What Material should I use for my Business Sign?

There are a variety of materials available for business signage, and choosing the right one to make your business pop can seem overwhelming. From acrylic to glass, to metal and foam, there are a variety of sign materials to choose from.

Determining what material will work best for your business will be aided by determining where you are going to place your sign. Before you begin the selection process, you should have a location in mind. This will help you choose the appropriate material that will stand the test of time for your sign’s placement.

Top Material Types

Corrugated Polypropylene Board – Also known as Correx this is great for temporary signs and is an inexpensive option. It can come in a variety of colors, and is lightweight, making it a great choice for signs that may need to be moved frequently or relocated. Correx is an industry favorite as it is lightweight, flexible, and chemical and water resistant.

Aluminum – Aluminum and steel are both popular materials for metal signs but aluminium has the advantage for outdoor signs as it doesn’t rust like steel does. It is a strong metal (not as strong as steel though) that is lightweight and resistant to corrosion. It is also widely available and easy to shape, making it a favorite of sign makers. Aluminum is also a very affordable option with a wide range of customization available. It offers a high level of durability, making it unlikely that your sign will need to be replaced or will break down.

Glass – Glass signage is most often used indoors, or with other types of topical materials applied for external signage, such as vinyl. However, if your signage is going to change frequently, glass may be an option that makes sense for you, as it is easy to swap out information. Glass signage is a great choice for windows, internal signs, and interior design features.

Acrylic – A flexible and versatile type of thermoplastic, acrylic is used in a variety of sign types. Its durability makes it a prime choice for many businesses, and its environmentally-friendly nature (it’s recyclable!) makes it a hot commodity. Acrylic is highly customizable, and offers a seamless, integrated look that appeals to many business owners.

Wood – Wood signs tend to add a touch of class, and are great at standing the test of time. Wood makes sense for a sign choice when it blends well into the aesthetic of the business.

Choosing Your Sign

When choosing what type of material to use for your sign, there are a number of questions you should ask yourself:

What is my goal with putting up a sign?

Are you trying to drive traffic into your business? Are you hoping to help customers find you more easily? Are you trying to direct them to call or visit your website? While all of these answers may seem obvious, they should be considered when designing your sign to ensure it conveys the message that is going to be most beneficial to your business. Too much information isn’t a good thing, so choose wisely.

What type of conditions is my sign likely to encounter?

Do you live in an area that deals with temperature extremes or severe weather such as tornadoes or hurricanes?

Is my sign permanent or temporary?

Signs that will be relocated, such as for those who travel with their business, will be best created from different materials than a permanent fixture.

Are there any codes that affect placement of my signs?

Looking up local, state, and federal ordinances before ordering or placing a sign is a must. According to the International Sign Association, knowing what is allowed for signage in your area is a major factor in getting a permit approved.

Protecting Your Sign

Once you’ve decided what material you’d like your sign made out of, you will want to protect your investment. Depending on the type of sign you have chosen, there are a variety of options for doing so.

Graffiti Proofing – Graffiti proofing a sign may be necessary if it is within human reach. A special laminated seal can be created around your sign that makes it easy to clean in the event that it does get tagged.

Weather Proofing – Using powder coating is often the most effective way to weather-proof your sign, and is worth the investment to keep your sign looking like new for as long as possible.