Outdoor signs in the UK get exposed to a lot of rain, sleet, wind, and even snow on occasion. So, it’s important they’re made out of a quality material that will look great now and in the future. But what is the best material to use for outdoor signs? There are actually many options for you to choose from, and the material you choose will depend on the kind of sign you’re looking for.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a popular choice for exterior signs because it’s resistant to corrosion. Even after the heaviest rain downpours, stainless steel won’t rust or wear. If you’re looking for large-scale lettering for your exterior sign, stainless steel is a great investment.
The downside of stainless steel is the logistical challenge it can present. Steel is heavy and difficult to manoeuvre, but we’ve organised and fitted large stell signs in busy city centres, and even over a dual carriageway, so we can make it work.
Aluminium
Aluminium is a great option for creating panels as a backdrop for external signage. It’s lightweight, pliable, and easy to print on, so it’s a popular choice for business logos. Although aluminium isn’t quite as durable as stainless steel, it’s still water-resistant and scratch-proof.
The downside is it’s more prone to denting and has a shine to it that can make it difficult to read from ground level if it’s high.
Acrylic
Also known as plexiglass, acrylic is a great option for outdoor signage. It’s great for creating a layered sign and works well for lightboxes. Since it comes in a range of colours and can be transparent, it’s perfect for using with other materials to create an interesting 3D effect.
Acrylic is UV-resistant, so won’t fade over time. However, it’s prone to scratches, and it’s difficult to repair if your sign gets chipped or cracked.
Dibond
Dibond is an aluminium composite that sandwiches a plastic polyethene core between two metal sheets. This layering makes Dibond extremely durable and hardwearing, perfect for outdoor signs.
Dibond is usually the flattest material when it comes to outdoor signage. So, if you’re looking for a sleek, flush sign for your building, this could be a good option. It’s more expensive than aluminium, but it’s non-corrosive, heat resistant, and waterproof.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a budget-friendly option usually used to create banners, murals, window graphics, or floor graphics. If you want a temporary exterior sign that can be removed eventually, vinyl is usually a good option. It’s especially good for promotions or seasonal trends.
However, it’s not a great option for permanent signage, as it’s not as durable, strong, or hardwearing as the other options we’ve talked about.
Get your outdoor signs designed by the experts
Whether you’re looking for a professional-looking store banner, branded logo, or large-scale lettering for your building, we have the solution for you. At xsign, we design and manufacture quality outdoor signs for a range of businesses. We can advise you on the best materials, keeping to your budget, and can work with you to create the best designs. Call our team today for a free consultation.
