How Long Does Sign Printing Take? A Guide to Sign Printing Turnaround Times
Posted on by Matt Roscoe
When you need signs for an event, business, campaign, or building project, knowing how quickly they can be produced is just as important as choosing the right material.
Sign printing turnaround with Carrick Signs can vary depending on the type of sign, quantity, size, artwork, and finishing required. There isn't one standard timeframe that applies to every order, so it's worth considering these factors before placing your order.
If you have any questions about ordering with us and how long our turnaround times are, have a look at our following guide to ensure you get your custom signage on time and ready to place for your event, project, or business.
Planning a Sign Printing Project?
From the type of sign and materials to artwork, quantities, and delivery, getting the details right can help keep your order on track.
Discuss your sign printing requirements with Carrick Signs.
How Long Does Sign Printing Take?
The sign printing turnaround times for an order depend on what you're having produced and how straightforward the job is.
A small order of standard signs with print-ready artwork may be quicker to produce than a large, bespoke order requiring different sizes, materials or finishing.
The main factors that can affect sign printing lead times include:
Material: Different signage materials require different production processes.
Quantity: Larger orders may require additional production time.
Size: Large-format signs can require more preparation and printing time.
Artwork: Print-ready artwork can help avoid delays caused by design amendments or file issues.
Finishing: Cutting, mounting, edging, and other finishing requirements can add to production time.
Delivery: Your location and delivery requirements can also affect when your order arrives.
For this reason, it's always best to provide your required date when requesting a quote.
Do Different Types of Signs Take Different Amounts of Time?
Yes. The type of signage you're ordering can have an impact on turnaround.
For example, standard printed boards can involve a relatively straightforward production process, while more complex signage may require additional cutting, finishing or preparation.
Carrick Signs produces a wide range of made-to-order signage, including:
If you're unsure which option is suitable for your deadline, it's worth discussing your requirements before ordering.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Printed Signs?
Once your signs have been produced, Carrick Signs dispatches orders using APC and DX on a next-day delivery service as standard. However, while the couriers operate a next-day delivery service, delivery itself cannot be guaranteed.
Delivery costs and arrangements can vary depending on the size of your order and destination. Carrick Signs delivers to the UK mainland, with different charges applying to areas such as the Scottish Highlands and Scottish Grampians.
For larger items, high-quantity orders or deliveries needed within a specific timeframe, dedicated van delivery may also be available on request.
Need Your Signs by a Specific Date?
Have a deadline to meet? Tell Carrick Signs when you need your signs and provide your requirements when requesting a quote. This helps the team advise on the production and delivery options available for your order.
How Far in Advance Should You Order Signs?
Most custom signage is made to order, so production starts with the specifications of your particular project. This means factors such as size, material, quantity, and artwork can all influence the final turnaround.
If you have a deadline, let Carrick Signs know when you request your quote. We can discuss your requirements, recommend suitable signage options, and confirm the available turnaround for your order.
The earlier you can place an order, the more flexibility you have over materials, sizes, and quantities.
For planned projects, consider ordering your signs well before they're needed. This is particularly useful for:
Sign Type
Why Ordering Ahead Helps
Event Signs
Allows time for production, delivery and checking the signage before your event.
Business Signs
Gives you more time to coordinate external signs, window graphics, directional signage and temporary notices.
Campaigns and Demonstration Signs
Helps ensure temporary signage is produced and delivered before the relevant date.
Construction Signs
Gives you more time to coordinate signage across different areas of the site.
What Do I Need to Provide When Ordering Signs?
Having the right information ready can help keep your order moving.
You may need to provide:
If you don't know which material or specification is right for your project, don't worry. Explaining where the signs will be used and how long they need to last can help identify a suitable option.
Planning a sign printing project? Get in touch with Carrick Signs to discuss what you need and when you need it.
Submitting Artwork: What Do You Need to Provide?
Having suitable artwork ready can help avoid delays during production. Where possible, provide print-ready files at the correct size, with all text, logos and graphics included.
What Should You Check Before Uploading?
Before submitting your artwork, check that:
Files are the correct size and format
Images are high enough quality
Text, logos and graphics are positioned correctly
Any required bleed or finishing areas are included
Artwork is clearly matched to the correct sign
Vector formats such as SVG can be useful for signage as they can be scaled without losing quality. If you don't have print-ready artwork, contact the Carrick Signs team to discuss your requirements and available design support.
What If You Don't Have Print-Ready Artwork?
Don't worry if you don't have professional artwork ready to submit. Let the Customer Service team know what you need and provide any existing logos, images, text, or design files you have available.
For more straightforward shop signs, aluminum sign printng, Correx boards and other standard signage, supplying the required dimensions and artwork information can help the printing process run smoothly.
Don’t have a design? No problem! Carrick Signs can help you design high-quality artwork for your custom sign. Contact us to know more.
Custom Signage Designed Around Your Requirements
Carrick Signs provides high-quality custom signs and sign printing for businesses, events, campaigns and other projects across the UK. From personalised signs and printed signs to larger commercial signage, our team can produce signs to suit your requirements.
With a wide range of materials, sizes and finishing options available, we can help you choose the right solution for your project. Our signage company also supports you throughout the ordering process, from supplying artwork to arranging production and delivery.
Need signage for a specific date? Get in touch with Carrick Signs to discuss your requirements and find out more about our sign printing services.
Ready to Get Your Signs Printed?
Have a project in mind? Send us your requirements, artwork, and preferred specifications, and our team can help you find the right signage solution.