While it’s great to have a spotlight on your business, a vibrant sign can quickly become drab-looking as the ink fades from sun exposure. Most outdoor signs are designed to withstand the elements, but certain materials get worn down faster than others.
It’s not necessarily the ink itself you need to worry about. Most materials will fade from sun exposure at about the same rate, but certain ones break down more easily, resulting in a faded-looking sign much faster. Some wear and tear is inevitable, but choosing the right material can extend the life of your sign.
Here are the best materials for outdoor signs that can beat the summer sun – and look great doing it.
If your outdoor signs are going to be used short term, there’s a lot of flexibility in which material you can choose. Coroplast, a corrugated plastic, and vinyl banners are two affordable options. While not as durable as some other materials, they’re tough enough to withstand short-term use.
Before too long, however, you’ll likely want to replace banners and coroplast signs. They aren’t built to withstand too much rain, heat or humidity. Over time, they will become worn, particularly when left out in the sun. For short-term use, however, such as a few months, both make a great canvas for vibrant designs. The smooth surfaces of both materials are well suited to print designs that pop.
If you need your outdoor signs to last a little longer while keeping costs down, consider using acrylic or aluminum composite.
Acrylic is a high-quality, but still relatively inexpensive, material that looks like glass. Because the surface isn’t porous, it can withstand the humidity better than other materials for a longer-lasting sign. It’s also relatively lightweight for easy transportation and installation.
Similarly, a sign made of aluminum composite can be expected to withstand heat and moisture much longer than one made of coroplast or scrim vinyl. You can reasonably expect a sign printed on this material to last for five years or so before it needs to be replaced.
While the above options can be great choices depending on your needs, the longest-lasting option for outdoor signs is PVC. Unlike the other materials, PVC is rust proof, waterproof and more resistant to the sun and the cold. Its surface, while smooth and perfect for printing, isn’t porous and therefore doesn’t absorb water. With PVC, you can create a sign that will last for a decade without falling apart.
In addition to being durable, PVC is lightweight, making it easy to install just about anywhere. PVC comes in a variety of thicknesses, whether you need a small directional sign or a large business logo. You can see its versatility from decorative art to business signs. Even though it’s a tough material, it can be cut and fabricated into every shape imaginable.
When deciding on a material for outdoor signs, it’s important to consider your budget, the look you want and how long you will be using it. Sitting out all day in the Florida heat is no easy task, but many materials are up to the challenge and will look brand-new for years to come.
If you’re still not sure which material is right for you, talk to the Target Print & Mail team today. Our experienced staff can guide you through the process of choosing the perfect material for your project. From basic coroplast to our toughest aluminum, we’ll help you create something that makes a big impression. Email hello@targetprintmail.com today to learn more.
850-671-6600
hello@targetprintmail.com