Adhesives (for Lightweight Posters) 

The use of adhesives is an easy and renter-friendly way to hang posters since you don’t have to use the drill. However, this method only works best for posters that aren’t framed and lightweight artwork that weigh less than 5 lbs.  

Using adhesives is quite straightforward, too. Place your poster face-down on a clean, flat surface and apply the adhesive to all its corners, the center, and the midpoints between the corners.  

Below is the list of adhesives you can use to display your poster and other small, lightweight wall decorations.  

Double-Sided Removable Tape 

Double-sided removable tape offers a gentle adhesive that doesn’t leave a mark on the wall or damage the poster. Some tapes come with a thick foam base that acts as a cushion to protect the poster and the wall paint, while absorbing vibrations to keep everything in place.  

These removable tapes are sometimes called poster tapes that are often used to mount posters and lightweight decor on wood walls, painted walls, tiles, refrigerators, vinyl wallpaper, and glass.  

3M Command Strips 

3M Command Strips come in different shapes and sizes. They are sometimes included as a poster accessory because they are quick and easy to install, and don’t damage the wall with proper use. They also work well with textured and brick walls.  

If you are looking to reuse or reposition your poster in the future, use the removable Command Strips variant.  

It is also important to note that sometimes Command Strips can peel off the paint when you remove them from the wall. To avoid any damage, use a heat gun or a blow dryer to warm them up before scraping them off the surface. 

Mounting Putty 

Mounting putty often comes in small squares with a texture that’s almost similar to a dough. It’s excellent for displaying posters and other lightweight wall decor and works great on painted walls, wood, tiles, plastics, metals, and glasses.  

Scotch Magic Tape  

Magic Tape is virtually invisible once you apply it on posters and walls. In fact, you can even use it to fix tears on posters because it won’t show on the surface.  

In addition, you can write on Magic Tape with a marker, pen, or pencil.  

Heavy-Duty Mounting Tape  

Heavy-duty mounting tape is coated with adhesive on both sides and is ideal for mounting slightly heavier posters. Some brands such as Gorilla have tapes that are weatherproof and provide a long-lasting bond. 

Alternatives to Adhesives 

If you don’t want to put any adhesive product on the poster directly, consider the alternatives below: 

Slide Binders  

Slide these binders through the top edge of the posters to turn them into wall art. For extra stability, you can add another binder at the bottom of the posters to give them more weight.  

Next, hang your posters from rods, hooks, nails, or screws.  

Binder Clips 

Use these clips to hang posters, photos, postcards, and other smaller prints. However, be careful when using them to avoid creases, folds, and tears on the corners of the posters.  

Bib Clips 

You probably recognize these metal chains that your dentist uses to hold your towel in place. However, these bib clips also make a great way to display posters.  

Hang these bib clips from a single hook or nail to upgrade your boring wall.  

Pants Hangers 

Display your favorite posters using pants hangers that have a frame and clips you can snap right on and off easily. Although you can use them as-is, you may want to paint the wood to give them a more curated look.  

Tools and Hardware (for Large and Framed Posters) 

For framed posters that weigh more than 5 lbs., you need special tools and hardware to distribute the weight over a larger area, thereby preventing them from tilting and falling.  

Nails 

The ideal nails to hang posters or any wall decor will depend on the wall. If your wall is made of concrete, use a hardened steel nails or concrete nails, which penetrate through the hard surface without bending. 

Screws 

Screws are generally stronger than nails, so they are a great option for hanging heavier framed posters. Just make sure you use the appropriate screws for the material the wall is made of.  

Drywall Anchors 

Drywall anchors, also called wall anchors, are inserts that you combine with their matching screws to create a strong mount. They work by gripping the drywall, resulting in stronger and more stable mount.  

Hammer 

Not all hammers are created equal. Thus, do not use a lightweight hammer on tasks that require heavy blows. Make it a habit to inspect your tools before starting any DIY project to ensure that all parts are secure. 

Hammer Drill 

When using a hammer drill, apply a steady and even pressure rather than use excessive force. Don’t forget to check for cables, pipes, conduits in or behind walls before drilling. 

Safety Equipment  

Use safety equipment and gears, such as goggles, earplugs, and dust mask when using hammer and power tools. Goggles are particularly important to avoid debris from hitting you in the face or eye.

Poster Care and Maintenance

If you ever wonder how can you maintain posters and keep them in pristine condition for many years to come, follow these tips: 

For posters with creases and folds, you can iron the wrinkled surface using the lowest heat setting. To avoid damaging the graphics, position your poster face down and cover its back with a cotton sheet (e.g., bath towel).  

• Other ways to remove wrinkles on a poster include using a bit of steam, adding weight, or spraying a special solution.  
• Dust posters regularly using a soft, dry paint brush or a feather duster. Don’t use any moisture or cleaning products on paper or cardstock posters to avoid the risk of damage.  
• Store or hang posters away from direct sunlight, as constant sun exposure can cause the graphics to fade. Finally, keep posters away from humidity, moisture, and extreme temperatures by storing them in dry, well-ventilated areas.

With these different methods to hang posters, you can now transform your plain wall into your home’s centerpiece. 

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The Best Way to Hang Posters — Signage 101

Posters are one of the most popular and versatile forms of marketing and communication. When you think of posters, you often think of the standard sizes for room decorations and the sizes they usually come in. Most posters have standard sizes, from the letter size (8” x 11″), small (11” x 17″), medium (18” x 24″), and large (24” x 36″). It’s common for organizations and business owners to print their posters in these standard sizes for consistency, cost-efficiency, and visual appeal. 

Still, the perfect size for a poster can vary depending on the location and its purpose. Understanding the standard sizes for different locations can help you design and print posters that capture attention and communicate your message. 

This article will explore the typical poster sizes for various locations and offer some design tips you can use. 

Cinemas and Theaters 

Movie theaters have long relied on posters to advertise upcoming films and promote the ones currently showing. These are usually the first seen when entering a theater, and their eye-catching appeal is always visible from a distance, especially in crowded areas like lobbies or entranceways. For this, you’ll need larger posters ranging from 27” x 40″ to 40” x 60″. 

• Standard Sizes: 27 x 40″ (official movie posters), 40 x 60″ (bus stop size) 

• Reason for Size: The poster dimensions offer a balanced canvas for images and text, ensuring the movie’s key details are displayed clearly. 

• • 27” x 40″ posters are the standard for official movie posters installed on the “Now Showing” and “Next Attraction” Booths. 

• • 40” x 60″ posters are used to promote movies outside the cinema, such as bus stops, fences, or building exteriors. 

• Design Tip: Use vibrant colors, high-resolution images, and minimal text to maintain the visual impact. The poster design should also accurately reflect the theme and story of the movie to prevent misinformation and false advertising. 

Stores, Shops, and Restaurants 

Retail spaces, small businesses, and dining establishments often use posters to announce promotions, new products, or events. The posters’ sizes usually depend on the store layout and the level of promotion they want for their sales and campaigns. As such, they usually range from 18 x 24″ to 24 x 36″, with the 22 x 34″ size hitting the sweet spot. 

• Standard Sizes: 18 x 24″ (medium), 22 x 34″ (decorative), 24 x 36″ (large) 

• Reason for Size: These poster sizes are optimum for interior decor, specifically for small shops and restaurants. Promotional poster sizes also often reflect their design.  

• • You could print numerous, smaller, simpler posters that you can plaster all around the area. 

• • Another option is to have one large advertisement design that attracts people as the center of attention. 

• Design Tip: Make the message or campaign the focus of your design — use bold fonts and eye-catching colors to direct customers’ attention. 

Public Events and Trade Shows 

Trade shows and public events usually require larger posters that can draw attention from a distance. At the same time, smaller posters can give attendees a closer look at the business or event they are interested in. These posters are often used to advertise booths, symposiums, or schedules. 

• Standard Sizes: 24” x 36″ (large posters) and 18” x 24″ (medium posters) 

• Reason for Size: Variety is key to attracting many people to your trade show booth or symposium. These posters can be plastered anywhere within the area. You can also plan which poster sizes are optimal for a specific location. 

• • A large poster ensures your message can stand out among other booths and displays in a crowded space like a trade show. Display this prominently near your booth or on the stage if you are presenting. 

• • Medium-sized posters are great in large quantities and can be posted on all available and allowed areas within a trade show. 

• Design Tip: Keep the design simple and include essential details like your company name, booth number, and key products or services. You can also go interactive and include a QR code so they can access your website immediately. 

Outdoor Posters 

Posters used outdoors must be large enough to be seen by passersby, whether on foot or in vehicles. These posters must also withstand various weather conditions and remain visually striking. You can use the sizeable standard poster sizes or billboard-sized posters. Of course, the bus stop poster sizes are optimal for most outdoor locations. 

Standard Sizes: 24” x 36″ (large posters), 27” x 40″ (billboard-sized posters), 40” x 60″ (bus stop posters)  

• Reason for Size: The larger dimensions are critical for readability from a distance, especially in busy outdoor settings. Some outdoor spaces may also require permits and approval before posting your posters, so going for larger sizes in small printing quantities is your safest option. 

• • 24” x 36″ large posters are excellent for promoting outside your shop or restaurant. 

• • If you want to showcase your sale or promotion in different areas, the 27” x 40″ billboard size can get you the proper visibility and brand awareness. 

• • Once all the permits are approved, you can start posting the larger 40” x 60″ posters in public areas such as bus stops, fences, and park walls. 

• Design Tip: Use bold typography and high-contrast colors to ensure readability and keep the message concise. You may also want to design posters that can be approved more quickly and are appropriate for outdoor settings. 

Printing posters in appropriate sizes is crucial for maintaining uniformity and maximizing the visibility of your marketing efforts. The right poster size helps your message stand out and be easily understood, whether indoors or outdoors.  

That said, just because specific sizes have become “standard” doesn’t mean these are the only sizes you can use. Get creative and execute your posters with the right images and sizes that fit your vision, then post them in places that will attract the most attention. 

When you’re ready to create your posters, Signs.com offers everything you need to bring your vision to life, from standard sizes to custom designs. 

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Standard Poster Sizes – Signage 101

The main idea behind temporary signage is it’s both flexible and functional.

Rather than hassle with nails and screws that leave permanent, unsightly holes, temporary signs typically offer all-in-one or other simple display options, making installation and removal quick and clean. And as these materials tend to be lightweight and durable, their portability makes them easy to transport quickly and to install without the need for specialized hardware or additional manpower.

In addition to their easy set up, temporary signs are typically manufactured out of low cost, recyclable materials, making them more cost-effective for virtually any budget. That lower price point means you can buy signs in bulk, maximizing your ability to reach more potential customers, or to notify your regulars of short-term changes.

Then when you’re done, temporary signs offer the convenience of no-hassle disposal in a way that leaves no mess and that’s friendly toward the environment.

The ability to easily swap out and update creative assets on the fly makes temporary signs the ideal solution for displaying any short-term message!

What are Temporary Signs used for?

Temporary signs are used everywhere. They’re perfect for promoting limited sales events, providing directional signage at construction sites, and even in advertising a realtor’s open house. In this article, we’ll cover the main advantages of temporary signage and how it’s used in various industries, from businesses and nonprofits to consumers, alike. So whether you’re promoting your local food drive, planning a yard sale, or ramping up awareness for your local 5K, here are the 7 types of temporary signs you’ll want to consider:

Posters

A common form of advertising, posters are incredibly easy to display (even in mass quantities). Hang posters anywhere: inside in hallways and on doors, and outside on fences. You can even hold posters at sporting events or other outdoor events, as opposed to hanging them up. The caveat is that they aren’t waterproof. So make sure to only use them in suitable conditions if you’re going to use them outdoors! Use them in dry areas with low wind. They are lightweight so they can be hung up with sticky-tack or tape.

Benefits of Posters

• • Large quantity orders / Budget friendly

• • Ideal for indoor use

• • Quickly post on bulletin boards, walls, sign and light posts

• More cost friendly than other sign types such as banners

Where They Fall Short:

• • Damage easily in tough weather conditions
    • • Rain/moisture
    • Wind

• Not rigid

Posters

Opaque Window Cling / Clear Window Cling

Clings are great for decorating windows for seasonal events or limited-time promotions; displaying store hours, social media links, or even online review ratings. They’ll even work great for stores or locations during renovation or construction. There really isn’t much hassle to them: just peel off the protective backing and slap them on a window and voila! – you have yourself quick and easy advertising or decor.

Unlike traditional window decals, window clings do not use an adhesive backing to stick to the surface. Nonetheless, they are a durable short-term option that are removable and repositionable for reuse, whereas traditional window decals are semi-permanent in nature—you can remove them, but you can’t reuse them. Use static clings on various surfaces such as windows, glass, non-porous metal, and other smooth surfaces.

Benefits of Static Cling Decals

• • Advertise directly on windows, doors and other smooth surfaces

• • Removable and reusable

• • Easy to remove/install

• No adhesives/residue

Where They Fall Short:

• • Not as permanent as decals/stickers

• • Can’t be applied to fabrics or other porous surfaces

• Not as vibrant as other options

Opaque Window Clings

Clear Window Clings

Floor Decals

Not only are floor decals great for catching attention (think “Watch your step”) but they are great for temporary indoor use. Floor decals (also known as floor stickers) perform well as more permanent signage options, with some lasting as long as 3 years, but we recommend replacing them yearly for best results. Like with most temporary signage, there really isn’t a limit to what can be displayed. They can be placed on cement, tile, brick, and even carpet.

Floor decals are great for directing your customers or event attendees toward points of interest. They’re perfect for increasing brand awareness and messaging exposure even in heavily trafficked, indoor areas. Finally, once you’re done displaying it, just peel it away from the floor and quickly clean any adhesive that may remain.

Benefits of Floor Decals

• • Easily noticeable, eye-catching

• • Temporary or long-term use

• Can withstand heavy foot traffic
• Can be placed on both hard surfaces and softer ones like carpet

Where They Fall Short:

• • Receive a lot of wear and tear

• Only advertised on floor

Floor Decals

Foam Board

Extremely lightweight and easy to hang or prop, foam board can quickly be displayed in your store with no more than a few strips of tape or some plastic hooks. Foam board is great for a number of uses. Use them in a business setting to present a chart/graph, at a fair to advertise directions and/or rides, or at conferences to advertise keynote speakers.

Foam board is comprised of biodegradable foam and paper, making it a great option for projects ranging from one-time use with easy disposal to more permanent indoor applications lasting up to 2 years with proper care and maintenance. It’s not recommended you display foam board in wet conditions, but in the right conditions (no precipitation and no wind) you can even get away with using these signs outside for short stints of time.

Benefits of Foam Board

• • Lightweight

• • Cut-to-shape designs

• Rigid

Where They Fall Short:

• • Stiff–can’t bend or fold

• Not suitable for wet/windy conditions

Foam Board

Banners

One of the best-known temporary signage options, banners offer great functionality with a range of display possibilities. They come in a variety of formats, including vinyl, fabric, and mesh.

Vinyl banners offer a durable, heavy-duty display for outdoor use, while fabric and mesh are the lighter weight options, the latter enabling wind to pass through. Banners are excellent for promoting grand openings, holiday sales, birthday parties, baby showers, graduations, and so on. In addition to these, they are also perfect for seasonal hiring, construction sites, road work and temporary parking arrangements. You name it, banners can do it.

While we’re including banners in our temporary signage roundup, banners are very durable, often lasting years in extreme weather conditions. So they’re perfect for recurring events: ‘Now Hiring’ banners can be stored/used depending on when you’re hiring, ‘Happy Birthday’ banners can be used for multiple birthdays, and you can use them to advertise different recurring sales if you’re a business owner. Plus, banners don’t require any heavy duty hardware to display; simply tie them down using rope, zip-ties, or hang them from a pole with pole pockets.

Benefits of Banners

• • Extreme durability and water resistance

• • Large format signage

• • Easily rolled up for storage and reuse

• Vinyl, mesh, and fabric options

Where They Fall Short:

• • Not freestanding

• Must be hung using additional accessories

Vinyl Banners

Mesh Banners

Fabric Banners

A-Frames

A-frames, or sandwich board signs, are great for catching the attention of people walking by your restaurant or business and are very durable. Our premium A-Frame signs with a removable graphics give incredible versatility in what you display. Solve your temporary problem with an easy to set up solution. If something changes, store the current graphic, insert a different one and once again you’re effectively communicating or promoting the message needed.

The foldability and carrying handle lend to the ease of portability, allowing you to quickly set up and take down the sign when needed. So while this sign type is far from a one-time use product the versatility makes it a must for temporary display needs.

Benefits of A-Frames

• • Freestanding

• • Folds up, making it easy to store

• • Easy to move

• • Replaceable inserts

• Very durable

Where They Fall Short:

• • One size

• Bulky

A-Frame

Yard Signs

You’ve probably seen a yard sign. They’re very popular with politicians during elections, among other things. These signs are designed for temporary display. They are lightweight, easy to move, and even weather resistant! They can be displayed in places where the ground is soft enough for the wire stakes to go in. Of course, these signs are also reusable, so you don’t have to dispose of them after a single use.

Buy yard signs in bulk to accomplish massive marketing and display efforts, or purchase just a few to place in your neighborhood for a yard sale or other event.

Benefits of Yard Signs

• • Quick and easy display

• • Lightweight

• • Rigid

• • Water resistant

• Often bought in bulk for mass signage

Where They Fall Short:

• • Limited to yards or similar surfaces

• • Smaller format

• Typically can’t be displayed indoors

Yard signs

Temporary Situations

Recap: we’ve covered 7 different types of signage. This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it should give you an idea of where to start with your temporary signage needs. As you’ve seen, there’s no end to the versatility of temporary signs.  Don’t feel limited by our recommendations for what you can use—be creative with how you use temporary signs for functional or promotional needs. We’ve included customizable templates to help you with design ideas for each temporary need. We also offer free design services if you’re in need of extra assistance with a sign design.

Yard Sales and Garage Sales

Fairs and Community Events

Rodeos

Neighborhood BBQs

Company Sales & Events

Trade Shows & Conventions

Concerts

Parades

Sporting Events

Real Estate

Construction Zones

Local Elections

Always Available

No matter the need or situation you can rest assured there are plenty of options for your temporary signage needs! These simple, yet functional signs get the job done for the time needed without breaking the bank. So if you’re looking for a custom sign that can be displayed for the short term don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!

Signage 101 – Temporary Event Signs