Signs is a different trade from wraps. The materials are different (panel substrates instead of cast vinyl), the lead times are different (production runs days instead of weeks), and the questions a customer asks are different, usually about permits, mounting, and how the sign survives an Edmonton winter on a north-facing wall. This page covers what we make, what we don't, and how the process actually works.
What we make
| Type | Typical use | Sub-page |
|---|---|---|
| Storefront panels | Building façades, retail entrances, suite identification | N/A |
| Vinyl building lettering | Direct-applied logo + text on stucco, brick, or panel walls | N/A |
| Window graphics | Frosted, perforated (one-way), and full-colour printed window film | Window graphics |
| Wall murals | Interior wallpaper-style printed graphics, single panel or sectional | Wall murals |
| Large-format banners | 13oz or 15oz scrim vinyl, hemmed and grommeted, trade-show and event sizes | Large format printing |
| Vehicle lettering and decals | Cut-vinyl logos, phone numbers, licensing info for service vehicles | Decals |
| Yard signs | Coroplast and corrugated for real estate, construction, events, campaigns | Yard signs |
| Architectural wraps | Vinyl applied to interior walls, columns, partitions, large fixtures | Architectural wraps |
| A-frame and sandwich-board | Portable sidewalk signage, daily-special boards, directional | N/A |
| Magnetic vehicle signs | Removable doors-and-tailgate branding for shared vehicles | N/A |
What we don't make (and the honest reason)
These come up frequently enough to call out:
- Illuminated channel letters and box signs. The fabrication is structural metalwork plus low-voltage electrical, a different trade. If you need an illuminated façade sign, we'll refer you to one of two Edmonton fabricators we work with and we can handle the vinyl elements if any.
- Monument and pylon signs (the structural part). Same reason; that's general contracting and foundation work. We can do the vinyl/printed face of an existing pylon.
- Neon. Specialty trade. We don't carry it.
- Pole-mounted street signs and traffic signage. Regulated by AT or municipality, not a private-shop service.
If your project crosses into one of these, we'll tell you on quote day, refer the structural piece, and quote whatever vinyl/print work we can contribute.
Materials and Edmonton durability
Outdoor signage in Alberta has to handle −30°C overnight, +30°C summer afternoons, and UV at 53°N latitude. We spec materials accordingly:
| Material | Where we use it | Outdoor life |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum composite panel (ACM) | Permanent façade panels, building signs, way-finding | 10+ years; doesn't warp, rust, or fade |
| Coroplast (corrugated polypropylene) | Temporary and seasonal: real estate, events, campaigns | 1–2 years outdoors |
| PVC foam board | Interior signs, trade-show graphics | Indoor only; outdoor < 6 months |
| 13–15 oz scrim vinyl banner | Event banners, grand openings, trade shows | 3–5 years if mounted (UV-rated inks) |
| Premium cast vinyl | Building lettering, window graphics, vehicle decals | 5–7 years outdoors |
| Cast print film + over-laminate | Printed full-colour vinyl, window prints, wall murals | 4 years, our standard laminate combination for the majority of print jobs |
We don't stock cheaper alternatives (uncoated calendared vinyl, lower-weight banners) for permanent installs; they fail at the seams and edges by their second Edmonton winter.
Permits and Edmonton bylaws
Edmonton's Zoning Bylaw (Section 79, Signs) governs most permanent exterior signage on commercial property. The rules that matter most in practice:
- Façade signs under a certain size (varies by zone) usually don't need a permit. Most retail tenant signs in strip malls fall here.
- Façade signs above the threshold (typically 8.0 m² in commercial zones) need a Development Permit and a Building Permit. Standard turnaround from the city: 2–4 weeks.
- Freestanding pylon and monument signs always need permits.
- Window graphics generally don't need permits if they cover under ~30% of the glazing, but condo/strata bylaws and landlord rules often add restrictions on top.
- Temporary signs (banners, A-frames, yard signs) usually fall outside the bylaw for short durations but check the specific zoning.
We don't pull permits for you, but we know which sign types trigger them, we'll measure your façade, and we'll spec the sign to land just under or comfortably above the permit threshold based on what you want. If your project needs a permit, we'll tell you on quote day; you or a project manager handles the city paperwork. We'll provide drawings and material specs for the application.
How a sign project goes
- Tell us what you need. A photo of the storefront, approximate dimensions, and your existing logo or brand guide is enough to start. If you have a landlord-approved sign band size, send that.
- Site survey if needed. For exterior building signs over a certain size, we'll measure the wall, check the mounting substrate (stucco vs brick vs ACM vs glass), and note any electrical or fastening considerations.
- Design proof. Our designer mocks the sign on a photo of your wall or window, to scale. Two rounds of revisions included. Approved artwork moves to production.
- Production, 3 to 7 business days, for standard work. Wall murals and large-format jobs sometimes need 5–10. Multi-piece projects (storefront + window + door) get scheduled together.
- Install or pickup. We install window graphics, wall murals, and most direct-applied vinyl in the Edmonton area. Mounted panel signs we'll install when the substrate allows (most stucco and ACM walls). Pickup option available for any sign you'd rather mount yourself.
Pricing: starting points
Signage cost varies more than wrap pricing because the substrate, size, and finishing are all variable. These are typical starts:
| Sign | Starting at |
|---|---|
| Yard sign, 18″×24″ coroplast | $15 each (volume discounts at 25+) |
| Vinyl banner, 3′×6′, hemmed + grommeted | $75 |
| Window lettering, single colour | $100 |
| Window graphic, printed perf | $12/sq ft |
| Sandwich board / A-frame with insert | $150 |
| Building lettering, vinyl on ACM or wall | $300 |
| Storefront panel sign, ACM, 4′×8′ | $700–$1,800 |
| Wall mural, installed | $15/sq ft |
| Magnetic vehicle signs, set of 2 | $120 |
For multi-piece projects (storefront + door + window package, multi-location rollouts) we quote the bundle, not the individual pieces.
Related work
- Window graphics, window decals, wall murals
- Yard signs, large-format printing
- Decals and stickers, architectural wraps
- Vehicle wraps: the other half of what we do
Common questions
How long does it take to get signs made?
Standard production is 3 to 7 business days after artwork approval. Wall murals and large-format jobs sometimes need 5–10. Rush orders are possible for an additional fee depending on workload; ask when you book.
Do I need a permit for my sign?
Probably yes if the sign is permanent and on the exterior of a commercial building. Probably no for window graphics under 30% glazing coverage, yard signs, banners under 30 days, and interior signage. The exact threshold depends on your zoning. We'll flag permit-required projects on quote day. The permit application itself is yours to file; we provide the drawings and specs.
Can you design my sign if I don't have artwork?
Yes. Our graphic designer can build the sign from your logo and a few reference images, or design a full visual identity if you're starting from scratch. Design is billed separately, typically $200–$800 depending on complexity.
What file format do you need?
Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF with vectors) for the cleanest print and cut work. If you only have a JPG or PNG of your logo, the designer can usually re-vector it for a small fee.
Can you match my exact brand colours?
Pantone-matched printing for an additional fee per colour. Standard CMYK printing matches most digital-screen colours closely but not exactly; corporate colour-critical work should be Pantone-matched.
Will the sign hold up to Edmonton winters?
The substrates we use for permanent outdoor signs (Dibond/ACM, properly hemmed scrim vinyl, cast vinyl with UV inks) are rated for the conditions. We don't quote a permanent outdoor sign in coroplast or uncoated calendared vinyl; those don't survive year two.
Do you install signs at my location?
Window graphics, wall murals, and most building-mounted vinyl signs: yes, in the Edmonton area. For mounted panel signs we install when the substrate allows (most stucco, brick, ACM walls). Free-standing pylon foundations and electrical work for illuminated signs go to a partner trade.
Can I get just one sign, or do you have a minimum?
No minimum. We make one sign as readily as a hundred. Per-unit cost drops on multi-unit orders (yard signs, banners, decal packs) but there's no order-size floor.
What about temporary event signage?
Yes: banners, A-frames, yard signs, table-top displays. Typical 3–5 day turnaround for these. Send dimensions and quantity for a same-day quote.
What you get besides the sign
4.8 out of 5 on Google
Across 26 reviews as of September 2026, many of them from Edmonton businesses writing about their own fleet vehicles. Read them on Google.
WCB-covered installers
Every installer who attends your site is covered by WCB Alberta, and we use no subcontractors. We provide a clearance letter on request, which is what most general contractors and property managers need before an installer sets foot on site.
Insured for vehicles in our care
We carry commercial insurance covering customers’ vehicles in our care at our Edmonton shop. Your own policy stays primary. Certificate of insurance on request, and the details are on our legal page.
A written warranty, published
Our workmanship warranty and the manufacturer material warranty are written down and public, not promised at the counter. Read the full warranty before you book, not after.