Best materials for outdoor signs Vancouver

Research reveals that 76% of customers visit a store they’ve never visited before based solely on its sign. This data itself is a stark reminder of how critical outdoor signs in Vancouver are for businesses. 

The thing is, outdoor signs made of the best materials are not only to attract the customers, they become a hallmark of your brand identity. They increase foot traffic, and improve overall customer experience. On the other hand, poor outdoor signage is often missed by passers by and ultimately leads to lost sales since no one notices the sign. 

Considering outdoor business signages in Cancda play a pivotal role in brand identity and business, choosing the right material for it is a major decision and requires due consideration. A great outdoor signage needs to look great, last a long time and fit your budget. In this blog, we will see the different materials used for outdoor signage and their pros and cons. 

Best Outdoor Materials

Outdoor signages are often required to be top-notch, durable to withstand the harsh weather of Vancouver and stand out from the crowd. Tried and tested options like aluminum and wood to modern alternatives like Dibond and Venyl. We’ll explore what makes each material stand out, how long it will last and what kind of signs are best for what. 

Aluminum 

Aluminum is one of the most reliable and top picks for outdoor signage, for good reason. It is durable, lightweight and doesn’t rust like iron. This is a winning combo of signs that need to stand tall to check the test of times, different weather conditions and everything in between. 

Aluminum is light, meaning it’s easy to set up and handle. It saves time and hassle during the installation. Also, aluminum hits the sweet spot between cost and durability. It’s not cheap in any way, but considering its longevity, it’s considered a good investment. Owing to its long lifespan you won’t be shelling again and again for replacements for a long time. 

Aluminum is also a great choice for being compatible with different finishes, colors, and graphics to sync with your brand identity perfectly. 

Acrylic

Acrylic is known for its crystal-clear appearance making it a great choice for best materials for outdoor signs in Vancouver. You can get as creative as you would like. Comes in various colors and finishes. Versatile and can be styled with frosted or backlit LED, neon, etc. Acrylic, though giving a lot of versatility, acrylic material is slightly fragile for outdoor signage, but when used with a strong base, it can work great. Usually, it is used as painted acrylic letters for long-lasting signage. 

Acrylic’s strong point is being extremely light. You can go big, bold without worrying about the weight. Acrylic, as one of the best choices for outdoor materials in Vancouver, also comes with built-in UV protection, so you don’t have to worry about its yellowing, it maintains its clarity year-after-year.

Vinyl 

Vinyl is another material which is a favorite for its flexibility. It can be used to customize looks heavily and can be used with pretty much every surface. It can be used on numerous surfaces such as metal, plastic, glass and more. Making it super versatile and an easy choice for all kinds for outdoor signs.

But the question is, can it handle harsh weather conditions outdoors? And absolutely, Vinyl’s tougher than it looks. It is a durable material that can take on sun, rain, and snow without any issues. It also retains its quality in harsh UV rays that actually can make other materials fade. 

A crucial advantage of vinyl is it’s lightweight on the pocket. This is a budget-friendly solution which is perfect for temporary promotions, or when you switch your messaging often. Also, installing vinyl doesn’t require a ton of heavy lifting or tools. Just peel and stick, it’s that simple. And, the possibilities with design customization is just endless. You can get wild with sparkly letters to photo-realistic images or can do as modest with bold letters. It’s like a blank canvas where your imagination is the playground, that can be limitless. 

Wood

Wood is a unique material that has a unique flair to it. It has that natural, rustic charm that one can never get bored of. Wood outdoor signage can make your business stand out when all other signages are just plastic and metal around you in BC.

Wood is a classic choice of material as it looks good and soothing. Wood’s natural warmth and character can never be matched. If you are a boot store or looking for some cozy, artisanal vibes, you can’t go wrong with wood. 

But you should keep certain things in mind with wood, unlike some other materials, wood needs some prep to stand up to the elements. It needs a good quality lamination and seal it properly to keep moisture out and prevent warping or rotting. 

Similarly, wood can be a costly affair depending on the style and choice you are going after. Some simple wood boards are pretty affordable, while high-end wood boards are quite pricey. It also needs to be maintained over time, so keep those cost considerations in mind as well. 

Dibond

Dibond, a fairly new material, is a mix of strength and style in outdoor signage. Dibond is an aluminum composite material that uses two thin metal sheets with polyethylene core, giving birth to durable options while staying lightweight at the same time.  

Being corrosion and UV resistant, Dibond outdoor signages are built for longevity and built to withstand different climatic conditions. Dibond keeps its shape intact, and avoids warping and delamination, a durable choice for outdoor signages.

Types of outdoor signs

Panel Signs

Panel signs are flat, robust boards used by businesses as storefronts signs and for guiding people. They look professional and can handle tough weather.

Illuminated Signs

Indicated by name,these are signs that light up. Often seen in restaurants, hotels or shops aimed to stay open late. They are good at grabbing attention, in scenarios when it’s dark. But they often need electricity and have maintenance costs. 

Channel Letter Signs

These are big 3D letters you see on buildings often aimed to be visible from afar. These 3D business signs are aimed to make bold statements, and can be used in different shapes, and  they can be backlit too. But due to large size and trickier installation, they’re usually pricier. 

Temporary Signs

Then there are temporary signs, a good choice for quick advertising for sales and events. They are quite cheap and easy to install and take down. But as the name suggests, they are temporary and won’t last long in harsh weather conditions. 

The Sign Experts, one of the leading custom signage makers in BC, offer expert installation for all types of outdoor signs, right across Vancouver, Surrey, and BC. We offer business signage services of all types and ensure your sign is set up right so it stands out and lasts long.

Select your next outdoor signage material with the Sign Experts

When it comes to custom outdoor or commercial signage solutions, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Finalizing the best material comes down to your unique needs, budget, local conditions, and weather. 

There are changes that you may need the robustness of aluminum for long-lasting storefront signs. Or maybe the flexibility of vinyl can be perfect for your short-term promotional campaign.

The professional teams at The Sign Expert work with these materials inside and out. Go ahead and book a free consultation with us and we can help you weigh the pros and cons, considering factors like durability, weather resistance, and maintenance needs. We also do same day sign printing if you need to install the outdoor signage or urgent basis. Get a sign quote today!

FAQ-

Is there a cost difference between different materials for outdoor signs?

The cost between different materials varies heavily on your requirements, size, weather, permits, customisation and quality of material that you are planning to use. Whatever the cost, it is important the long term returns of each material that gives the most bang for your buck. 

Are outdoor signs repairable if they get damaged?

Yes, most businesses outdoor signages in Canada can be repaired when there is a minor damage. The extent and type of damage is determining whether the sign can be repaired or not. 

How do I choose the right size for my outdoor sign?

Consider the factors like intended viewing distance, permitted size as per regulation, your brand strategy, location, traffic visibility, etc. 

Can I change the design of my outdoor sign later on?

In most cases, yes, the design of outdoor signages can be changed later on, but it can involve heavy costs since the previous sign will have to be brought down, dismantled and then new material, installation designs and everything will add up. It’s a better idea to take some time initially and finalize the design and material before going ahead with the installation.