Designing and Installing Signs

Every business needs a good exterior sign to attract the attention of passersby while also letting customers easily find your location. Signs inside a building can also help advertise a slogan or sales pitch, as well as current specials and various departments. To ensure you choose high-quality signs that work well for your intended purpose, note a few tips on how to choose the sign material and lettering process for exterior and interior signs.

Exterior signage

Acrylic signs are very durable and won't rust or rot, but note that they're also very brittle. If someone were to throw a rock at an acrylic sign, or bump it with their car, the material might actually shatter. Acrylic signage can then be good for areas where you're not worried about vandalism or accidents; otherwise, you might opt for more durable stainless steel. Either material is also a good candidate for laser engraving, which produces crisp and clear lettering that can easily be seen from a distance.

PVC is generally durable for outdoor signage, except that extreme heat can cause the material to start melting so that its shape may shift and change. If your sign will be in hot, direct sunlight, opt for glass instead of PVC.

Wood may not be the best choice for an outdoor sign, as wood absorbs humidity and may then cup and bow. Painted wood also needs consistent upkeep, as that paint may fade, crack or peel. If you do choose a wood sign, consider laser engraving rather than paint so the lettering is easily seen and lasts for years.

Interior signage

Wood can be used for interior signage, as wood won't be exposed to so much humidity when indoors. However, even in a controlled environment, the paint of a wood sign might eventually fade or crack, so it's good to still consider laser engraving versus painting an interior wood sign.

Static vinyl signs are easy to install indoors, as the static backing allows the signage to stick to a wall or other surface without adhesive or connectors. While this allows you to hang your own signs quickly and easily, it might also mean that the sign eventually falls or can be easily removed or outright stolen! Be cautious about choosing vinyl static signs. It might be worth the investment of a wood or acrylic, laser engraved sign if it means having a sign that is always in place and which can't be stolen so easily.