Traffic Sign Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Material, Reflectivity, and Mounting

Traffic Sign Buying Questions Answered

What's the difference between engineer grade, high intensity, and diamond grade reflective sheeting?

These three grades describe how much light a sign bounces back to a driver's headlights at night, and each performs differently at distance and in poor weather. Engineer grade is the entry-level reflective option, adequate for low-speed private roads and parking areas. High intensity prismatic sheeting reflects significantly more light and is commonly specified for municipal streets and school zones. Diamond grade delivers the strongest retroreflectivity of the three and is typically chosen for high-speed highways, work zones, and locations where maximum nighttime visibility matters most. All three grades are available on our custom reflective aluminum diamond signs and square signs, and pricing scales accordingly with the level of reflectivity you choose.

What size traffic sign do I need for my property or roadway?

Sign size should match the speed and viewing distance of the road or lot it serves. Smaller formats like 12x12 work well for slow-moving parking areas, while 18x18, 24x24, and 30x30 sizes are common for street-facing regulatory and warning signs. Larger 36x36 and 48x48 signs are used where drivers need extra reaction time at higher speeds. We stock standard sizes ranging from 12x12 square aluminum blanks up to 48x48 custom diamonds, so you can match the sign to the application rather than settling for a one-size-fits-all option.

Can I customize the text, colors, and layout of my traffic sign?

Yes. Custom traffic signs can be produced with your choice of background color, text color, and border color, and both diamond and square shapes are available as blanks ready for your artwork. Before production begins, you'll receive a pre-production proof for approval, so you can confirm layout, wording, and color placement before the sign goes to print. This step catches errors early and ensures the finished sign matches what you had in mind.

How much do custom traffic signs cost, and are there bulk discounts?

Pricing depends on size, shape, and reflective grade. As an example, an 18x18 custom diamond starts at $44.60 in engineer grade, $50.60 in high intensity, and $65.95 in diamond grade for a single sign. Bulk pricing kicks in automatically at higher quantities, with discounted per-unit pricing at 2, 3, 6, 11, and 20 signs. If you're outfitting multiple locations or replacing an entire sign inventory, ordering in bulk brings the per-sign cost down noticeably.

How long does production take, and how fast will my order ship?

Custom signs go through a proofing step before production, so turnaround starts once your design is approved. Standard aluminum blanks and pre-designed regulatory signs typically move faster than fully custom layouts, since there's no artwork review required. If you're working against an installation deadline, approving your proof promptly and choosing standard sizes and reflective grades over highly customized specs will help keep your order moving.

What mounting hardware and posts do I need to install a traffic sign?

Most aluminum traffic signs are prepunched with 3/8 inch holes so they mount directly to U-channel posts or square sign posts using standard bolts and brackets. U-channel posts are the most common choice for roadside and parking lot signs because they're easy to drive into the ground and adjust. If your installation is near a roadway where a vehicle could strike the sign, break-away hardware for U-channel posts is worth adding, since it allows the post to separate safely on impact rather than acting as a rigid obstacle. You'll find posts, brackets, and hardware options on our posts and hardware page.

How do I maintain and clean aluminum traffic signs after they're installed?

Aluminum resists corrosion far better than steel, which is one of the main reasons it's the standard substrate for outdoor traffic signs, but reflective sheeting still benefits from basic care. Rinse signs periodically with water and a mild soap to remove dirt, road grime, and salt buildup, and avoid abrasive scrubbing that can dull the reflective surface over time. Inspect signs seasonally for fading, cracking sheeting, or loose hardware, since catching these issues early extends sign lifespan and keeps retroreflectivity performing the way it should at night.