Signage Materials: Types and Best Uses

In the recent times, signages have turned out to be a crucial component of branding, marketing or promotional efforts for any business or organization. As a powerful visual communication tool, it plays a key role to inform, guide, and attract customers.

When we discuss signages, the choice of material becomes the crux of the matter. It plays a major role in determining the aesthetics, durability, and effectiveness of the sign. In this article, we will explore different type of materials majorly used in signage industries, their strengths and Weakness, and the purpose they are ideal for.

Acrylic:

Acrylic aka Plexiglas or Perspex, broadly categorized as kind of plastic is widely used as a choice of signage material, credit to its versatility and durability.

Strengths: The signs made of acrylic are lightweight, and resistant to most nonextreme weather exposures, making them an affordable choice for both indoor and outdoor use. You will find them in a variety of colours. They are easily customizable with vinyl graphics or digital prints.

Weakness: Signages made out of acrylic, scratch easily. Prolonged exposure to sunlight might turn them yellow over time. As they are not rigidity cannot hold their shape across large surface areas. Hence, they are not tenable for marking large signs unless there is additional support and reinforcements.

What are the acrylic signs best suited for?

You are prone to find acrylic signs commonly used indoors, such as reception signs, directional signs, and in retail displays. Some small businesses have also used them frequently outdoors like menu boards and informational signs, where they are not exposed to sunlight directly.

Metal:

Metal signs, predominantly made from materials such as aluminium, steel, or bronze are preferred for their sleek and professional appearance.

Strengths: Metal signs are highly durable, weather resistant, and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. They have a premium look and feel, making them ideal for businesses looking to convey a sense of quality and permanence.

Weakness: Metal signs can be more expensive than other materials and may require special equipment for installation. They can also be heavy, making them less suitable for certain applications.

What are the Metal signs best suited for?

Metal signs are commonly used for outdoor signage, such as building signs, monument signs, and parking lot signs. They are also popular for businesses seeking a high-end look, such as law firms, financial institutions, and luxury retailers.

Wood:

Wooden signs offer a rustic and natural aesthetic that works for businesses that are using its traditional or artisanal look to attract a niche target customer.

Strengths: Wood signs are easily customizable by paints, or carving to create unique designs. They are suited and work great for both indoor and outdoor use. The installation isn't that arduous.

Weakness: Susceptible to rot, warping, and insects, wood signs get damaged easily without proper maintenance. The periodic upkeep or lack thereof would dramatically increase the costs compared to other materials.

What are the Wood signs best suited for?

Wood signs are a craze among businesses going for a rustic or vintage aesthetic, such as coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants. You can find them often used as storefront signs, directional signages, and promotional displays.

Vinyl:

Vinyl is a flexible material regularly used in lettering, graphics, and decals on wide range of signages.

Strengths: Vinyl signs are affordable, easy to install, and highly customizable. The affordability and wide range of colours, finishes, and textures, makes them versatile and suitable for a variety of applications.

Weakness: While they are cost effective and versatile, the signs may fade or peel over time when exposed to sunlight or harsher weather conditions. They are not known for their durability as other choice of materials.

What are the Vinyl signs best suited for?

You can find vinyl signs frequently used as temporary or promotional signage, such as banners, window graphics, vehicle wraps, and trade displays. A popular choice for interior signage in retail stores, offices, and restaurants, where the affordability factor works in their favour.

Corrugated Plastic:

Corrugated plastic, also known as Coroplast, is as lightweight as signages come. They are durable under normal weather conditions, where it is used for temporary or cost-effective displays.

Strengths: Corrugated plastic signs are known for their affordability. The advantage of being easy to transport and install works in their favour. Small businesses can use vibrant colours and graphics, set them up for both indoor and outdoor use.

Weakness: Although affordable, the corrugated plastic signs are not as long-lasting as other materials, which makes them an ideal solution for temporary or short-term signage requirements. They also lack the premium look and feel of materials like metal or acrylic.

What are the Corrugated plastic signs best suited for?

Corrugated plastic signs can be found in short-lived events, promotion campaigns, real estate signage, political campaigns, and on-site construction projects. They are go-to situations for cost-effective temporary signage solutions are in demand.

Glass:

Glass signs are preferred for their modern & sophisticated look which are often the case in upscale or corporate settings.

Strengths: The signage made of glass are elegant and incredibly durable when indoors. They can be customized with etchings and frosted designs that improves on their premium looks. The glass signs are used indoors to create a professional aesthetic.

Weakness: While they add incredible aesthetic value, glass signs can be heavy, fragile, and put in them on the not-so cost-effective list. They also demand careful handling and installation to avoid any damage.

What are the Glass signs best suited for?

Corporate offices, law firms, hotels, and high-end retail establishments often house these glass signs to exude sophistication. The go-to choose for lobby, directional, and executive office signages

Fabric:

Fabric sign, made out of materials like polyester or canvas are preferred often as a soft and vibrant signage option.

Strengths: They are as lightweight, and portable as they come. Often printed with high-resolution graphics and designs, fabrics are versatile often found as backdrops for large events, trade shows etc.

Weakness: As they are prone to wrinkle and fade over time, upon exposure to sunlight or moisture, they can turn out to be heavy maintenance, if you want to avoid the worn-out look.

What are the Fabric signs best suited for?

Fabric signs find their place indoor applications, such as trade shows, conferences, and stage backdrops. They are popular as an environment friendly choice for businesses looking for dynamic and catchy signage solution with a social message.

Stone:

Stone signs, an unusual choice yet sometimes used as an exotic option are made from materials like granite, marble. They offer a timeless signage option.

Strengths: Stone signs are durable, weather resistant, and flaunt a classic, elegant appearance. They can be engraved or etched with intricate designs and lettering for a sophisticated look.

Weakness: Stone signs can be heavy, expensive, and require professional installation due to their weight and fragility. They may also be more difficult to customize or update compared to other materials.

What are the Stone signs best suited for?

Stone signs are commonly used for permanent or commemorative signage, such as monuments, memorials, historical markers, and premium residential or commercial properties. If you are a business looking to make a lasting impression, stones are the way to go.

Every material we have discussed have their own strengths, weakness, and specific requirement to cater. Your decision would be contingent upon factors such as budget, location, preferences, and durability requirements.

By having a clear set of requirements, and preferences outlined, you can make an informed decision, when you are choosing the right signage solution to enhance your brand visibility and communicate efficiently with your target audience.