Frequently asked Questions about Business Signage

Your signage is more than just a name on a wall. It’s your first impression, your silent salesperson, and one of your most effective marketing tools. Quality signage attracts attention, builds brand recognition, and enhances customer experience. 

We get a lot of great questions from area business owners about materials, design, installation, maintenance, and even permits. Here’s our go-to FAQ to help you make smart, informed decisions about your signage investment. 

1. What types of materials can I choose from? 

The right material depends on where the sign will be displayed, how long you want it to last, and your overall budget. 

• Vinyl: Great for banners, window graphics, and decals. It’s durable, flexible, and weather-resistant. 
• Aluminum: A favorite for outdoor signs — lightweight, rust-proof, and long-lasting. 
• Acrylic: Delivers a polished, modern look ideal for indoor office and lobby signs. Acrylic is also a popular base for dimensional letters, which add depth and sophistication to your wall signage for a professional, high-end appearance. 
• Foamboard: Lightweight and affordable — perfect for temporary indoor displays. 
• PVC: A strong, versatile material that works both indoors and outdoors. 
• Polycarbonate — Used for refacing sign cabinets.

Example: A retail shop might use aluminum for its exterior sign and acrylic for a sleek indoor wall display.

If none of these materials are the perfect fit for your project, our experienced account managers can help you find the right product to match your goals, budget, and environment.

2. How do I choose the right sign design? 

A great design isn’t just about looks — it’s about purpose and clarity. 

• Define the goal: Is this sign meant to attract attention, give directions, or promote something specific? 
• Know your audience: Design with your target customers in mind. 
• Stay on-brand: Use your logo, colors, and fonts consistently. 
• Prioritize readability: Choose clear fonts and high-contrast colors that are easy to see from a distance. 

Example: A law firm may choose a clean, professional design with muted tones, while a children’s boutique might opt for playful colors and fun fonts. 

3. How is signage installed? 

Installation methods vary depending on size, location, and material: 

• Wall-mounted signs: Secured with screws, bolts, or industrial adhesives. 
• Freestanding signs: Anchored into the ground using posts or concrete bases. 
• Hanging signs: Suspended from ceilings or overhangs with cables or brackets. 
• Window decals: Applied directly to glass using adhesive vinyl. 

Example: A restaurant might combine indoor wall signs for menus, freestanding sidewalk signs for specials, and window decals for hours of operation. 

4. Do I need a permit for my sign? 

Maybe — it depends on your location and the type of sign you’re installing. Exterior, illuminated, or large-scale signage often requires city or county approval before installation. Permitting rules can vary widely across the CSRA, covering everything from sign size and placement to lighting and materials.

That’s where we come in.
Our account managers are well-versed in local permitting requirements throughout the CSRA and can guide you through every step of the process. Keen Signs & Graphics handles all the research, paperwork, and submissions, ensuring your sign meets code and moves forward without delays.

Example: Whether it’s a monument sign in Aiken or an illuminated storefront in Augusta, our team makes sure your sign is approved, compliant, and ready to install. 

5. How do I maintain my signs? 

A little upkeep goes a long way toward keeping your signs looking sharp. 

• Clean regularly: Use mild soap and water; avoid harsh chemicals. 
• Inspect often: Check for fading, cracks, or loose fittings. 
• Protect from weather: Use UV laminates or protective coatings for outdoor signs. 

Example: A storefront sign should be cleaned monthly and checked after major storms to keep it looking professional. 

6. Can I customize my signs? 

Absolutely! That’s our specialty at Keen Signs & Graphics. 

• Size and shape: From small decals to massive monument signs, we can tailor the size to fit your needs. 
• Colors and graphics: Match your brand colors, logos, and imagery for a cohesive look. 
• Material options: Choose what fits your location, budget, and desired lifespan. 
• Typography: Select fonts that reflect your brand personality and maintain legibility. 

Example: A regional chain might keep consistent branding across all locations while adding subtle local touches to each store’s design. 

7. How long does it take to make and install a sign? 

Timelines depend on the scope and complexity of your project, but here’s a general guide: 

• Consultation & design: 1–2 weeks 
• Production: 1–3 weeks, depending on materials and size 
• Installation: 1–2 days 

Example: A simple vinyl banner might be completed within a few days, while a custom-lit storefront sign could take several weeks from concept to completion. 

8. How much do business signs cost? 

Pricing depends on size, material, design complexity, and installation needs. 

• Material: Premium, weather-resistant materials cost more but last longer. 
• Size & detail: Larger or intricate designs require more labor and materials. 
• Customization: Unique graphics, colors, and lighting add to cost but boost impact. 
• Installation: Professional installation ensures durability and safety. 
• Permitting: If required, permitting costs are included in your estimate — no hidden surprises. 

Example: A small acrylic indoor sign may cost a few hundred dollars, while a large illuminated monument sign could cost several thousand. 
Our account managers can help you compare materials, finishes, and installation options to find the best solution that meets your goals and your budget.

9. How can I make my signage more effective? 

• Pick the right location: High visibility = high impact. 
• Light it well: Add illumination for 24/7 visibility. 
• Keep it simple: Clear, concise messages make the strongest impression. 
• Use quality materials: Cheap signs fade fast — invest in durability. 

Example: A retail store installs its main sign above the entrance, uses LED lighting for visibility at night, and keeps messaging short and eye-catching. 

10. Why Choose Keen Signs & Graphics? 

At  Keen Signs & Graphics, we combine craftsmanship, creativity, and cutting-edge technology to bring your brand to life. 

• Experience you can trust: Our team has years of hands-on expertise across every kind of signage project. 
• Premium materials & tech: We use the best printers, inks, and substrates for vivid, long-lasting results. 
• Total customization: From concept to installation, every project is tailored to your business. 
• Permit management: We handle every step of the permitting process so you don’t have to. 

Full-service support: Design, fabrication, installation, maintenance — all under one roof. 

11. What is ADA-compliant signage and does my business need it?

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) signage is legally required in most commercial buildings and public spaces. Required signs include room identification signs, restroom signs, exit signs, directional signs, and elevator signs - all manufactured to specific standards for braille, raised characters, mounting height, font size, and color contrast.

If your building is open to the public, was newly constructed after 1993, or has undergone renovations, you very likely have ADA signage requirements. Keen Signs & Graphics designs and manufactures full ADA-compliant signage packages for commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, universities, multifamily complexes, and government buildings throughout Augusta and the CSRA.

12. Do you offer vehicle wraps and fleet graphics?

Yes. We offer full vehicle wraps, partial wraps, and vinyl vehicle graphics for cars, trucks, vans, and fleet vehicles. A wrapped vehicle generates thousands of impressions every day - making it one of the most cost-effective forms of advertising available. Our design team will work with your existing brand to create a design that makes your fleet impossible to ignore. Contact us for a quote at (706) 364-2151.

13. What is wayfinding signage and do I need it?

Wayfinding signage is a coordinated system of signs that guides people through a space - from the parking lot to the front door, through hallways, to specific rooms or departments. A complete wayfinding system includes exterior directional signs, site maps, building directories, corridor signs, room identification, and parking guidance.

If you manage a hospital, medical campus, university, corporate campus, government building, parking structure, or large multifamily complex, a professional wayfinding system improves visitor experience, reduces frustration, and reflects your organization's professionalism. Keen Signs & Graphics designs and installs complete wayfinding systems throughout the CSRA.

14. What areas do you serve?

We are based at 1467 Broad Street in Augusta, GA and serve the entire Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), counties including Richmond, Columbia, Burke, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, Wilkes, Glascock, Hancock (GA), and Aiken, Edgefield, Allendale, Barnwell, McCormick, Greenwood  (SC) 
For large commercial, healthcare, or institutional projects, we work with clients throughout the region. Call us at (706) 364-2151 to discuss your project.

15. Do you work with healthcare facilities and hospitals?

Yes. Healthcare is one of our primary areas of expertise. We work with health systems, hospitals, medical office buildings, and outpatient facilities throughout the CSRA on comprehensive signage programs including ADA room identification, interior wayfinding systems, exterior building identification, parking and directional signage, donor recognition displays, and facility rebranding. We understand the compliance requirements, infection control sensitivities, and operational complexities of healthcare environments.

16. Do you provide signage for schools, colleges, and universities?

Yes. We work with K-12 schools, private schools, technical colleges, and universities on a wide range of projects including campus wayfinding systems, ADA signage packages, athletic facility graphics and donor walls, exterior building and campus identification signs, parking signage, and interior branded environments. We have experience working within the procurement and approval processes of educational institutions throughout Augusta and the CSRA.

17. Do you work with general contractors and construction companies?

Yes. We are a trusted resource for general contractors, developers, and construction companies throughout the CSRA. We produce project identification signs, subcontractor boards, safety and OSHA-required signage, temporary directional signs, and grand opening signage. We understand construction timelines and can coordinate closely with your project schedule. If you are a contractor managing signage for a client, we can work directly with you from bidding through final installation.

18. Do you serve nonprofits, churches, and faith-based organizations?

Yes. We proudly serve nonprofits, churches, and faith-based organizations throughout Augusta and the CSRA. Common projects include exterior identification and monument signs, interior wayfinding, donor and sponsor recognition displays, event signage, and facility branding. We understand that mission-driven organizations work within tight budgets, and our account managers will work with you to maximize impact within your means.

Ready to elevate your business visibility? 
Contact Keen Signs & Graphics today for a free consultation!