Aluminum vs Plastic vs Paper: Best Material for HPD Signs
Paper taped to a lobby wall looks fine for about a week. Then it curls, fades and disappears, usually right before an inspector shows up. The material your signs are made of isn't just about looks. For some notices, it's part of the rule.
The quick answer
In short: For lobby signs, aluminum and rigid plastic last for years and meet HPD's "durable" rules. Vinyl decals work on doors and glass. Laminated paper is OK for some framed notices. Plain paper is only for temporary notices like a planned shutoff.
When the material is part of the law
Some notices come with material rules built in:
Durable and securely fastened: metal, plastic or decal, with bold letters at least 3/16 inch. See the gas leak notice guide.
Smoke, CO and natural gas notices follow the same durable standard. See the combined notice guide.
Under plexiglass, laminated with a firm backing, or a matte vinyl decal at least 3 mils thick. See apartment door notices.
Enclosed in plastic or a frame. See the garbage notice guide.
Comparing the options
- 1AluminumTough, rust resistant and hard to tear down. Great for busy lobbies and outdoor use.
- 2Rigid plasticAcrylic or PVC. Light, clean looking and durable indoors.
- 3Vinyl decalThin and flexible. Ideal for fire rated doors and glass, where you can't drill.
- 4Laminated paperFine inside a frame for notices that allow it, but it wears faster.
- 5Plain paperOnly for temporary notices, like an interruption of service notice that comes down after the work.
Not sure which material fits your building? Call or text 718-213-7467 and we'll tell you what each sign comes in. Shop all signs
The real cost of paper
Paper is cheap once, but it rarely stays up. When it goes missing, you're printing again, and if an inspector sees a missing or torn notice, that's a violation you then have to fix and certify. A metal or plastic sign typically stays up for years. Over the life of a building, durable signs almost always cost less. See how much signs cost.
Tips from our shop
- Match material to the spot.
Metal in the lobby, decals on fire doors, screws in damp basements. Our mounting guide covers each surface.
- Think about cleaning.
Supers wipe lobby walls. Smooth metal and plastic clean up easily.
- Keep a few spares.
For signs that change often, like the super sign, a spare saves a rush order.
Official sources: 28 RCNY gas leak notice rule, FDNY 3 RCNY 401-06, HPD Required Signage.
Quick answers
Can HPD notices be printed on paper?
Some can if framed or laminated, but the gas leak and detector notices must be durable metal, plastic or decal.
What's the best material for lobby signs?
Aluminum or rigid plastic for most lobby signs, vinyl decals for doors and glass.
Do outdoor signs need a special material?
Aluminum holds up best outdoors, like for a street number sign. See the checklist.
Not sure what your building needs?
Send us your address and number of apartments. We will tell you exactly which signs to order.
General information based on the NYC HPD Required Signage page as of November 2026. Not legal advice. HPD Signs NYC is not affiliated with the City of New York or HPD. Prices may change. Check nyc.gov/hpd for the latest rules.