Understanding Sign Materials and Design Concepts
The Sign Company uses quality materials to deliver the right results. As a customer, that is something you both deserve and expect. It requires many types of materials to meet the diverse needs of our customers. It is therefore important to select the proper sign material to deliver to those needs. However, materials alone will not suffice. The object of a sign is to communicate a message. Effective sign design helps establish and deliver that message.
As such, the summary information on this page can be used as a starting point and general guide for those that do not construct signs on a daily basis.
Sign Types -- Different Materials for Different Needs
Acrylic |
If you desire a high quality gloss finish, Acrylic is an excellent product choice. It comes in a variety of colors and is an extremely durable and versatile plastic sheet. It is primarily used for long-term interior and exterior signage. Common uses include internally illuminated signs, architectural signs, wall directories, permanent retail signs, menu boards and trade show signs.
Aluminum |
Aluminum is generally used in outdoor applications. It is stocked in a variety of colors and will not rust. Aluminum is lightweight, yet sturdy. It is an ideal choice for real estate and traffic signage.
Banners |
Our banner material is a very durable ## [weight] oz. Nylon-reinforced and riveted vinyl. It is an excellent choice for interior and exterior usage due to its flexibility and resistance to weather. The material can be cut into many lengths and dimensions and the finished product is easy to store and ship. Choose from several colors to meet your needs for special events, promotions and grand openings.
Corrugated Plastic |
This lightweight versatile product can be used for both short-term indoor and outdoor signage. It comes in a variety of colors and is a cost effective choice for special events signage, indoor point-of-purchase, trade shows, service companies and temporary real estate signage. Corrugated Plastic can be cut into many shapes and used to create collapsible signs.
Expanded PVC |
Expanded PVC, or Foam PVC, has a matte finish that reduces glare to enable easy readability. It can be shaped and is lightweight, yet sturdy material that may be used indoor and outdoors for limited amounts of time. Available in a variety of colors, it is an excellent product for trade shows signage, menu boards, point-of-purchase displays and architectural graphics.
Foam Core |
Foam core board is a lightweight yet sturdy material made by adhering two sheets of paper to both sides of a foam core. It is easy to cut and customize, comes in a variety of colors and is ideal for indoor mounting applications. Foam board accepts ink jet and color printing very well and is an economical product for temporary and short-term use.
Magnetic |
Magnetic signage is flexible, easily removable and perfect for signs on multi-use vehicles or when you do not want permanent letters affixed to your vehicle. Magnetic signage is weather resistant and with proper care is suitable for long-term use. Use magnetic signs on your vehicle as an advertising tool for your business and/or service.
Polystyrene |
Polystyrene is a resilient, lightweight material used for short-term indoor / outdoor signage. It has a smooth surface and comes in white only. It is an ideal choice for low cost needs such as point-of-purchase, directional and informational signage, menu boards and trade show or other temporary signs.
Wood and Composite Materials |
Wood and composite materials are the choice to provide you years of outdoor service. They are best suited for large format signage. They are weather resistant and have a rigid, flat surface and can be painted to match custom color needs. Common use is in commercial real estate, construction firms and property leasing companies.
Effective Sign Design -- Some Tips
Take it from us, signs can be a crucial element for your business. They often are the first thing customers notice about your business and are commonly a powerful factor in establishing a good first impression. Let one of The Sign Company consultants help you develop a design that's right for your specific needs. In this regard, here are some concepts you should consider.
Design and Appearance
Studies indicate that using a photo enables greater recall than ads without. Additionally, full color graphics create the highest awareness of all sign categories. When simpler signs are in order, adding a border and graphic produces visual interest and improves reader retention.
Visibility
How well a sign can be viewed at a distance is a primary factor. Your sign and message must be easily distinguished. When space is a concern and lettering cannot be as large as desired, use light-colored letters on a dark background. This contrast makes letters appear larger and viewers will find it easier to read.
Readability
The ability to comprehend the message is increased by a design with distinct individual lettering. Black letters on a yellow background or yellow letters on a black background are easy color combinations to read, especially at a distance. There are other combinations that work well too. You can ask your The Sign Company professional for other good combinations.
Get Noticed
You can draw the reader's attention by changing a sign's message, color, size or shape frequently.
Legibility
The right typestyles and spacing can help readers distinguish letters and words. The Sign Company professional can help you with these selections too.