3 Types of Aluminum Signs and Why You Should Opt for This Material
By Space Coast Daily // April 29, 2023
Aluminum is a popular material for signage due to its durability and professional appearance.
As aluminum has become a more commonly used material for signage, it’s crucial to understand the various types of aluminum available. This knowledge allows for a more informed decision-making process. The three main types of aluminum commonly used in signage are standard aluminum, brushed aluminum, and reflective aluminum. Each type has unique characteristics that make it suitable for specific business needs. Below, we’ve provided an elaboration of each type of aluminum.
Classic Business Signs Made of Aluminum
Business signs made from standard aluminum are the most economical choice compared to other signage options. These signs are simple yet durable. Although regular aluminum can have a glossy finish, a matte finish is needed for printing purposes.
Standard custom aluminum signs are given coil-coated white paint on both sides to achieve a matte finish. This enables images and designs to be printed directly onto the aluminum surface, providing complete freedom to experiment with various colors and designs. These signs have received positive feedback for their lightweight design, affordability, and portability.
Business Signs Made of Brushed Aluminum
For those who want an aesthetically pleasing option, brushed aluminum signage is a great choice. It is similar to regular aluminum signs but slightly thicker. This option is weather-resistant, making it a popular choice among customers. The brushed finish adds texture to the surface and gives it a more elegant and sophisticated look.
Compared to classic aluminum, brushed aluminum signs don’t have a pre-painted white surface. Instead, the natural aluminum is brushed to create a matte finish. With proper care, these signs can last for more than 5 years, which is quite impressive.
If you’re wondering about the best places to display brushed aluminum signs, they work well in lobbies and can be used as directional and wayfinding signs. These signs have a professional and modern look, making them a great choice for businesses that want to create a sleek and sophisticated image.
Reflective Exterior Aluminum Signs
Reflective aluminum signs get their name from their unique ability to reflect light, providing additional visibility in the dark. Like other aluminum signs, they typically consist of two aluminum sheets joined by a polyethylene core. However, the design is printed on a reflective vinyl overlay that is then adhered to the surface of the aluminum. This makes them a popular choice for outdoor use, such as street signs or warning signs, where visibility is critical.
Reflective outdoor aluminum signs are commonly used in parking lots, as roadside directional signage, or as safety signs for businesses. They are an excellent option for outdoor signage due to their high visibility in low-light conditions.
Why Should You Choose Aluminum Signs?
There’s no wonder why a lot of people prefer aluminum over other types of metals. The following are some reasons why they’re a crowd favorite:
Durable
Aluminum is a highly durable material that is resistant to rust and corrosion. It can withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, and sunlight, which makes it ideal for use in outdoor environments. Because aluminum is so strong and lightweight, it can withstand impacts and vibrations without denting or cracking. This means that aluminum signs are less likely to break or become damaged, and will last much longer than signs made from other materials. In addition, aluminum can also resist extreme temperatures, making it a great option for areas with high heat or freezing temperatures. Its durability and resistance to weather and temperature changes make it a top choice for outdoor signage.
Lightweight
Since aluminum is a lightweight material, they are easier to handle and transport, especially for large signs or if the sign needs to be moved to different locations. The lightweight nature of aluminum also makes installation easier and less time-consuming, as it requires less heavy equipment or manpower.
Versatile
Aluminum signs can be customized to fit a wide range of applications, thanks to their versatility in shape, size, and finish. They can be cut into various shapes, including rectangles, circles, and squares, and they can be made in sizes as small as a few inches to as large as several feet. Additionally, they come in a range of finishes, such as standard, brushed, and reflective, which can help create a unique look and enhance visibility. This versatility makes them suitable for many applications, including business signs, directional signs, safety signs, parking signs, and more.
Conclusion
Each of the signage discussed in this article has unique characteristics that distinguish them from one another. Standard aluminum signs are often used for parking lots, construction sites, and home use. Brushed aluminum signs are ideal for professional use due to their aesthetic appeal. Reflective aluminum signs, on the other hand, are great for outdoor use because of their increased visibility in the dark.
Understanding the potential of each type of signage can help you choose the best option for your business needs. If you are also interested in non-illuminated signs or outdoor pole signs, you can explore those options as well.
We hope this article has helped you appreciate the benefits of aluminum signs and how they can be effectively used to promote your business.