A Manhattan storefront has maybe three seconds to stop someone on the sidewalk. Most of the useful surface is glass, and glass has more options than people realise.
On the glass
Cut vinyl lettering
Individual letters and shapes cut from colored vinyl, applied directly. Clean, permanent-looking, no visible background. Best for hours, address, phone and a logo. Applied to the inside of the glass it is protected from weather and vandalism.
Printed window decals
Full color graphics on adhesive vinyl. First surface for outside application, second surface for inside application, and you need to tell us which because the artwork has to be mirrored for one of them.
Perforated one-way film
Covered in tiny holes so it reads as a solid graphic from outside while people inside can still see out and daylight still comes through. This is what you want for a large window graphic on an occupied store. It does darken the interior somewhat.
Frosted privacy film
Etched-glass look, often cut with a logo or pattern. Common for ground-floor offices, clinics and conference rooms facing the street.
Window clings
Static cling, no adhesive. Removable and reusable, which suits seasonal promotions. Not for long-term installation and not for outside application.
Off the glass
- A-frame sidewalk signs: the most flexible daily-message tool. Check current sidewalk obstruction rules for your block.
- Awning graphics: printed or applied lettering on new or existing awnings.
- Panel and blade signs: rigid aluminum, PVC or acrylic.
- Scaffolding and sidewalk shed graphics: if your storefront is behind a shed, that hoarding is advertising space, and it is often the largest surface you have.
Permanent exterior signage in New York City frequently requires a Department of Buildings sign permit, and rules vary by zoning district and by landmark status. Window vinyl applied to the inside of the glass generally avoids that, which is one reason it is so widely used. Check before you commission a large permanent sign, and check your lease.
Materials and New York weather
Anything facing the street gets UV-stable vinyl. Anything at ground level gets a laminate, because sidewalk grit, salt and cleaning products will scuff an unlaminated print within a season. Rigid signs for permanent outdoor use should be aluminum rather than coroplast, which is a seasonal material.
See the full range on our banners and signs page.
Need this printed? We are at 40 Wall Street, and we deliver free anywhere in Manhattan.