Aluminum and metal sign blanks are ideal for creating signs that are both durable and visually appealing. These versatile materials have many advantages over other sign substrates, which makes them a popular choice for advertising, construction, real estate, road signage, and much more.
If you’re trying to find the right materials for your signs, you might wonder if metal is the right choice. In this guide, we’ll explain the application and benefits of aluminum signs — as well as other metal sign blanks — so you can make the best choice for your business.
Sign blanks are flat panels made out of durable materials, like aluminum or steel. These are used as a base for creating signs, so they’re a blank canvas for a wide variety of applications. Blanks also usually come in different shapes, sizes, and thicknesses based on your desired application.
While you could use different types of metal for sign blanks, aluminum is the most popular, for the following reasons:
While aluminum is the gold standard, you can also opt for other materials, depending on your situation. For example, steel sign blanks offer more strength and rigidity than aluminum. These blanks are more common in heavy-duty applications, like construction.
Plastic signs don’t last nearly as long as aluminum or metal sign blanks, but opting for metal comes with a lot of other advantages too.
Although aluminum sign blanks are already designed to last for years, it’s still a good idea to make a plan before ordering your custom aluminum sign. Follow these steps to order the right sign for the job.
First, decide how big you want your sign to be. Consider how far you expect the viewing distance to be, as well as the environment, to determine the ideal size and thickness for maximum visibility and durability. MPC’s anodized aluminum sign blanks come in stock standards of 0.20” or .032”, although other thicknesses are available.
You can also choose different finishes. Select matte, satin, #4 brushed, or gloss for your sign — but keep in mind that finish options can vary based on the size of the sign.
Professional sign companies can add different fonts and design elements to your sign, including your company logo. If you’re designing the sign yourself, be sure to choose graphics, fonts, and messaging that are easy to understand. Go with bold fonts, high-contrast colors, and easily recognizable symbols to ensure readability.
If your signage is intended for public use, make sure it complies with safety regulations. For example, traffic signs must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure safety and consistency on the roads.
Learn more about how aluminum signs are printed in the video below:
How do you want to mount your signage? Depending on the location or surface, you might opt for a mechanical attachment with screws or an adhesive attachment. MPC gives you the option to choose between permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive or holes for mechanical attachment.
The goal is to choose a mounting method that can withstand wind, vibrations, and other sources of stress, so consider the environment when choosing a mounting option.
Aluminum sign blanks are durable, versatile, and cost-effective. While you could choose other materials for your company’s signs, aluminum is the most popular option that suits a variety of use cases.
Whether you need signage for advertising, construction, or manufacturing, MPC is here to help. With no minimum quantities required, MPC is the go-to provider for small business signs. Order a sample of our aluminum sign blanks today and see the difference for yourself.
If you need an exterior sign, you’ll obviously want something that will hold up against the elements. While aluminum has the ability to withstand all manner of extreme weather conditions, it’s still a good idea to find the right balance between cost and durability. With this in mind, .063-gauge aluminum is fine for general exterior signs, but if you need something to withstand the harshest environments, then it’s best to go for .125 gauge aluminum.
The great thing about aluminum is its durability and ability to outlive other materials. This makes it the perfect choice for both interior and exterior use – but how long can you expect an aluminum sign to last? Depending on the thickness of the metal, and as long as the sign is properly cared for, you can expect an interior aluminum sign to last at around 10 years, while an exterior sign will last anywhere between 5 and 7.
There are a number of different methods for adding a design to a metal sign – for example, chemical etching and engraving – but if you’re looking for a way to create custom aluminum signs that’s both versatile and durable, you can’t go wrong with laser cutting. Not only are laser-cut metal signs low maintenance, but they can also withstand harsh weather conditions without fading or wearing off.
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