Frequently Asked Questions

What size do I need?

We will try and help you purchase the right size sign for your needs based on 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. Many times the signs we see are much larger than we think- Please click here for an example of this.

What Size Lettering do I need?

There are a number of things that go into how large your sign should be. In many cases this will be dictated by the available space. The first thing you should consider is how far people will be viewing your sign. The Graphics Institute recommends that minimum letter size should be 1″ for every 10 feet of distance the sign will be seen from. See the chart below to determine the correct letter size.

See Dimensions vs Letter Heights Table

How long will it take to make my sign?

Depending on the type of sign you need and of course the quantity standard delivery times can vary a great deal. Below is a chart that may give you some idea of our standard and Rush delivery schedule. Please call us or e-mail us for a specific turnaround time on your job.

Type of Job Standard

  • Banner 2 day
  • Real estate type sign 1-2 day
  • Magnetic Vehicle signs 2 day
  • Embroidery 10 days
  • Routed Signs 12 days
  • Vehicle Wraps 4-6 days
  • Dimensional Letters 3 days

This turnaround time is from the time you approve the artwork.
This is just an estimate please call or e-mail for a specific turnaround on your job. We offer a Rush service for an additional charge.

What type of files do you accept?

We accept both Mac and PC files. Please visit our artwork specifications page for full details and preferred file types.

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 here are some examples,

see Duration Table

This is based on standard materials we have some premium materials that can add years to the standard guarantee, just let us know your requirements.
This does not cover damage due to sever weather or high wind.

What is digital printing?

Digital printing is a breakthrough technology that is changing the way the world communicates. Our digital printers tap the power of digital data to offer new levels of quality, speed and flexibility. With digital printing, full color electronic files go directly from the design workstation to the printer. While still only a few sign shops are catching on to digital printing, we have offered digital printing for over 10 years giving us unequaled experience to meet your needs.

How will digital printing benefit my business?

Digital printing enables new communication strategies that were prohibitively expensive — or impossible — via traditional sign making equipment. With Our printers you can cost effectively produce exactly the quantity of signs needed. No longer do you have to order more signs than you need just to get a good price break on traditional full color printing. We are also able to offer a faster turnaround time using digital printing. The price of digital printing has dropped significantly over the past 10 years which is why it is catching on so much today as a way to economically promote your business. Full color signs have a significant impact over traditional one or two color signs. Full color digitally printed vehicle wraps are catching on in a big way turning plain company vehicles into moving billboards that demand attention for new business.

What is the largest sign you can print?

We can print up to 16′ wide by 200 feet without any seams.
For Signs that is wider or longer we heat seal the seams making them virtually invisible or actually invisible based on the distance a sign that size would be from the viewer.

Why should I choose Custom Sign Express?

Our upfront service guarantee ensures the quality design and manufacturing that we have obtained through hard work and experience. We are proud of the high integrity and customer oriented reputation we have acquired over the past 17 years and we will not do anything to jeopardize that standing. Our goal is to meet your needs and go beyond your expectations when it comes to the quality and design of our signs. We do not turn out cookie cutter designs with little or no thought to what works best for each customer’s individual needs. When you choose Custom Sign Express you can be assured you are choosing a company that has the latest technology available from equipment to the newest versions of software available. Our continued growth over the past 17 years has mainly been attributed to referrals from our existing customers. They are referring us for a reason please let us show you what that reason is.

Does Custom Sign Express 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 a life size standup of Charo (okey that isn’t that big), digital wallpaper, embroidery shirts, canvas photo prints and exhibit displays to name a few.

How many years have you been in business?

Robert Evans opened Custom Sign Express in 1988 and began making signs for the Birmingham area. Today Custom Sign Express has projects all over the world. We have shipped signs to Australia, Germany, Canada, Belize and many other parts of the world. We had one large banner project that was shipped to an Aircraft Carrier in the Mediterranean Sea. We have shipped signs to nearly all 50 states (we are looking for some business from Hawaii). We are continuing to grow and look forward to adding you as satisfied client.

When are you open?

Monday – Thursday 8:30am to 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am to 3:00pm
Closed on Saturday and Sunday
e-mail is of course answered during and beyond these hours.

How do I find you?

Our main sales and production facility is located at this new address:
105 Oxmoor Circle, Birmingham, AL 35209