Big corporations, small businesses, charitable organizations, sporting organizers, governments, and individuals use signage to communicate, inform, and inspire. At last count, there are (roughly) a zillion uses for signs in nearly as many different places. There are many sign materials, but outdoor signs face challenges like wind, rain, UV exposure, and dark nights. These factors, combined with your specific needs and intended sign location, help determine the best material for your outdoor signs.
Types of Outdoor Signs
Although all outdoor signs contend with the elements, the weather does not interact with all outdoor signs equally. The air release vinyl sign on the side of an 18-wheeler is out in all types of weather. But it does not contend with wind from all directions the way a flag or a banner mounted on an iron or chain link fence does. Then, too, some outdoor signs are intended to be permanent, while others will be used for just a few days. Before determining the best sign material for outdoor signs, you need to know what your outdoor sign will need to do.
Some of the most common outdoor signs are:
How to Choose the Outdoor Sign Material?
There are so many types of outdoor signs and sign materials you’ll be able to choose one that performs beautifully in your circumstances. To determine the best sign material for your outdoor signs, consider the following factors:
- Weather - Not only does the weather in southern California differ from that of upstate New York, but a temporary sign for summer has different needs than one for winter. What elements will your outdoor sign face?
- UV Exposure - UV radiation from the sun can fade the colors and otherwise damage a sign if you don’t choose the right sign material for the conditions where the sign will be displayed.
- Lifespan - How long do you intend to use the outdoor sign? There’s no need to invest in permanent quality materials if your event is done in a few weeks.
- Cleaning, Repairs & Replacements - All outdoor signs eventually need cleaning or repairs.
- Cost - Consider your budget, and invest in the sign material that best suits your specific needs for the sign.
Keep these considerations in mind as you evaluate outdoor sign materials.
Best Materials for Outdoor Signs
Some of the best outdoor sign materials include:
Vinyl
Vinyl is undoubtedly the most versatile sign material, popular for many uses indoors and for outdoor signs. Vinyl banners are popular for temporary signage, outdoor welcome signs, window clings, floor decals, and vehicle graphics.
Vinyl Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Low maintenance
- Weather-resistant
- Flexible
- Ease of installation and removal
- UV LED inks used for fade resistance
- Easy to clean
- Double-sided printing available
- Magnetic vinyl signs and vinyl window clings can be moved or repositioned with ease
Vinyl Cons:
- Less long-lasting than aluminum
- Flexibility can be an issue in windy areas — consider wind slits or a mesh banner
- Must be held taut with visible mounting
Vinyl Mesh
Vinyl mesh banners were developed specifically as outdoor sign material. Unlike traditional vinyl banners, mesh vinyl allows the wind to pass right through the banner.
Viny Mesh Pros:
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Airflow-friendly design
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Durable
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Flexible
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Low maintenance
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Weather-resistant
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Ease of installation and removal
Vinyl Mesh Cons:
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Images and text are not bright but more muted
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Printing is slightly more expensive than conventional vinyl
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Printing only on one side
Aluminum
Aluminum has long been favored for long-lasting and highly durable outdoor signs like street signs and business nameplates.
Aluminum Pros:
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Durable and strong — lasts for years
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Can be permanently attached to posts or walls
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Low-maintenance
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Weather-resistant
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Fade-resistant
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Rigid
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Easy to clean
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Rigid material may be cut into any shape and displayed from a single post
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Recyclable
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Scratch-proof
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Double-sided printing available
Aluminum Cons:
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More expensive than vinyl or vinyl mesh
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Reflective surface can cause glare — brushed aluminum outdoor signs solve the glare, giving a rich appearance. But it is more prone to scratches and can be printed on one side only.
Acrylic
Acrylic is another outdoor sign material with a lot to offer. Also known as plexiglass, acrylic signs produce exquisite results for turning photos into indoor wall art.
Acrylic Pros:
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Sturdy and durable
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Weather-resistant
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Translucent
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No glare
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Rigid
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Easy to clean
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Shatter-resistant
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UV resistant
Acrylic Cons:
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Expensive
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Prone to scratches and dents
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Difficult to repair
Backlit Film
Backlit film signs are the most glamorous of all outdoor sign materials. These illuminated box signs are lit from within by LED or fluorescent light bulbs. These signs glow in the dark, providing exceptional visibility in the dark, but they also have excellent visibility by day.
Backlit Pros:
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Incomparably elegant presentation
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Exceptional visibility at night
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Studies have shown the visibility of internally lit outdoor signs far exceeds that of externally lit signs
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Printed films are easy to change out on the lightbox
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Durable
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Weather-resistant
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Easy to clean
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Energy efficient
Backlit Cons:
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Cost of lightbox
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Cost of installation
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Cost of maintenance
Dibond
Dibond is an aluminum composite with a PVC center, making lightweight and sturdy outdoor signs.
Dibond Pros:
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Durable
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Weather-resistant
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Doesn’t fade
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Rigid
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Double-sided printing available
Dibond Cons:
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More expensive than vinyl
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Cut edge appears black
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A bit less rigid than aluminum
PVC
PVC is another excellent material for durable outdoor signs. Lightweight and rigid, PVC signs’ durability makes them easy to reuse.
PVC Pros:
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Inexpensive
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Weather-resistant
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Durable
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Rigid
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Double-sided printing available
PVC Cons:
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Heavier than other options
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Prone to chips
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Difficult to repair
Choosing Outdoor Sign Material
As you can see, the key is to choose the best sign material for your outdoor sign.
Please contact Printmoz, your one-stop shop for outdoor signs, if you still have questions. We’ll be happy to assist you in making the right decision. Give us a call at (877) 287-0059, email us, or connect via live chat for information.
We’ll make your outdoor sign stand out!
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