5 things to consider while buying Custom Metal Signs
The use of sign posts or sign boards has become inevitable at any location, from business storefronts to private properties - be it indoor or outdoor placements.
Since it is usually intended to be a onetime investment, we would definitely like it to be durable and sturdy, with a professional and eye-catching finish… and there is nothing more appropriate than metal sign materials that could fit this requirement better.
But what makes it even better… You don’t have to settle in for standard message signages. Metal signs are now fully customizable from the color and finish to messaging and graphics. Fully customized DIY signs truly make for the world’s most versatile signages.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind before buying metal DIY signs.
Before you start making your DIY sign, it is imperative to have a clear understanding of the location for placement of the sign, the lighting conditions at that location and the average viewing distance. This will help you ascertain the size of the signage display required.
For a safety sign, you would have to ensure the messaging is short with big fonts, to ensure it is eye-catching and can never be missed.
Or if your requirement is for private property signs, it is important to use standout contrast colors like black font against a white background so it is attention-grabbing even from a distance or under poor night light.
What is just as important as the signage is the installation. Since the type of installation can change the effectiveness of the signage.
Safety signs are better effective if they are pole-mounted than stuck to the wall. Signs on wall are usually less significant direction signs or indoor signs and hence need to be smaller. So also, private property signs to be installed on a gate need only to be smaller than the huge ones to be mounted on double poles inside the private property.
Hence, before designing your DIY signs it is important to consider the intended installation and its effectiveness and appropriateness to the signage messaging.
Though there are endless choices while choosing your signage material, metal ones are most preferred. But to ensure that your metal DIY sign is hard-wearing, the type of metal sheet used is worth considering. Aluminum is the most commonly used material for signages since it does not rust. However, it is prone to corrosion, especially from salty sea air. A UV laminate or UV stable ink should be used on your DIY signs if it is meant for outdoor use to ensure longevity.
Would your DIY signs turn out as expected?
This is one of the most anxiety-inciting elements for amateur signage designers. While on screen the design would look spot on and attractive, the end result of the printed signage might not be up to expectation, with either duller colors or with a less readable font size, which could be a disaster when it comes to safety signs.
To circumvent this situation, you could either ask for a proof version to ensure you have what you need.
But most signage companies would not offer this due to the additional costs involved, in which case, you could order just one for trial and sample, and base the remaining signs on its outcome.
Country-specific Sign Standards
The final and most important thing while customizing your DIY sign is to adhere to the Sign Standards set by your country. These are certain rules of color and graphics to be used in signages at different locations for different purposes as designated by the norms of a country.
For example, Safety signs in Australia use a bright yellow background color for Warning signs, a red back ground for Fire signs and a green background with white elements for First Aid signs. But these norms are not mandated for indoor or private property signs.
