How Commercial Signs Are Made and Installed

A commercial sign is an important part of a business’ marketing strategy. Studies show that effective signage can increase the number of impulse purchases made by customers.

However, it’s important to understand the different types of commercial signs before you choose one. This blog will cover everything you need to know about choosing the perfect commercial sign for your business.

Design

The design of a commercial sign should reflect the business’ brand, personality, and overall feel. This should also be informed by the purpose of the sign, such as directing customers or visitors, promoting a sale, or meeting government regulations for fire exits and pool safety.

A well-designed sign should be easy to read with clear text and contrasting colors. It’s also important to choose a font that is both appropriate for your company and your audience. Serif and sans-serif fonts are commonly used because they’re easily readable and convey professionalism. It’s also a good idea to include images in your sign, particularly if you’re selling a product or service. For example, real estate signs that feature professional photographs of homes for sale are attractive to potential buyers. Restaurants can benefit from quality pictures of food or staff at work.

It’s also a good idea to consider the location of your sign, which should match its intended purpose. For example, a directory sign should be located in a prominent place so that customers and visitors can find it quickly. In addition, the sign should be visible from the road, and any lighting or digital components should be clearly displayed. If you’re unsure where to start, consider looking at your competitors’ signage for inspiration. They may have ideas that you hadn’t thought of, and their logos and branding can serve as a great starting point for your own design.

Materials

There are a variety of materials that can be used in the construction of commercial signs. Choosing the right material for your commercial sign sign will determine the overall look and feel of the sign, as well as how much maintenance it requires.

Metal signs are ideal for outdoor signage because of their durability and sturdiness. They are also versatile, able to be customized with various finishes like brushed, painted or even rusted, in line with your branding and aesthetics. Metal signs can be fabricated into different shapes and sizes, including projecting tray signage, which features two face sheets for a more impactful design.

Coroplast is a great material for both temporary outdoor signage, such as yard signs and directional road signs, and indoor signage, such as menu boards. It is a lightweight, durable, and weatherproof material that can last 1-2 years outside and a decade inside.

Acrylic signs are a popular choice for interior signage because they create a sleek, modern and professional business image. They can be fabricated into unique displays and are easy to clean. They are also a great choice for illuminated commercial signs, as they can be fitted with LED’s that are both energy efficient and eye-catching.

3M Reflective Vinyl is the ultimate material for enhancing the visibility of your commercial signage at night. It can be applied to almost any surface, providing increased visibility no matter where your signs are located.

Installation

Once the design is approved, a team of professionals will begin preparing for installation. This process involves surveying the area where the sign will be installed. This survey will help ensure that the sign complies with local regulations, such as size restrictions and visibility requirements. It will also identify any potential issues with mounting the sign, such as electrical wiring or structural integrity. It is important to survey the area in advance because it will allow you to plan ahead and prevent costly mistakes.

The next step in the process is assembling the sign components. Depending on the type of sign, this may require special equipment or tools. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly and to pay attention to detail. It is also important to ensure that the sign is secure when it is mounted, as this will protect it from weather, wind, and other environmental factors.

If you have a large commercial sign, it may be necessary to hire a team of professionals for the installation process. This is because large signs are often very heavy and must be secured to the ground or building structure. They also require several types of tools to install and remove, and many have electrical wiring running through them. Hiring a team of professionals will ensure that the installation and removal process is done correctly, safely, and efficiently.

Maintenance

A commercial sign is a big investment, and it requires regular upkeep to ensure its longevity. Proactive maintenance catches problems early, preventing them from becoming more expensive to repair in the future. This includes everything from cleaning to ensuring all electrical components are functioning properly.

Cleaning is essential to the lifespan of Commercial Sign a sign, as dirt can build up over time and obscure its message, reducing its effectiveness. Cleaning should be done on a regular basis using mild soap and water for non-electric signs, or special cleaning solutions for digital displays to avoid scratching the surface.

Other upkeep includes addressing structural issues, like loose bolts or corrosion, and replacing light bulbs. This is particularly important for signs that are illuminated, as a missing bulb can be confusing and distracting to potential customers. Signarama Troy explains that keeping spare bulbs on hand is an easy way to address these types of issues quickly, as it will allow the sign to stay illuminated while repairs are being made.

Other maintenance tasks might include re-applying protective coatings to guard against environmental damage, and conducting software updates for digital signs. Additionally, wood signs may require a protective stain or sealant to preserve the appearance over time. Incorporating these simple steps into a regular maintenance schedule can ensure the signs are at their best for years to come, maintaining a professional and attractive image while communicating a clear brand message.