Yard Sign FAQ
Material and Durability
What are yard signs made of?
Corrugated plastic, commonly called Coroplast. It is a polypropylene sheet with two flat outer walls separated by hollow vertical channels called flutes, which is what makes it rigid enough to stand in wind but light enough to carry a dozen signs under one arm.
How long do yard signs last outdoors?
Six months to two years of continuous exposure, depending mostly on sun and wind. Full-sun and coastal placements age faster, and reds and deep blues soften before other colors do. Signs stored indoors between seasonal uses can last several years.
Ordering and Printing
Can I order just one or two signs?
Yes. Short runs are a core part of what we do.
Can each side of a double-sided sign have different artwork?
Yes. Directional signs are the most common case: an arrow pointing left on one side and right on the other, so one sign works no matter which way the viewer is traveling.
How many directional signs do I need for an open house?
Three to five 18” x 12” arrows plus one 24” x 18” sign at the property. Place an arrow at every turn between the nearest main road and the listing. Signs only at the property capture people who already know where they are going.
What file format should I send?
A print-ready PDF at final size with 0.5” bleed, critical text at least 0.25” inside the trim, and artwork converted to CMYK. PNG, JPG, TIFF, and EPS also work. Because yard signs are read from a distance, 150 DPI at full size is sufficient, but we prefer 300 DPI.
Can you ship directly to a job site or client?
Yes. We blind ship, so packages arrive with no Printkeg branding or pricing inside. Agents and event planners use this to send signs straight to a listing or venue.
Design
How big should the text be on a yard sign?
Allow one inch of capital letter height for every ten feet of viewing distance. A headline read from 60 feet needs roughly six-inch letters, which means on a 24” x 18” sign the main line does most of the work and everything else is secondary. Anything under two inches will not be read from a moving vehicle.
Can I put a QR code on a yard sign?
It works for foot traffic at markets and event entrances, but not for road-facing signs, since drivers cannot scan while moving. If you use one, make it at least 1.5” square and pair it with a readable phone number as a fallback.
Installation
Do yard signs come with stakes?
Metal H-stakes are available as an add-on.
Will my sign blow over in the wind?
Wind is the most common cause of sign loss. Seat stakes at full depth, use two on larger signs, and re-check placements after heavy rain, since signs pull loose from soft wet ground more easily than most people expect.
Can I mount yard signs on a fence or wall?
Yes. Corrugated plastic drills and punches cleanly, so signs can be zip-tied to chain link or screwed to wood. Use washers or grommets at every attachment point; fasteners driven straight through the panel will tear out in wind.
Permits and Local Rules
Do I need a permit to put out yard signs?
Usually not on private property with the owner's permission, but rules vary by city, county, and HOA. The strip between the sidewalk and the street is public right-of-way in most municipalities, and signs placed there, on medians, or on utility poles are routinely removed without notice. Check your local zoning or code enforcement office before a large run.
Are there special rules for political campaign signs?
Often yes. Many jurisdictions limit how far in advance of an election signs may go up and require removal within a set number of days afterward. Check with your local election office or municipal clerk.
Comparing Sign Types
What is the difference between yard signs and foam board signs?
Yard signs are corrugated plastic built for outdoor use and stake mounting. Foam board is a rigid interior material with a smoother printed surface and better image reproduction, but it warps in humidity and does not survive rain. See the Signs & Displays collection to compare.
