Signs & Large Format Print
Indicative lead times for different signs
| Type of sign | Standard lead time | Express possible? |
|---|---|---|
| Dibond or PVC sign with UV print | approx. 3 working days | Yes, 24 h |
| Sign board on a frame | approx. 3 working days | Usually yes, depends on the frame |
| New light box face (new vinyl or acrylic) | approx. 3 working days + installation date | Print yes, fitting as scheduled |
| Non-illuminated letters in Dibond, acrylic, PVC | a few working days | By arrangement |
| LED light box, projecting sign | up to approx. 2 weeks | Shorter by arrangement |
| Illuminated letters, built-up logo | up to approx. 2 weeks | Shorter by arrangement |
| Pylon, large set of signs for a site | up to approx. 2 weeks + foundation preparation | Rarely |
These lead times are for production. If you have a fixed date (an opening, a trade show, an inspection), tell us at the start. We plan production around the client's date, working backwards from the installation day.
What the total lead time is made of
Clients often ask "how long does a light box take", meaning the time from the first call to switching the sign on. There are several stages:
- Enquiry and quote. When we receive measurements, photos and the logo, the quote comes back quickly. When data is missing we have to ask, and that is where the first days usually go.
- Design and visual. Our own studio does the design. A simple sign often takes one or two rounds of changes; a full set of signs for a facade takes more.
- Permissions. Landlord consent, heritage or highway approval. We cannot speed these up, but we can prepare documents for the application; more in does a shop sign need permission.
- Production. As in the table above.
- Installation. Booked into the crews' schedule. When working from a cherry picker, the weather comes into it: we do not work at height in strong wind or heavy rain.
- Connection. The power is connected by the client's electrician or by our qualified crew. If your electrician does it, book them for the same day.
Why a light box takes longer than a Dibond sign
A Dibond sign is UV printed directly on the panel, cut to size and, if needed, drilled for fixings. UV inks cure instantly, with no drying time, so the panel is ready for packing or fitting straight after printing. Hence about 3 working days, or 24 hours on express.
A light box is several processes in a row: cutting and bending the profile, routing the face, printing or applying vinyl to the face, fitting the LED modules and power supply, sealing, and a lighting test. With illuminated letters every character is a separate product: body, face, LEDs, wiring. We do it on our own CNC router, laser and 3D printer farm, but some stages cannot be shortened without putting the build quality at risk. Better a light box that lights evenly for years than one ready two days early that leaks after the first winter.
Express: when it is possible and what it costs
24-hour express printing applies to printed signs: Dibond and PVC signs, boards, vinyl, banners, new light box faces. The condition: correct files delivered by 12:00. The express surcharge is about 40% of the print value.
For light boxes and illuminated letters there is no express in the strict sense, but the lead time can often be cut if:
- the design is simple and approved straight away,
- the logo is a vector file,
- the size does not require splitting the light box into modules,
- installation can take place on a specific free day in the crew's schedule.
When the opening is a few days away and the light box will not be ready, we suggest a temporary solution: a UV-printed Dibond sign or a facade banner for the first weeks, with the permanent light box fitted later. More on lead times for other products: production times and when express is possible.
- 24 hexpress printing (UV inks need no drying)
- approx. 3 daysstandard lead time
- up to 14 dayslarge and custom projects with installation
Plus courier delivery. Tell us your date — we plan production around it.
Sample schedule before a shop opening
This is a relaxed plan for premises getting a light box above the entrance, a projecting sign and window graphics. We count back from opening day.
- 4 weeks before: enquiry with measurements, photos and logo, quote, first visual. At the same time you ask the building owner or landlord for consent and check the local sign rules with the municipality.
- 3 weeks before: design changes and approval. If documents are needed for the authority or landlord, we prepare them from the visual.
- 2–3 weeks before: production of the light box and projecting sign, then transport by our own vans or courier.
- last days before opening: printing the window vinyl (about 3 working days), installing the signs and connecting the power.
This plan leaves slack for changes, weather and surprises on site. It can be done faster, but then any delay on the design or approvals pushes back the installation.
How not to lose a week at the start
- Send everything at once: measurements, facade photos, logo, address, deadline. Tips are in how to measure the space for a shop sign.
- Collect design comments in one message. Five emails with single corrections means five rounds instead of one.
- Start the permissions in parallel with the design, not after it.
- Book an electrician for the installation day, or ask our crew to make the connection.
- Do not change the size after approval. Changing a light box size mid-production often means starting again.
The full range and prices are on the LED light boxes, illuminated letters and shop signs and company plaques pages.