A Guide to Selecting the Right Thickness for Your Signage Needs

Exploring the plethora of signage options can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to selecting the perfect material and thickness that aligns with your requirements. This guide sheds light on key factors and materials to consider, ensuring your sign stands the test of time and effectively communicates your message.

1. Understanding Material Options

Each ingredient, or in this case, material, brings its own unique properties and flavours to the final outcome.

• Aluminium: Esteemed for its durability and weather resistance, aluminium stands unwavering against the elements. Its lightweight characteristic belies its strength, offering ease of installation without a compromise in robustness. This material becomes the backbone for signs that not only need to withstand the test of time but also maintain a professional sheen that captures the eye.
• Corrugated Plastic (Coroplast): We find a material that balances cost-effectiveness with functional versatility. This budget-friendly champion is tailored for short-term outdoor displays, where flexibility and cost containment are paramount. Though it may not boast the enduring vitality of its more durable counterparts, its utility in diverse conditions cannot be understated.
• Acrylic and PVC: Acrylic, with its crystal-clear visuals and enduring durability, lends a sleek, professional look to both indoor and outdoor settings. It whispers sophistication and permanence. PVC, on the other hand, dances lightly across the stage—known for its lightweight and weather-resistant prowess, it adapts effortlessly to a range of conditions, proving itself as a versatile player in the signage ensemble.
• Dibond & High-Density Urethane (HDU): Dibond, an amalgamation of aluminium and plastic, offers enhanced durability and an unyielding stance against the elements, making it an exemplary choice for outdoor signage where longevity and resilience are key. HDU, with its wood-like charm and superior weather resistance, is perfectly suited for crafting detailed and intricate designs that beckon a closer look.

2. Choosing the Right Thickness

When it comes to selecting the right thickness for your signage, envision it as choosing the perfect attire for an occasion. The thickness of your sign not only speaks to its structural integrity but also its visibility and aesthetic appeal.

• 3mm Foamex: This thickness strikes a balance between flexibility and strength. Ideal for indoor applications or temporary outdoor use, this foamex board offers a lightweight solution that doesn’t skimp on quality or visual impact.
• 5mm Foamex: Stepping up the robustness, 5mm Foamex board provides a firmer foundation for signs that demand a bit more presence. It’s versatile enough to cater to both indoor and outdoor settings, where moderate exposure to the elements is expected.
• 10mm Foamex: For signs that need to make a statement and endure, the 10mm Foamex board stands tall. It’s the go-to for outdoor signage that requires maximum visibility and durability against weather challenges.

Choosing the appropriate foamex board thickness involves finding the perfect match for your specific needs, factoring in the environment, the purpose of the sign, and the message you wish to convey. This decision intertwines practicality with aesthetics, ensuring that your sign not only lasts but also delivers its message with clarity and impact.

3. Environmental Considerations for Outdoor Signs

When stepping outside, it’s impossible not to notice how the elements play a role in our daily surroundings. This is especially true for outdoor signs, which must brave the sun’s relentless rays, the battering of rain, and the chill of frost.

• Aluminium, renowned for its resilience, stands as a beacon of durability, warding off rust and corrosion even in salty sea breezes.
• Corrugated plastic, or Coroplast, while more of a temporary ally, offers surprising toughness against moisture and UV light, making it a stalwart for short-term campaigns.
• In clarity and endurance, acrylic shines with its UV-resistant gloss, ensuring signs remain vibrant and clear, while PVC boasts a robustness against weather’s whims, ensuring messages are not just seen but endured.
• Dibond and High-Density Urethane (HDU) push the boundaries further, offering composite strength and aesthetic appeal that defy the harsh outdoor challenges, ensuring that your sign’s message lasts as long as its material promises.

4. Installation and Maintenance: Keys to Longevity

The journey of a sign from conception to display involves more than just selecting the right material and thickness; its installation and upkeep are pivotal. Proper installation ensures that your sign, whether it’s made from the lightweight agility of aluminium or the steadfast durability of Dibond, stands not just as a marker but as a monument to your message.

For signs made from corrugated plastic, even their lighter, more transient nature demands careful placement to make the most impact. Meanwhile, the clarity of acrylic and the versatility of PVC require a diligent regime of cleaning to maintain their pristine look.

Maintenance is the guardian of your sign’s longevity, protecting against the inevitable wear and tear that time and nature conspire to inflict. From the gentle cleaning of acrylic to the more robust needs of HDU, each material demands its own care, ensuring that your sign remains as compelling as the day it was installed.

Conclusion

The key to selecting the right signage material and thickness lies in understanding your specific needs, environmental conditions, and the message you wish to convey. Whether you opt for the versatile 3mm Foamex or the durable Foamex, ensuring your choice reflects the desired balance between cost, durability, and aesthetic appeal will serve your brand well in the long run. Embrace the variety of materials available to create signage that stands out and withstands the test of time.

Author Bio

Nimesh Kerai

Nimesh Kerai is the Printing Expert at Foamex Printing Company, London. He has been in the printing industry for quite a few years, which reflects in the skill with which he executes each project. He has played a significant role in the company’s reputation as one of the highest-quality foamex printers in the vicinity. He often shares his far-reaching industry knowledge with curious readers through engaging blogs.