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What's the difference in magnetic letters? I guess you can instantly separate the different magnetic letter sets into two broad categories: Toys or Business, economy or ready-to-use. Toys are the small, multi-colored plastic letter kits that are available in buckets or bags at children's toy stores. You know the kind, every letter's a different color. It's a toy with an incomplete alphabet. Business magnetic letters are the kind that are used on menu walls (see example), metal signs, cars, military and factory shelves. Until now, this kind of magnetic letters has only been available in one or two styles and one or two sizes. The LetterBank Company has seven styles of letters. Economy letters usually require manual separation from the raw material (the scrap parts) which requires some patience, dexterity and time. These are not ready to use. The Ready-to-use letter sets (called Pro Die-Cut on the letterbank.com site) are individual letters, numbers and symbols, which you can use straight from the packaging.  some Pro Die-Cut styles So, there are actually four categories of magnetic lettering available: Pro Die-Cut Sheeted (punched) Economy Letters  Boxed Economy Sets Self-aligning printed letters Which is easiest to use? When you order the Pro Die Cut sets, they're sent to you as ready-to-use individual letters. You do not have to spend time to take the letters off the scrap material as in punched sets. Self-aligning printed letters The Self-aligning printed letters are easiest for situations where you may have all kinds of help, but not much in the way of straight and lined-up letters! Which kind costs the least? This depends on how many you order and in which size. The larger the order, the better discount rate is earned overall. Since not all sets are available in the same size, we'll compare the 3” size, which is available in all kinds.  For small orders (1 or 2 sets, or 200 or fewer letters), the cost per hundred letters is:  Pro Die cut 3” $154.99/100 pieces ($1.52 each)  Pro Die-Cut Condensed 3" $139.00/100pcs ($1.39 each)  Sheeted letters 3” $17.50 per sheet of letters, 16 letters alike per sheet or $1.09/letter.  Boxed set of 400 pieces $298.00 or $0.74 per letter, which includes a storage box. Boxed letter sets How do I know which is best for my needs? We can take an example from the many people that have researched this before you, and based upon their decisions, perhaps be able to determine which works best for what kind of sign. Pro Die-Cut letters are terrific for menu walls, for poetry, refrigerators, aisle marking, outdoor metal sign panels and military base marquees, and for when you don't want to mess with having to remove letters from scrap materials. Punched and economy letter sets are for when you don't mind cutting and separating letters from a background of scrap material, and you have enough time to save a few dollars. Self-aligning letter cards are best for boards where it is difficult to keep the letters aligned, or where volunteers will be "helping out" So which is the best set for your project? Send me your questions regarding our magnetic letters, and I'll be glad to help.

What are the Pros and Cons of using  Sign Frames v. Self-Adhesive Graphics? You may be just starting out or a seasoned graphics, sign or marketing pro, so if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below or contact us. The basics: Outside bus and transit advertising is generally divided into one of two types: Self-adhesive graphics printed on vinyl, or printed signs on rigid panels in a sign frame. Whoa- aren't sign panels and frames from the 1960s? If frames are so "60s" why would anyone want to use sign frames? Yes, metal sign frames have been a low-tech solution used on city buses and trolleys since the 1960s- that's half a century ago.  Full-wrap graphics WITH a changeable frame Here are the pros and cons of these two ad systems. Self-adhesive graphics: This is usually printed vinyl with a removable adhesive backing Pro: May be applied to almost any smooth and clean non-porous surface. Surfaces must be non-porous because the adhesive needs to fully contact the surface in order to cling without blowing off in the wind. Pro: May be used to "wrap" a bus entirely, sides, top and back. Pro: May be purchased perforated to go over windows. Con: Must be removed by a trained graphics or sign person  Con: Surface must be cleaned and detailed prior to installing graphic. Con: Installation must be carefully measured and applied by a trained graphic/sign person. Con: Vinyl is easily damaged or scratched. ORDER BELOW Printed Panels and frames: Frames generally are push-up, drop down (PUDD) or snap-open styles (the snap-open style is quickly overtaking the old fashioned PUDD style, as the snap-open frames are considered more secure at highway speeds). Pro: Sign panels can be changed out and replaced within an average of ten minutes per frame, by a person with a basic skill set. Pro: Sign frames can now be made in almost any size. Pro: Sign inserts may be printed both sides so a simple "flip" of the sign reuses the panel. Con: Frame size dictates the size of the sign inserts useable. Con: Some care must be taken to maintain or repair frame if damaged. So to say this another way, it's cheaper labor-wise to use frames? That's true. It's much cheaper to use frames and printed panel. An average installation of vinyl graphics, including removing the existing graphic, preparing the surface (cleaning, prepping) and alignment and application of a new graphic averages 2-3 hours per graphic of Sign Company or Graphics person time at an average hourly rate of $45 per hour. That's $90 to $120 to change out the average graphic up to 120" x 36". The average installation and replacement time for a snap-open or old-style PUDD frame is 10 minutes per sign for an average $2-$3 per sign by a current staff person, mechanic, driver or administration person. Different frame "profiles" available at this manufacturer ORDER HERE  Ask for a price quote here What is your point of view?