When designing outdoor customised signage, it is important to consider where it will be situated and how it will be used. These factors will influence your choice of materials.
Location
Outdoor is a broad term that encapsulates a range of environments, from the outside of a busy retail outlet through to a secluded National Park. These polar opposite examples demonstrate how location influences your choice of signage; for example, a digital billboard is of little use deep in the countryside with no mains connectivity and a rustic wooden sign will look very out of place in a bustling city centre.
Purpose
The purpose of the sign is essential to selecting appropriate materials for it; for example, a wayfinding sign should be vandal-proof, sturdy, and etched or engraved to prevent important messages from being degraded by poor weather conditions and regular use. An illuminated exterior sign, such as is popular on commercial establishments, must be easily read in daylight and at night, situated within eye line, and meticulously maintained.
Other considerations for outdoor signage
All outdoor signage will be exposed to environmental conditions, ranging from high UV through to driving rain, gale-force winds, and even snow.
Signage in urban environments can be more easily repaired or replaced than signage in rural settings. When choosing appropriate materials, thought should be given to the accessibility of the signage.
The most common materials for outdoor signage include aluminium, encapsulated glass reinforced plastic, acrylic, and wood. Specialist suppliers such as https://treaclefactory.co.uk/services/signage/ can recommend appropriate materials to satisfy your needs based on how the sign will be used and where it will be located.
The font style and size are of the utmost importance on outdoor signage, as decorative or small writing can be hard to read in bright sunlight or driving rain. The aim of customised signage is to convey a message, regardless of the environmental conditions at any given point in time.
In conclusion, there are many materials suitable for outdoor signage. You should discuss your needs with an expert to receive a solution tailored to your needs.
