Signage Materials Explained: Which is Right for Your Business?

Bespoke signage can fulfil a range of both indoor and outdoor applications, from internal retail promotions and wayfinding to external branding signs designed to draw attention to your business. The advantage of choosing bespoke signage is that you can tailor your signage to fulfil your specific objectives and match your branding requirements, and your choice of signage material is a key part of finding the right solution for your business.

With a variety of different materials for signage available, how do you choose the right one for your business? In this article, we provide an overview of some of the most popular options for business signage, before exploring the factors that can help determine which material is best suited to your application.

Sign Material Options

Metal

Metal signs can be highly durable and, with the right treatment, can withstand outdoor weather conditions while retaining their premium appearance. They can also be easy to clean and maintain, making them an excellent option for low-maintenance retail signs and office signage on high streets, business parks and larger retail parks. However, some metal signs can be more expensive than other options and may require specialist installation methods.

There are a variety of metals that can be used as signage materials, depending on the look and feel you want to achieve. For a more modern appearance, stainless steel or aluminium can be excellent choices. If you want something with a more classic or traditional feel, brass or bronze could be used to accentuate the details of your signage, or even cast iron for high-end service businesses such as solicitors and accountants. Copper can also add a distinctive touch to signage when used in conjunction with a polymer base.

No matter what metal you choose, it is important to consider its durability and weather resistance so that your signage retains its appearance throughout its expected life cycle. Some metals discolour or oxidise naturally when exposed to the air, while others may be susceptible to rust and corrosion. In some cases, protective coatings can be applied to increase the durability of metal signage.

Acrylic

Acrylic is a type of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plastic that is often used for outdoor business signage because it is cost-effective, easy to fabricate and can offer good durability and weather resistance. Acrylic is an equally good option for attractive and professional indoor acrylic signs. It can be moulded into a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing you to create signs that are both unique and eye-catching.

Acrylic is a popular signage material for bespoke transparent signage, offering greater resistance to weathering and wear and tear than many other transparent plastics. The material is also easy to clean and maintain, helping signage retain its appearance over time. However, acrylic can be more susceptible to scratching than some other materials for signage and may not be the best option for environments where signs are likely to experience frequent impact or heavy wear.

Vinyl

Vinyl is a versatile synthetic material that can be used for both indoor and outdoor signage, including window graphics, vehicle decals and wraps. Vinyl signs can be produced in a wide range of colours and finishes, and can be printed with almost any design.

As a signage material, vinyl offers a cost-effective and flexible option for door stickers, wall-mounted signage, safety signs, posters and window graphics, as well as short-term promotional applications. However, vinyl is generally better suited to temporary or medium-term use than more permanent materials, and its lifespan will depend on factors such as exposure, surface preparation and installation quality.

PVC

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a lightweight and waterproof polymer material that is often used for temporary or seasonal signage in shops, retail centres and busy public spaces such as hospitals. PVC is available in either rigid or flexible forms, so it can be fashioned into a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

Businesses use PVC as a versatile signage material for numerous informational or promotional applications, from wall-mounted directional signage to flexible decorative window graphics. In both its rigid and flexible varieties, PVC is also very lightweight, making it easy to install, transport, manipulate and maintain.

However, the durability of PVC varies depending on the grade used, so the material should be specified according to whether the signage is intended for indoor, temporary or longer-term outdoor use.

Foamcore

Foamcore, also known as foam board, is a lightweight material made from a foam centre sandwiched between smooth outer layers, typically paper or card. Its low weight and smooth surface make it particularly useful for printed indoor displays, including retail promotions, exhibitions, presentations and temporary directional signage.

As a signage material, foamcore is cost-effective, easy to transport and capable of producing a clean, professional finish. However, standard foamcore is not weatherproof and can be more susceptible to dents and damage than harder materials, so it is generally best suited to temporary or indoor applications.

Coated Steel

Pre-painted coated steel can provide a durable, weather-resistant material for exterior signage applications. The coated steel makes it suitable for exterior applications where strength, long-term performance and resistance to the elements are important.

For signage, coated steel of this type can provide a durable base for permanent outdoor installations and building-mounted signs. It is also available in a wide range of finishes and colours. However, steel signage is heavier than many plastic or composite alternatives and may require more substantial support and installation, making it less suitable where signs need to be moved regularly.

Sustainable Materials

If you’re looking to reduce the environmental impact of your signage, there are a few sustainable signage material choices to consider, depending on your application, budget and required lifespan:

• Recycled Aluminium: A material that’s durable, recyclable and suitable for long-term signage applications.
• FSC-Certified Timber: This is responsibly sourced wood that can provide a natural, distinctive finish.
• Recycled Plastics: Useful for selected signage applications while reducing demand for brand new plastic material.
• Non-PVC Alternatives: These can provide an option for businesses that want to reduce their reliance on conventional PVC products.
• Lower-Impact Inks: Finally, water-based or lower-VOC inks can help reduce the environmental impact of printed signage.

The most sustainable choice for your application will depend on the full life cycle of your sign, including how it is manufactured, installed, maintained and ultimately disposed of or recycled.

What to Consider When Choosing a Material for Your Sign

As you can see, there are several different materials for signage that you can choose from when it comes to your signage needs. The right material for your application will depend on several factors, including your budget, intended location and whether you need a permanent or temporary signage solution. If your signage is going to be installed outside, consider resistance to corrosion, UV exposure and changing weather conditions, including sun, wind and rain.

If you need the sign to retain its colour and appearance over long-term use, such as for shop signs, you’ll want a material that offers suitable durability and resistance to fading or discolouration.

The size and weight of your signage installation will also play an important role in deciding which material to use, as some options may be better suited to larger formats, complex shapes or particular installation requirements. For example, some plastic materials, notably acrylic, can scale well to larger sign sizes without the same level of cost increase per square inch that may apply to metal signage, which can become more expensive across larger surface areas.

Ultimately, the best signage material will depend on how and where the sign is used, the appearance you want to achieve and how long you need it to last.

Bespoke Signs and More at Image

Choosing the right signage material is only one part of creating signage that performs well and reflects your brand. At Image, we design, manufacture and install bespoke signage in-house for businesses across a wide range of sectors, including stadiums, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants.

With over 28 years of experience, strong project management and complete technical support throughout, our team can advise and direct you on the right materials, finishes and signage solutions for your project. It’s why major brands including M&S, Halfords and Odeon trust Image with their signage needs.

If you’re planning a new signage project and need expert guidance, contact our expert team today to discuss your requirements.