Comparison of outdoor signs

Whether for a practice, a company or a law firm - an outside sign not only introduces the company, but also gives the first impression and should arouse interest in the company. The sign should hang outside for years and withstand the weather. What needs to be considered when selecting material, printing and attachment so that the outside sign can meet all these requirements?

outdoor signs material

One of the classic sign materials is glass . The real glass is noble, weatherproof and durable, but quite heavy in weight and splintering. In areas with a high number of visitors, there is a risk of the outside sign breaking. It is therefore generally not recommended to use glass company signs outdoors.

Acrylic glass or PLEXIGLAS® , which is very popular in sign production, offers an optimal alternative to real glass. Compared to glass, acrylic glass is lighter and more shatterproof, weather-resistant, UV-absorbing and does not yellow. Acrylic glass signs are characterized by an elegant look, polished edges give the sign a special brilliance. Signs that consist of two acrylic glass plates (double glass signs) look particularly elegant. Company signs made of acrylic glass have a good durability both indoors and outdoors.

If the outside sign has to be very large (width > 1 meter), it makes sense to make it out of aluminum composite panels , also known as aluminum dibond panels , to ensure the necessary stability. The aluminum composite panels are extra light and particularly stable, which enables long-term attachment outdoors. The surface of the plate can either be coated white or brushed silver. The brushed aluminum Dibond signs look particularly high-quality. The aluminum composite panels are mostly used as facade signs, large advertising signs or murals. As company signs, they are not particularly conspicuous and are quite modest in design.

A very popular sign material is stainless steel . The stainless steel outdoor signs are timeless, noble and convey a feeling of reliability and trust. Their surface can be polished to a high gloss or brushed to a matt finish. The metal signs are weatherproof and therefore suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The disadvantage is the heavy weight, such outdoor signs have to be attached to the wall very reliably.

Plastics polystyrene (PS) and polycarbonate (PC) are light and hard, can be transparent or opaque. PS and PC are suitable for outdoor signs that are only used for a short time (e.g. information or construction signs). The reason is that these plastics are sensitive to impact and UV light, tend to crack and age quickly outdoors.

Rigid foam board polyvinyl chloride (PVC for short) is similar to PS, but more weather-resistant - it depends on the material thickness. The PVC outdoor signs have a rather simple look, so this material is not particularly recommended for company signs. The advantage of the PVC outdoor signs is a low price.

Outdoor Signs Types of Printing

Depending on the sign material, the lettering is applied in different ways.

Glass or acrylic glass signs are usually not printed directly, instead the lettering is done digitally on a special high-performance film. If the film is white (here we are talking about a print with a white background), the lettering has a modern, bright color brilliance and is very easy to read. Printing on a satin foil gives the outside sign a mild touch and a stylish look. The printed film is either laminated behind the acrylic glass pane or between 2 acrylic glass plates.

UV direct printing (printing directly on the surface without an intermediate carrier) is usually done on the outside signs made of polystyrene, PVC, aluminum Dibond or stainless steel. UV-resistant inks are used for both foil printing and direct printing. When printing directly onto the aluminum composite or stainless steel plate, the lettering is reinforced with a metal effect. If desired, clear varnish can be applied over the direct print.

Plastic signs and metal outdoor signs can also be engraved . In the case of laser engraving, inscriptions can be made with millimeter precision, but this cannot be highlighted in colour. After a mechanical engraving, on the other hand, a subsequent color deposit is possible. Engraved signs are popular because of their timelessly stylish character.

Outdoor sign attachment

Various types of fastening allow the outside sign to be mounted depending on the conditions of use.

The self-adhesive outdoor signs (usually classic engraved signs ) are ideal for when you do not want to drill holes in the wall. They are fixed to the entrance door using adhesive strips. However, it can happen that the sign does not hold up as well over time due to moisture.

Stainless steel or brass spacers are rustproof and safe. The combination of real glass or acrylic glass and stainless steel wall spacers looks particularly stylish and noble. Thanks to the distance from the wall, the effect of a sign floating in front of the wall is created.

If it is necessary for the outside sign to be mounted flush to the wall, fastening with screws and decorative caps is ideal. This means that the sign is mounted firmly and without a gap to the wall.

Whether made of acrylic glass, metal or PVC, with one or two panels, mountable with the wall spacers or self-adhesive, when selecting the outside sign, orientate yourself according to the conditions of use and your taste. In any case, the door sign should have an elegant look and convey a professional impression.