We will try and help you purchase the right size sign for your needs. We consider several factors such as how far away the sign needs to be seen, how fast will traffic be moving, and the purpose of the sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size sign do I need?
What size lettering do I need?
How long will it take to make my sign?
What type of files do you accept?
How do I outline my fonts/text?
Do you offer a guarantee?
How do I pay for my sign?
What is the largest sign you can print?
Why should I choose CSE Graphics?
Does CSE Graphics produce anything other than signage?
When are you open?
How do I find you?
What is a PMS Color?
What size sign do I need?
What size lettering do I need?
First, consider how far people will be viewing your sign. The Graphics Institute recommends that minimum letter size should be 1 inch for every 10 feet of distance the sign will be seen from.
How long will it take to make my sign?
Depending on the type of sign you need, the standard delivery times can vary a great deal. Below is a chart that may give you some idea of our standard delivery schedule. Turnaround time is from the time you approve the artwork. Please call or email us for an estimated turnaround time on your specific job. We also offer a Rush service for an additional charge.
Banner: 2 day
Corplast Sign: 1-2 day
Magnetic Vehicle Sign: 2 day
Routed Signs: 12 days
What type of files do you accept?
For the design stage, we ideally need vector artwork, but we will accept raster artwork.
Vector Artwork
All vector artwork needs to have all fonts/text outlined. We don’t have every font, so this ensures the text style will not change.
All vector artwork needs to have all fonts/text outlined. We don’t have every font, so this ensures the text style will not change.
- Ai (Illustrator)
- EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
- SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
- PDF (Portable Document Format)
Vector artwork is made up of mathematical lines and shapes (as opposed to pixels) and will not become blurry when enlarged. This type of artwork is preferred over raster (pixelated) art.
Raster Artwork
All raster artwork needs to be full size and at 125 dpi (dots per inch). Example: If you are needing a 8 feet wide by 4 feet high banner, then your artboard needs to be 8 feet wide by 4 feet high.
All raster artwork needs to be full size and at 125 dpi (dots per inch). Example: If you are needing a 8 feet wide by 4 feet high banner, then your artboard needs to be 8 feet wide by 4 feet high.
- JPG
- PNG
- TIFF
Raster artwork is made of many “dots.” The resolution of the artwork is measured by the number of dots per inch (DPI). The higher the DPI, the clearer the image becomes. This type of artwork has the potential to become blurry when enlarged past the ideal resolution size.
How do I outline my fonts/text?
If the file was made in Illustrator or InDesign:
- Select all text boxes.
- Go to “TYPE” in the menu bar.
- Select “Create Outlines”.
- Save file.
Do you offer a guarantee?
All of our products come with a quality guarantee. Most of the materials also have a length of service guarantee. The length of service guarantee varies by product. This is based on standard materials, but we do have some premium materials that can add years to the standard guarantee. This guarantee does not cover damage due to sever weather or high wind.
How do I pay for my sign?
American Express
Discover
MasterCard
Visa
Debit Cards
Checks
Cash
What is the largest sign you can print?
We can print up to 16 feet high by 200 feet wide without any seams. For signs that are wider or longer, we heat seal the seams making them virtually invisible based on the distance the sign would be from the viewer.
Why should I choose CSE Graphics?
Our upfront service guarantee ensures quality design and manufacturing. We are proud of the high integrity and customer oriented reputation we have acquired over the years. Our goal is to meet your needs and go beyond your expectations. We work with you every step of the way, from design to final installation.
Does CSE Graphics produce anything other than signage?
Absolutely! Because we are a custom manufacturer, we have the capabilities to produce all types of projects for our clients. Some examples are digital wallpaper, canvas photo prints, and exhibit displays.
When are you open?
Monday–Thursday: 8:30am to 5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am to 3:00pm
Closed on Saturday and Sunday
How do I find you?
Our main sales and production facility is located at 105 Oxmoor Circle Birmingham, AL 35209
What is a PMS Color?
The Pantone Matching System (PMS), is a proprietary color space used in a variety of industries, primarily printing. Using PANTONE® colors allows designers to “color match” specific colors when a design enters the production stage.
Pantone®
Matching
System
PMS COLORS
Not seeing your question?
“Take risks. Ask big questions. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; if you don’t make mistakes, you’re not reaching far enough.”
-David Packard