You’ve got a sale next week, a grand opening next month, or an open house this Sunday. You need signs, but you don’t want to spend more than you have to on something that’s coming down soon.
Three materials cover most short-term jobs: paper, vinyl, and Coroplast (corrugated plastic). Each one is great in the right spot and a waste of money in the wrong one. Here’s how to pick.
The Quick Answer
| Material | Typical Lifespan | Outdoors? | Cost | Turnaround | Rigid? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper signs | Days to weeks | Behind glass only | Lowest | Same day or 24 hours | No | Weekly deals, notices, window posters |
| Vinyl banners | 1 to 3 years | Yes | Medium | 1 to 3 days | No, rolls up | Storefront promotions, events, building fronts |
| Coroplast signs | Several months | Yes | Medium | 1 to 3 days | Yes | Yard signs, sidewalk signs, and site signs |
If the sign is indoors or behind a window and the message changes often, go with paper. If it’s going outside, skip plain paper.
Paper Signs: Cheapest and Fastest
Paper is the go-to choice for anything that changes week to week: sale prices, holiday hours, “Now Hiring” notices, menu specials, and event posters.
Why people choose it:
- Lowest cost per sign, especially for bulk orders.
- Can be printed the same day or within 24 hours, subject to availability.
- Easy to hang with tape, pins, or a snap frame.
- Available in bright neon colors for sale signs.
Watch out for: Sun, rain, and handling. Plain paper can fade in a sunny window after a few weeks and won’t hold up outdoors. For doors or busy areas, ask about tear-resistant or water-resistant paper, or add lamination.
See paper types and pricing on our paper signs page.
Vinyl Banners: Big and Weatherproof
Vinyl is a practical choice for outdoor signs. It can handle rain, wind, and sun, and you can roll it up for storage and reuse it when needed.
Good for:
- Grand openings and “Now Open” banners over a storefront.
- Events, street fairs, and sports fields.
- Large messages that need to be read from down the block.
Watch out for: Vinyl costs more than paper, and large banners may need grommets and secure mounting. In New York City, a large banner on a building may require landlord approval, so check before ordering.
Learn more about our vinyl banners.
Coroplast: Rigid and Outdoor-Ready
Coroplast is corrugated plastic commonly used for yard signs and real estate signs. It’s lightweight, water-resistant, and stiff enough to stand upright with wire stakes.
Good for:
- Real estate and open house signs.
- Political and campaign signs.
- Construction site and sidewalk notices.
- Directional signs at events.
Watch out for: Coroplast may not be the best choice for fine details or photos viewed up close. Larger signs can also catch the wind, so make sure they’re secured properly.
Learn more about our Coroplast signs.
Real Examples: Which One Would You Pick?
| Situation | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly grocery specials in the window | Neon paper | Easy to replace every week and suitable behind glass. |
| “Grand Opening” banner over a Bronx storefront | Vinyl banner | Works outdoors and provides space for a large message. |
| Open house signs on a Staten Island lawn | Coroplast | Lightweight, weather-resistant, and suitable for stakes. |
| Holiday hours on a glass door in Hoboken | Tear-resistant paper | Suitable for a short-term notice that may get touched often. |
| Event poster in a Manhattan lobby | Satin paper | Looks sharp indoors, especially in a frame. |
| A sale lasting six months or more | Window decals | Offer a clean look for a longer-lasting promotion. |
Still Not Sure?
Ask yourself three questions:
- Is it going outside? If yes, choose vinyl or Coroplast. If no, paper may be suitable.
- How long does it need to last? Days or weeks usually call for paper. For months of use, consider vinyl or Coroplast, depending on the location and installation.
- Does it need to stand up on its own? If yes, choose Coroplast or consider mounting paper on a suitable rigid backing.
If you’re still unsure, send us a photo of where the sign will go. We can help you choose a suitable material and discuss printing options for pickup in Brooklyn, delivery across NYC and New Jersey, or shipping. Ask about minimum order requirements and turnaround times when requesting a quote.
Start with our paper signs page or call 718-453-8300.
