Selecting Signage Materials: A Guide to Outdoor Durability

Vinyl is an inexpensive and popular option for temporary signs, like those used to promote elections or special events. It is printed using digital or screen-print inks and can be painted with various substances to offer a variety of colors, textures and patterns.

Redsquare signage is the company you can rely on to provide premium outdoor signage. We specialize in designing unique outside signage that fits your budget and ensures significant results, whether you need eye-catching advertisements along busy roads or brand recognition.

Acrylic, also known as plexiglass, is a durable material that stands up to harsh weather conditions and offers a sophisticated aesthetic. It’s also see-through and glare resistant, making it an ideal choice for illuminated outdoor signs.

Lighted Outdoor Signs

The right type of material will depend on your needs. For example, acrylic is an excellent option when you need a sign that will be illuminating and also requires durability to stand up to environmental factors. It’s a common choice for channel letter signs and lightboxes.

Aluminum is another popular option because it provides a sleek appearance and resistance to corrosion. It comes in a variety of thicknesses, from a thin option that’s good for real estate signs to the thickest gauge used for street signs.

Medium density overlay (MDO) is a great option for businesses that want the look of wood but require less maintenance. It’s a durable, weather-resistant option that can be painted to match your brand colors. You can even find options that have added additives to protect your signage from harsh weather conditions or other environmental elements. This is especially important if you’re going to use your signage for an extended period of time.

Building Signs

When choosing the best sign material for your business, consider what kinds of natural conditions it will be exposed to. What does your area typically experience in terms of rainfall, temperature changes, dust and sun exposure? These factors will affect the longevity and look of your signage.

For example, if your area has high winds, you may want to choose a sign material that stands up to the elements, such as aluminum. Corten steel is another unique option that offers exceptional durability, as well as a naturally weathered appearance. It develops a dark brown layer of oxidation, which many people refer to as rust. It is a popular choice for backdrops and architectural formations.

Acrylic is another good choice for lighted signs because it allows light to pass through it and creates a polished aesthetic. Another option is Dibond, which is an aluminum composite that sandwiches a plastic polyethene core between two pieces of thinly guaged aluminum.

Perforated Mesh Signs

When designing a sign, it’s important to find the right material for its application. You may want your sign to stand up to a variety of weather conditions or you might need it to be light enough for easy movement. Different materials offer varying qualities and cost levels to meet your needs.

You can’t go wrong with aluminum signs if you need a sturdy, long-lasting option that resists heat and freezing temperatures. The durable metal also withstands abrasions and scratches better than other materials like wood.

Another popular choice is acrylic, commonly known as plexiglass. This lightweight plastic offers an aesthetic that mimics glass at a much more affordable price. It’s also ideal for lightbox signs and works great when paired with other materials like aluminum or Dibond.

Aluminum Signs

You can find many different materials for signs that will be used outdoors. These include metals like aluminum that won’t corrode and other rigid materials such as vinyl or PVC board.

A common choice is acrylic for illuminated outdoor signage, as it holds up to weathering and maintains a clean aesthetic. Another popular option is Dibond, an aluminum composite. Fabricators sandwich a plastic polyethylene core between two aluminum sheets to create this strong sign material.

When deciding on the best sign materials for your project, consider local climate conditions. For example, do you have a lot of wind? Is the area dusty or muddy? These factors may affect how long your signs last. You also need to think about impact and scratch resistance. While wood and plywood can be scuffed by heavy winds, aluminum, acrylic and corrugated plastic are better choices.