Correctly selected material for advertising signs decides a lot in the performance of advertising tasks. The sign must be easy to read, have the necessary strength and durability. Only in this case it becomes a profitable investment.
The constant improvement of advertising technologies has led to the appearance of a large number of new materials used in the manufacture of these products. They have additional characteristics, properties, technical parameters. Such diversity, on the one hand, is a very pleasant factor. On the other hand, it significantly complicates the selection process. After reading this article, you will know which material for making a sign will be better in different specific conditions.
Materials for external signs
The following description of the most common options will allow you to choose the best material for the sign.
Sheet metal
Products made of it are strong, durable, resistant to atmospheric phenomena. Also, this material is quite easy to process.
Now aluminum is most often used, which is distinguished by its lightness, corrosion resistance, excellent interaction with paint compositions and self-adhesive film. This is an excellent material for facade signs, which can be painted already in sheet form during production. There is also gold and silver anodized aluminum, but it is much more expensive, and such offers are very rare in our market. In general, aluminum is quite expensive – this is the only disadvantage.
But the production of metal signs will be much cheaper if sheet galvanized steel is used. It is not as resistant to corrosion, and it does not hold film and paint as well, but galvanized steel goes well with magnetic vinyl.
Plexiglas and acrylic products are very common. There are products made of polycarbonate, but they are not so common. When you get to know what advertising signs are made of, consider the following points:
- - acrylic and plexiglass – quite fragile and can be damaged by mechanical impact;
- - impact-resistant carbonate is more expensive, but feels good at low temperatures and interacts perfectly with films and paint.
What is the sign most often made of? Acrylic plastic is in the first place. It has a number of advantages:
- - easily bends and undergues processing, making it possible to create geometrically complex structures;
- - retains attractive appearance for a long time;
- - excellent light transmission characteristics make it possible to use illumination very effectively.
PVC
What material is used for signs when it is required to get an affordable, durable, easy-to-mount and weatherproof product? The answer is simple - it is PVC. However, there are many varieties that differ in weight, durability and thickness. The disadvantages include the possibility of chipping and the difficulty of repair.
A fairly popular variety is foamed PVC. In the color format, it is produced with a thickness of 3-6 mm, in white - 1-20 mm. Cons – fragility and fading of colours under the influence of sunlight.
Vinyl
Cheap, light, plastic, weatherproof option, great for banners placed for some event. In this case, durability is not needed.
Composite
It is a very strong sign material that is quite difficult to work with. Therefore, it is used only for creating products of rectangular format. Composites have a sheet structure. It can have a polyethylene core (Dibond) or a ribbed/corrugated plastic core (Alumalite). The outer plates are made of aluminum.
Composites are even used to create light boxes. To do this, holes are made in the plate according to the shape of the drawing and acrylic elements are inserted there. It costs a lot, but it pays off with its durability.
Concrete
Concrete signs are durable, maintenance-free, affordable to manufacture, but have limitations in placement due to their weight. Nevertheless, this is a very original way of design. Especially suitable for loft style.
There are also neon signs and other varieties. But they need to be considered separately, in their own category.
Conclusion - what is the most practical and best material for signs?
The choice is always based on context and specific conditions:
- - budget that can be allocated by the customer;
- - place where the finished product will be installed;
- - time for which the placement is calculated;
- - specific purpose (just to inform/emphasize respectability/organically blend into the design, etc.).
The strongest and most durable products are made of aluminum and composite. The most affordable - from vinyl and PVC. The most universal ones are made of acrylic. An individual decision is made in each specific case.
