Signage Materials
Choosing the right Signage Material for your display is as important as committing to a strong design. If you use the wrong material for the environment it may detract from the overall effect, or provide you with a much higher maintenance cost. Here at Impact Signs we want you to be able to make an informed decision about the type of sign you want and so we are providing you with a basic list of materials.
In recognizing that there are simply too many different types of Signage Material to cover in any comprehensive list we have come up with a list of industry standards, and provided some pros and cons for each. We have also listed how they can be used with specific types of sign lettering.
Pan Channels: Aluminum or Steel is normally used to fabricate the body of a pan channel, with the face being made out of a colored acrylic.
Reverse Pan Channels: Revers Pan Channels are more diverse, normally being made from Aluminum or Steel. The housing is then primed and painted, unless it is brushed or polished. The non-painted housing can be made from Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Brass, Bronze, or Copper.
Flat Cut Letters: Flat Cut Letters are the most versatile and can be made with any combination of: Aluminum, Acrylic, PVC, HDU, and Gatorfoam. For a more professional appearance Brass, Copper, and bronze can be used to for the lettering, though they will be much more expensive.
The main materials for lettering are: Metals, Plastics, Foam, and Wood. We are going to go over Metals and Plastics here, as they are most prevalent and if you have any questions about foam or wood please feel free to call and inquire with our knowledgeable team.
METALS
Aluminum: Very versatile. It can be brushed or polished without rusting. However, it is more expensive than steel.
Steel: Though less expensive than aluminum, it will rust without proper maintenance as the paint deteriorates.
Stainless Steel: Although very expensive, it will not rust and looks extremely professional.
Copper: Looks quite nice, but is very expensive and prone to rusting without constant maintenance.
Bronze: Looks very good and will highlight stonework. Will rust when left in the weather.
Brass: Although quite expensive, it looks extremely good when used with etching.
PLASTICS
Acrylic: Versatile. It can be used indoors or outdoors, and comes in many colors. It can be translucent or opaque.
Lexan: Normally comes in white or clear and is mainly used in light boxes.
PVC: Inexpensive. It should only be used indoors because it will not last when exposed to the elements.
p>If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. We are here to listen to your ideas and help you find the sign that’s right for you. In fact, we are so sure of our ability to handle your signage needs that our motto is: If We Can’t Do It, It Can’t Be Done!