Outdoor signage is a crucial marketing tool for businesses to attract customers and promote their brand. A well-designed outdoor sign acts like a silent salesperson, informing passersby about your business. With some planning and creativity, you can make an effective and eye-catching outdoor sign for your company.
Choosing the Right Materials
The materials you use for your outdoor signage play a major role in how long it will last and how good it will look. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Aluminum: Aluminum signs are lightweight, weather-resistant, and easy to cut into custom shapes. They work well for carved, etched, or digitally printed signs.
- Plastic: Plastic signs like acrylic and PVC are affordable options that are very durable. They resist weathering and can be used for lighted signs.
- Wood: Carved wooden signs have a classic, timeless look. Use exterior grade plywood and properly seal it.
- Metal: Steel and iron are strong and vandal-resistant but heavy. Often used for 3D signs and letters.
- Foam: Lightweight expanded PVC foam is commonly used for 3D sign letters. It’s easy to shape but requires protective coatings.
Consider durability, weight, costs, and how the material fits with the overall look you want for the sign.
Determining Size and Layout
Take careful measurements of the installation location to determine the optimal size for your outdoor signage. Keep these factors in mind:
- How far away will it be viewed from? Signs should be large enough to easily read from a distance.
- What are the dimensions of the installation area? Avoid signs that are too small or too large for the space.
- What shapes and proportions work best? Place key elements like business name and logo prominently.
- Is it double-sided? It should be fully visible from both directions.
- Does it comply with local sign codes? Check regulations on size, placement, and proportions.
Create sketches showing the sign layout. This helps visualize how all the elements will fit together before fabrication.
Choosing a Durable Finish
The finishing will protect the sign from outdoor elements and determine its overall look. Consider:
- Painted signs offer bold, vibrant colors. Use exterior grade paints and clear coats.
- Powder coated signs are extremely tough and weather resistant. The powder creates a thick, even coating.
- Anodized aluminum has been electrolytically treated for a durable finish. Works well for etched and engraved signs.
- Vinyl wraps create colorful, high-resolution printed signs. Use cast vinyls rated for outdoor use.
- Clear coats provide protection for engraved wood, etched metal, and other materials while allowing the base material to show through.
Select finishes that will hold up well in your specific environment, whether it’s the intense sun, coastal humidity, or freeze/thaw cycles.
Installation Methods
Properly installing your outdoor sign is critical to making it both secure and visible.
- Freestanding signs are installed permanently into the ground with concrete footings. Make sure they meet local wind load requirements.
- Building-mounted signs can be bolted directly into the wall or hung from brackets. Use the proper anchors for the material of the building.
- Pole signs are elevated above ground level on tall poles. They require footings that extend below the frost line.
- Monument signs are low-profile signs installed at ground level on a concrete pad or small foundation.
- Directional signs guide traffic flow and parking. Make sure they are highly visible from moving vehicles.
Check on any permits or codes required for the installation type. A professional sign installer can handle the entire installation process.
Lighting Options
Lighting your outdoor signage makes it visible at night and adds visual interest. You have several options:
- Ambient light uses fixtures aimed at the sign from various angles. Go for uniform lighting on all surfaces.
- Backlighting involves light sources placed behind translucent materials to create a glow. Works well for acrylic and plastic signs.
- Halo lighting shines along the outer edges of signs for a dramatic effect. Usually paired with backlighting.
- Gooseneck lighting uses adjustable fixtures mounted above or beside the sign. Aim to avoid glare.
- Solar lighting taps LEDs powered by rooftop solar cells and batteries for signs without electrical access.
Factor in costs, energy use, and ease of access when selecting lighting. Professionals can handle both lighting design and installation.
Maintenance Tips
With proper care, your outdoor business signs can keep working hard year after year. Follow these maintenance best practices:
- Inspect signs regularly for any damage, wear, discoloration, or accumulation of dirt. Tighten any loose fasteners.
- Clean signs as needed using mild cleaners and soft brushes. Avoid anything abrasive.
- Check that lighting is functioning properly and replace bulbs as required.
- Test any batteries and solar components to ensure proper operation.
- Watch for buildup of mold, mildew, and other organic growth and clean when spotted.
- Repair any nicks, dents, worn spots, or other defects right away before they worsen.
- Consider re-coating or re-sealing signs every 2-3 years to renew weather resistance.
With the right design, materials, installation, and care, your outdoor signs will do their job attracting customers while looking great and withstanding the elements. Careful planning is the key to creating signs with maximum visual impact and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important factors in designing outdoor business signage?
The key factors are choosing readable sizes, shapes and layouts; utilizing durable, weather-resistant materials; selecting finishes that will hold up well; proper installation for security and visibility; and incorporating lighting for nighttime visibility.
What are some good materials to use for outdoor signs?
Aluminum, plastics like acrylic, exterior grade woods, steel, and foam boards are commonly used because they are durable, easy to work with, and hold up well outdoors. The right material depends on the sign design, budget, and how it will be displayed.
What maintenance does outdoor signage require?
Regular inspections, cleaning when needed using mild cleaners and soft brushes, lighting checks and bulb replacement, testing of any solar/battery components, repairing any damage immediately, and re-coating/re-sealing every few years will keep signs looking their best.
How can I make sure my outdoor sign complies with local regulations?
Research the sign codes in your municipality. There are often restrictions on size, placement, setbacks from the property line, proportions, height above ground, and lighting. Building permits are usually required for permanent, mounted signs.
Should I hire professionals for my outdoor business signs?
Yes, it is advisable to hire a reputable sign company to handle both the design and fabrication. They have the expertise to properly select materials, finishes, and fabrication methods. Professionals can also manage any permits and installations.
Conclusion
An eye-catching outdoor sign acts as a powerful, constant marketing tool for businesses, so it’s worth investing the time and money to have it made properly. Carefully plan the design, materials, size, installation method, lighting, and maintenance to maximize the sign’s visibility and longevity. With some guidance from signage professionals, you can create signs that effectively advertise your brand and stand the test of time.