Outdoor Signage

Outdoor Signage: An Overview on the Main Types

Outdoor signs combine two important functions: advertising and informational. The difference between the signboard and other types of outdoor advertising is that it has some design restrictions – it must be as informative as possible, not overloaded with additional elements. At the same time, the sign is an element of the company’s image. It is possible to create the best advertising content through different methods.

Types of outdoor signage

Formally, everything can be used to make a sign: posters, light structures, banners, etc. Nevertheless, it is traditionally customary to distinguish several main types of outdoor signage. 

  1. Illuminated signs have built-in internal or external lighting. These can be glowing neon letters, LED strips along the signboard contour, outdoor lamps installed above the sign. The main advantage of an illuminated sign is that it is visible, even at night. It has great visibility. However, do not forget that the production and maintenance of signs with luminous elements will be more expensive (energy consumption must be taken into account). Also, light elements require periodic replacement.
  2. The non-illuminated sign is a simpler and cheaper option. Such signs are often used in window dressing or for the manufacture of temporary structures. It can be flat or three-dimensional, of any shape and color. The advantage of non-illuminated signs is that they do not require maintenance, the sign is installed once and for all.

You can often find a division into temporary and permanent signs, but it is more formal: no one forbids installing an expensive light structure as a temporary one. In most cases, inscriptions and images are printed on a special material are used as temporary ones, which are attached to the place of a future permanent sign. For shop windows – inscriptions on self-adhesive paper.

Regardless of the presence or absence of light elements, signs can be divided into several main types:

Lightbox

The image is attached to the box, and the light source is inside the box. It is one of the most effective types of advertising signs.

Letters and shapes (volumetric) 

Volumetric letters and figures (for example, a cross for a pharmacy) are made of metal or plastic. The letters can be backlit or not, of different shapes and sizes. Such advertising allows to attract the passers-by and make the sign more individual, noticeable among other advertisements.

Banners 

It is made on a banner fabric. Even though banners and streamers are rarely used, the banner fabric is very durable and can last for a long time in adverse weather conditions. If necessary, backlighting is installed along the edges of the banner.

Bracket 

It is the volumetric structure on a metal frame. The bracket is installed perpendicular to the wall of the building. 

There are many types of outdoor signs, and they all have certain operating conditions and application features. Some signs are more attractive to customers. A high-quality sign begins with choosing the right type of construction. If you cannot decide on your own, specialists will always prompt and help you.