sure that your signs are able to withstand normal weather conditions
There should be either white or plainly colored space that includes no text or graphics; this ensures ease of readability and conveying your message to the reader
- Ideally, between 30 and 40 percent of a sign’s surface area should be left blank
Choose the size of your signs wisely, considering how far away readers will be and the areas they will be viewed from
Remember! Less is more when it comes to sharing your message, too many words are difficult to read from a distance and add unnecessary clutter
When choosing font style, thoughtfully choose lettering styles that are easy to read when viewed from afar
If using more than one font, choose styles that complement one another and limit each sign to two fonts; this will help your message to be more easily read
Only use capital letters when necessary; using all caps will make your text more challenging to read
If you have a specific phrase or key words to highlight, do so with bold font or black lettering
Group information logically, strategically separating your design layout and blank spaces
Sometimes, text is not necessary to relay the message of your sign, an eye-catching, self explanatory graphic is simple, yet effective

Did you know?

Adding a border can increase readability, especially for roadside signs
To make signs more easily readable from a distance, choose foreground and/or background colors that enhance the signs’ text and/or images
Graphics and digital pictures can greatly enhance the look and impact of your custom signs
Consider adding photos, official logos, artwork, or any other visually appealing design that relate to your signs’ message(s)

Where should my signs be placed?

You want your signs to be noticed – and remembered!

Post your signs in places where they are likely to get maximum exposure from your target audience
Be aware of placing your signs where potential obstructions may serve as obstacles preventing a clear view of your signs – without visibility by your target audience, your signs serve no useful purpose!

At CustomSigns.com, we are here for you, our valued customer. Whether you need help choosing premade signs that are right for you or would like to design your own signs, our knowledgeable Customer Focus Team is here to assist you every step of the way, before and after the sale. All of our products are made in our state-of-the-art facilities right here in the USA, where your complete satisfaction is our goal!

August 14, 2018July 8, 2020

How Proper Signage Helps to Promote Safety, Health, and Wellness in Schools – Part 2

As the back-to-school bell rings class into session for the new school year, promoting safety, health, and wellness throughout your school halls is a requirement for ensuring that every student has a wonderful year from start to finish.

Encouraging a Bully-Free Zone in Your School

Turn knowledge into power. Educating students, teachers, and parents about how to identify, stop, or even prevent the bullying problem that continues to escalate in America’s schools today will go a long way in creating a welcoming and safe learning environment for everyone.

There are many forms of bullying. Whether bullying is physical, verbal, electronic, or done directly or indirectly, the emotional tolls are significant and have even led to suicide. Additionally, while bullying affects the victim, it also impacts those who bully others and those who witness bullying take place. According to national statistics, nearly 30 percent of middle and high school students have been the target of bullying, while approximately 70 percent of students say they have witnessed bullying across school campuses.

Schoolbullying.gov is an excellent resource for finding and sharing bullying information, including the following:

What to Look for – Signs of Bullying Behavior

Loss of interest in school or declining grades
Sudden loss of friends or withdrawal from social activities
Frequent nightmares or difficulty falling or staying asleep
Frequently feeling sick or revealing unexplainable injuries
Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem
Changes in eating habits, including not eating or binge eating
Lost, damaged, or destroyed personal items, such as clothing or electronic devices
Self-destructive behaviors that may include self-harm, suicide, or running away from home

Tactics for Preventing Bullying in Schools

Keep Awareness and Communication at the Forefront

Creating awareness and building an environment where open communication is welcomed will go a long way in creating the opportunities for connection and bullying prevention.

Teach Kindness and Compassion

Treating others with kindness and having the ability to see things from someone else’s perspective helps students to better understand others and what they may be going through. With this deeper understanding, students may be less likely to bully and more likely to reach out to others unlike themselves.

Create Opportunities to Connect

Bringing others together helps them get to know one another on a more meaningful level. Learning that what you see on the outside is not always reflective of who a person is or how he or she is doing on the inside is a valuable lesson that can go a long way.

Recognize the Signs

Being aware of the signs of those who are bullied and those who are bullying others is paramount to recognizing and addressing the problem quickly and effectively.

Encourage a Collective Community

To effectively prevent or reduce bullying in any school, it takes the whole community to be aware, communicate, and share the responsibility of ensuring that all students have a safe, open, and nurturing environment where they can grow and learn.

Creating a Culture of Awareness and Prevention

Keep bullying awareness and prevention at the forefront by posting reminders that bullying is forbidden on your school campus. At CustomSigns.com, our traditional signs for posting in the hallways or vinyl decals for adhering to classroom doors or windows will keep bullying awareness front and center and encourage potential bullies to think before they act. When the whole school community is actively involved and working together to create an environment centered on kindness and respect toward everyone, positive change is likely to follow.

July 18, 2018December 3, 2020

Did you Know you Can Customize Required Restaurant Signs?

What Signs Are Required for Restaurants?

Table of Contents
Customer Signs
Alcohol Signs
Franchise Signs
Establishment Signs
Kitchen Signs
Worker Signs
Minor Employee Signs
>50 Employees Signs
Waste Area Signs

Every new business owner, particularly of a restaurant, should be aware of the required signage to post within their establishment. Much of this required signage is offered by the city in which the restaurant or business is located, but some business owners are choosing to go above and beyond in order to draw in the right customer.

In New York City specifically, the following signs are required for each area of an eatery or bar.

Signs Required for Customer Area:

Certificate of occupancy
Food service establishment permit
Choking first aid signage
CPR kit and information
Sales tax certificate of authority
Sales tax included (for selling with tax included)
Place of assembly certificate of operation and permit (for seating 75 or more customers indoors and 200 or more outdoors)
Maximum occupancy for place of assembly

Signs for Establishments Selling Alcohol:

Liquor license
Warning for pregnant women
No liquor sold to minors or intoxicated adults

For franchises with 15 or more locations:

Calorie counts for menu items

Signs Required throughout the Establishment:

No Smoking
Must wash hands
Exit and direction to exit
Fire extinguisher inspection tags

Signs Required for the Kitchen:

Food allergies
Fire alarm test record
Equipment use permits (refrigerators, boilers and HVAC units)
For range hoods
Schematic of hood and ducts
How to clean hoods and ducts
Record of cleaning hoods and ducts
Record of inspecting hood and duct

Signs Required for Worker Area:

Minimum wage
Fair labor standards act
Benefits and hours
Wage deductions
Tips and taxation
Unemployment insurance
Workers’ compensation
Occupational safety
Right to know workplace hazards
Equal opportunity
Pregnancy rights
Anti-discrimination
Employment of ex-criminals
Veterans benefits
Disability benefits
Polygraph protection act notice
Employee voting leave

Signs for Businesses Employing Minors:

Permitted working hours for minors

For Employing more than 50 people:

Family medical leave act

Signs for Waste Areas:

Recycling instructions
Private carter information and schedule

Signs for Social Distancing & Hygiene

Your business needs to do its part during the COVID-19 pandemic. Signs and floor decals are important for reminding customers and employees to follow proper social distancing and hygiene guidelines.

You should also make sure your business follows any local occupancy restrictions.

Though these types of signs and certificates can be obtained for free, many upscale and trendy spots are choosing to customize them. Rather than having a standard sign or poster framed on the wall, some restaurant owners are spending extra money to commission illustrations and art that will stand out.

One such establishment is Sauvage in Brooklyn, New York. Co-founder Joshua Boissy said "If you’re trying to stand out in a city with 9 million people you have to find your own way to do that. That’s one of the ways we do that." Most of the time, required signage is generic and hidden in hallways but when these signs are customized they can be displayed as part of the restaurant scheme.

▴ Alex Holden’s “choking victim” hangs at Union Pool in Brooklyn. Photo Credit: Corey Sipkin

Although standing out in New York City is much more of a challenge than in smaller cities, every business owner is looking for ways to bring in the right customer and keep them coming back. Why not use custom signs and posters to satisfy inspection requirements? As long as restaurant owners follow the rules and include the correct text and visuals, custom compliant signage can be used to complement a restaurant or bar setting, rather than simply meet basic requirements.

Custom signage is available in many sizes, types and materials. Depending on the restaurant or bar aesthetics, business owners can customize brass, vinyl, aluminum or plastic.

Before customizing signs for your eatery or business, make sure you check the local requirements of your city to ensure you include the correct message and visual on each sign.

Helpful Resources:

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