WHAT OUTDOOR SIGNS ARE MADE OF
Outdoor signs need to endure everything nature throws at them. Commercial outdoor signs must attract and direct business to the point of sale. Real estate yard signs have to make showings happen. Municipal and wayfaring signs likewise have jobs to do. In any case, whatever the mission of outdoor signage is, it won’t work if the message isn’t delivered. Corrosion, fading, breakage, and human vandalism are the foes. Moreover, the message sent by a sign’s text and graphics isn’t all that sign says. Even if it’s still legible, a shabby or worn sign also says “don’t take me seriously”. Or “seriously out of date”. That’s why a Florida sign maker’s choice of outdoor sign materials is so important.
STANDING AND STYLING
Outdoor durability, though, is never the only factor in chooding materials for outdoor signs. There’s obviously little point to outdoor signage that lasts forever but doesn’t do what it’s meant to do. Wayfaring signs and street signs, for example, require materials that assure readability at night, in weather, and with the available lighting. For an audience in motion. A street sign maker may have to comply with government regulations regarding materials, too. The term “materials”, by the way, is taken by a sign maker to include paints and coatings.
All types of outdoor signs speak volumes about their owners. A sign that’s not “the right stuff”? Well, what does that say about whoever put it up? Let’s survey some of the widely-used materials for outdoor signage.
POPULAR OUTDOOR SIGN MATERIALS
Vinyl is a natural, so to speak, for the outdoors. It’s actually an artificial substance, of course. Hence, nature doesn’t know how to attack it very well. Vinyl applications for outdoor signs include printed decals and, of course, banners. However, a banner has a temporary, improvised look to it. It’s an economical solution, and this shows. Not quite right for, say, the permanent outdoor business sign of a …bank branch!
Aluminum is flexible, light, versatile, and resists corrosion. It’s a favorite for many types of outdoor signage. Hey, cars’ licence tags hold their looks pretty well, right? Aluminum. It also makes a good sandwich. Aluminum composite boards are two aluminum sheets bonded to a non-aluminum center layer. It’s the workhorse of outdoor signage. Variations on the theme include Dibond (plastic center layer) and Alumalite.
Durawood supplies that touch of class other materials don’t bring to the table. It’s a synthetic material that has that retro look of natural wood, but makes for a weather-resistant sign. Unlike wood, it won’t warp, crack, or rot. Durawood’s a trending choice for municpal place signs.
SOUTH FLORIDA OUTDOOR SIGNS
Selecting the materials for outdoor signs in our region is what an established South Florida sign company does on a daily basis. It’s an integral part of the total design process. The GraphPlex team has mastered the art and science of combining strength, durability, messaging, and styling for outdoor signage of all types. And we sign off on our work.