Glow sign boards are much more than just branding tools—they are the silent ambassadors of your business, capturing attention and conveying your message day or night. But here’s the twist: not all glow signs are created equal. The material you choose can significantly impact your signage's durability, visibility, and overall effect.
Selecting the right material for your glow sign board is essential as it directly influences its longevity, appearance, and overall effectiveness. The material determines how well your signage withstands environmental factors, manages wear and tear, and performs under different lighting conditions. The right choice ensures your glow sign board achieves its purpose—whether that’s drawing attention, boosting brand visibility, or leaving a lasting impression on potential customers.
Outdoor and indoor signage face different environmental challenges, which directly affect the longevity and quality of the signage.
Outdoor Signage: Requires durable, weatherproof materials that can withstand the elements. Liquid acrylic letters with 3-inch raising and Samsung modules placed over weatherproof Aludecor ACP, along with waterproof power supplies, are ideal for outdoor signage. Weatherproof ACP with router stencil cut letters and acrylic letter boxing is another excellent option, as it can endure rain, direct sunlight, and wind.
Indoor Signage: For indoor signage, materials don’t need to be as heavy-duty. A lower GSM (grams per square meter) flex works well, as the exposure to environmental elements is minimal. LED modules and milky white acrylic should be used to ensure even diffusion of light.
The type of lighting your glow sign board will have plays a significant role in determining the material.
Backlit Signage: For signage that will be illuminated from behind, you should use backlit flex material. This material diffuses light evenly, creating a glowing effect that ensures visibility and impact.
Frontlit Signage: If your signage will be lit from the front, opt for frontlit PVC flex. This material is designed to work well with external lighting sources, ensuring your message is clearly visible.
Non-Illuminated Signage: For signs without lighting, standard PVC flex or eco-friendly options are a cost-effective choice. These work well for signage that relies on natural or ambient light.
The expected lifespan of your signage directly influences the material you select.
Short-Term Usage: If your signage is for temporary events or campaigns, lower GSM materials (240-280 GSM) are ideal. These materials are more affordable and perfect for short-term use.
Long-Term Usage: For permanent signage, heavy-duty materials with higher GSM (400+) are necessary. GSBs with powder-coated frames, LG/Avery Dennison/Star Flex, LED modules with a two-year warranty, complete boxing, and waterproof power supplies evenly distributed inside are excellent choices. These materials ensure the signage stays intact over time.
Your budget will significantly impact the type of material you choose.
Low Budget: If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution, standard solvent-printed flex is a great choice for bulk production. It provides a good balance between cost and functionality.
High Budget: If you have a higher budget, opt for premium materials such as UV-resistant or eco-friendly flex. These materials not only offer better aesthetics but also provide enhanced durability and longevity.
Some materials require more upkeep than others, so choose based on how easy you want your signage to be to maintain.
PVC Flex: Easy to clean with just water and mild soap, PVC flex is perfect for outdoor use where frequent cleaning may be necessary.
Fabric Flex: This material requires more careful handling and may need specialised cleaning methods, especially for indoor signage.
The purpose and location of your signage dictate the type of material that works best.
Billboards and Hoardings: For large outdoor displays, heavy-duty frontlit flex with wind slits is ideal. This material can withstand the forces of nature and provide a stable structure.
Retail Displays: For indoor branding, backlit flex or fabric-based flex enhances the aesthetics, making it perfect for retail environments.
Road Signs: For road signage, reflective flex is a great option. It improves visibility in low-light conditions, ensuring the sign can always be seen.
Sustainability is a growing concern for businesses, and selecting eco-friendly materials can help you reduce your environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly Options: Consider biodegradable or fabric-based flex materials if sustainability is a priority. These materials are not only environmentally friendly but also provide great durability.
Recyclable PVC: If you're looking for a balance between durability and reduced environmental impact, recyclable PVC flex is an excellent option that allows you to maintain high performance while being mindful of sustainability.
The size and format of your signage require materials that can handle stress and tension.
Large Banners: For larger formats, choose heavy GSM flex with reinforced edges. This ensures the material can withstand the tension and prevents tearing, especially in outdoor settings.
Small Signs: For smaller formats, lightweight materials like fabric or thinner flex are easier to manage and more cost-effective.
The complexity and resolution of your design play a role in selecting the right material.
High-Resolution Printing: For designs with intricate details or high-resolution graphics, use materials like UV-resistant flex. These offer a smoother surface, ensuring your designs are sharp, vibrant, and clear.
Basic Graphics: If your signage primarily consists of text or basic graphics, standard PVC flex will suffice. This material works well for simple designs that don’t require high detail.
The finish of your signage material significantly impacts its appearance and visual appeal.
Matte Finish: If you’re aiming for a professional or corporate look, a matte finish works well as it reduces glare and maintains a more subtle appearance.
Glossy Finish: For vibrant colours and eye-catching visuals, a glossy finish enhances the material’s appearance, making it ideal for retail and promotional signage.
The weight of the material is a practical consideration, especially if your signage needs to be moved or installed frequently.
Lightweight Materials: Lower GSM PVC or fabric-based flex materials are easier to transport and install, making them perfect for temporary setups or events.
Heavy-Duty Options: For permanent installations, weight is less of an issue if the material is durable and capable of withstanding outdoor conditions.
Choosing the right material for your glow sign board isn’t just about picking the most affordable option—it’s about balancing durability, aesthetics, environmental impact, and performance to create signage that works seamlessly for your brand. Whether you're looking to catch the eye of passersby with vibrant, backlit displays or craft a professional, long-lasting outdoor sign, the material you choose will have a profound effect on how your message is communicated.
At Channelplay, we understand the complexities of visual merchandising and signage, offering end-to-end Glow Sign Board solutions, from production to installation, that align with your brand’s needs and budget.