Indoor vs. Outdoor Signage: How do you choose the one that’s best for your business? Both indoor and outdoor signage are important but there are differences that can help you decide which plastic is right.
Indoor signage provides product information (price, descriptions, directions, menus, and more) while outdoor signage is used to draw customers into your store. You also need to consider the impact of location on the material’s performance and longevity. Here, we look at the best plastics for indoor and outdoor signage, as well as their common uses so you can make the best decision for your business.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Signage: Best Plastics for Indoor Signage
Lightweight and customizable, acrylic and Expanded foam PVC are popular choices for indoor use. They can be easily handled and customized, making them a versatile material for a variety of indoor signage uses.
Acrylic: Available in a variety of thicknesses, transparencies, and colors, acrylic is 50% lighter than glass and much more durable. It can be engraved, laser-printed, and cut into custom shapes. Its applications for indoor signage include branded displays and illuminated signs.
Expanded Foam PVC: Expanded PVC foam board is a lightweight, rigid PVC sheet that is used for a variety of applications including signs and displays. It offers excellent impact resistance and is suitable for printing, especially screen printing.
Best Plastics for Outdoor Signage
When choosing materials for outdoor signage, you need to consider materials that protect against wind, rain, UV rays, projectiles, temperature fluctuations, moisture, and more. Polycarbonate and HDPE are strong choices for outdoor signage.
Polycarbonate: More durable and stronger than acrylic, polycarbonate is highly impact resistant, UV resistant, and some grades can even withstand hurricane-force winds. Along with its transparency, this makes it a great choice for backlit signage and channel letters.
HDPE: High-definition polyethylene is a sturdy, durable plastic that is able to resist deterioration. It’s low maintenance, long-lasting, and can be easily routed for customized designs. HDPE is also lightweight so it can be used in freestanding signs that are easy to move.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Signage: Mounting & Display Methods
Once you’ve decided between indoor vs outdoor signage needs, you’ll need to decide between mounting and display methods. Signs can be wall-mounted, hung, and free-standing. Material choice affects installation so it’s best if you know the location for your new signage early in the design process so you can plan accordingly. Here are some appropriate choices depending on how you plan to mount and display your signs.
Wall mounted
Smaller signs and channel letters can be wall mounted with studs, screws, or mounting pads. Indoor signs can be mounted using studs or other hardware, while larger outdoor signage can be directly mounted or mounted to a backplate.
Hanging
Signs that are suspended from ceilings, such as organizational/directional signs, can be created with drill holes so they can be hung easily using rope, chains, or other material of choice.
Free-standing signage
Signage such as POP displays or countertop signs are typically placed in high-traffic areas where people are most likely to see them. Checkout lines and counters, the ends of aisles, or near the entry door offer the best visibility—no mounting required.
Comparing Aesthetics: Glossy vs. Matte Finishes
Plastics are available in different finishes. Selecting the right material for your vision is paramount. Material selection can enhance or downplay design based on finish. So, let’s talk about two popular finishes: Glossy vs. matte.
Glossy
The sleek shine of acrylic lends a polished, luxe look to your signage. The gloss finish reflects light, improving visibility in low-light environments and makes any colors in the sign appear more vibrant.
Matte
A matte surface provides a flat finish that is free from glare. This allows signage to be viewed similarly in different lighting, especially harsh indoor lighting. It is also commonly used when signs have a lot of copy on them since the matte surface makes it easier to read.
Maintenance and Durability Considerations
Compared to other materials, such as wood or glass, plastic is more beneficial when it comes to maintenance and durability. Plastic won’t rust, rip, peel, or warp. And with the right maintenance, plastic signage will last for years. Here is what you should consider when choosing between indoor vs. outdoor signage:
Indoor vs. Outdoor Signage: Cleanability
Plastic is low maintenance and easy to clean. However, acrylic and Expanded Foam PVC require more frequent cleaning to maintain their luster.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Signage: Scratch resistance
Some plastics, such as acrylic and styrene, are prone to scratches. Because of this, it’s best that they are used in protected, indoor spaces. More durable plastics, like polycarbonate, are better choices for outdoor use.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Signage: Longevity
Most plastic material will last a long time, depending on its setting. For example, PVC can be used both inside and outside but is not durable enough for long-term use outside. Indoor plastic signage is protected from the elements so it will last longer than outdoor signage. That said, regularly inspect both indoor and outdoor signage for signs of damage. If you notice cracks or damage, repair them as soon as possible to extend the sign’s lifespan.
Choosing the right plastic for indoor vs outdoor signage is an important decision for your business and your brand. Our experts at Acme Plastics are happy to help you find the best material for your needs. Contact us today.
