Sign Makers Newton Abbot | Sign Writing & Business Signs for Totnes & Torquay

Dibond signs are one of the most popular choices for businesses in Newton Abbot, Totnes and Torquay. As experienced sign makers, we regularly use Dibond for shop signs, office signs, estate agent boards and commercial signage because it is durable, lightweight and weather resistant.

A Dibond sign is a type of composite material made of two thin aluminium sheets with a plastic core in between. It comes 3mm thick and can come in basic colours. And if you need a specific colour, it can be covered in vinyl prints or coloured vinyl film.

The Pros and Cons of Foamex/foam board

Foamex, also known as PVC foam board, is a lightweight material that can be used in various settings for signage and display purposes. We will look at the benefits and drawbacks of Foamex/foam board so you can make an informed decision when choosing the best material for your signage.

What is foam board?
Foamex/foam board is a rigid material that comes in various thicknesses, including 3mm, 5mm, 10mm, and 19mm. It is often used for signs, display panels, and exhibitions.

Why foam board?
Profile Cut Shapes: Foamex can be easily cut to size, making it a versatile option for cost-effective signage that doesn't limit you to a certain shape or size. Plus, it can be cut into bespoke shapes to make your signs stand out.
Cost-Effective: Foamex is a cost-effective solution for signs and display panels, especially when compared to other common materials such as higher grade aluminium panels.
Versatile Use: Our customers have used foam board boards for trade shows, seasonal campaigns, sales promotions, point of sale displays, and more.

Cons of foam board.
Shorter Outdoor Life on the thinner grades: Foam board doesn't last as long outside as it can be affected by harsher weather conditions. If you need outdoor signage, consider thicker materials suitable for outdoor use.
Warping: Thinner foam board (3mm) can easily warp in the sun, which can detract from the look of your signage.
In conclusion, Foam board remains a popular choice among customers for its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and stunning colour reproduction. Discuss your requirements with our team to get the best results and ensure you choose the right material for your marketing efforts.

Acrylic, also known as its brand Perspex. This material offers a number of benefits and drawbacks, and it's important to understand both before making a decision.

Pros of Acrylic Signage
Durability: Acrylic is a highly durable material that can withstand both indoor and outdoor use without rusting or corroding.
Reduced Glare: Unlike glass, acrylic does not reflect light, meaning it won't cause a glare that could distract from the sign.
Shatter-Resistant: Acrylic signs are shatter-resistant, which can be a major advantage when used outdoors.

Cons of Acrylic Signage
Heavy: Acrylic can be dense, which means it may need additional supports and anchors to prevent it from falling.
Difficult to Repair: If acrylic becomes cracked or chipped, it's typically more difficult to repair without unsightly marks being left behind.
Expensive: Compared to Dibond or foam board, acrylic can be more expensive plus it requires aluminium frames when used for the likes of shop fronts of business units.

When it comes to the thickness of acrylic signs, the general rule is that the thicker the sign, the stronger it is. Many businesses choose between 3mm and 6mm acrylic, with the thicker 6mm sign being ideal for outdoor use.

LED acrylic signs are a modern alternative to traditional neon signs and are made by cutting the desired shape from the acrylic, hollowing out the sign to accommodate the LED lights, and inserting the LEDs along the edge.
Installing acrylic signs is a straightforward process that typically requires two people and basic tools like a screwdriver, level, ruler, and drill. Some signs are also installed using standoff bolts or strong adhesives.

Acrylic and perspex are often used interchangeably, but they refer to the same material. Acrylic is a versatile and durable material for signs, but it can be more expensive upfront and may scratch or stain more easily than glass. However, these marks can be easily restored with polishing and cleaning.

Overall, acrylic is one of the best materials for outdoor signs due to its weather-resistant qualities and durability. Whether you're looking for indoor or outdoor signage, acrylic signs can be a great investment for your business.

Mirror finish stainless steel
Stainless steel is a highly reflective metal that has a brilliant shine that is sure to grab people's attention. It's perfect for use in a lobby sign or other custom exterior signage that needs to be the focal point of your business.

Durable
Stainless steel is rust and corrosion resistant, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor signs. With proper maintenance, you can expect your sign to last a long time, providing a permanent and effective way to promote your brand. However, in coastal towns and areas like Torbay, you must use the correct marine grade stainless. general purpose grade stainless steel will show surface rust.

Tailored to Your Needs
For custom signs, having the ability to design it exactly how you want it is essential. Stainless steel can be shaped, formed, or printed in a unique way, allowing you to bring your vision to life.

Flexible and Versatile
You don't have to make your entire sign out of stainless steel. This material is neutral enough to be combined with other materials for a distinctive look. You could add stainless steel lettering to a plastic sign, or mix wood and stainless steel for an industrial vibe.

Cons
It is not the cheap option.
Stainless steel is expensive, it will of course last for many years, however it is hard to use and creating custom signage requires specialist skills and probably a CNC machine.

In conclusion, the benefits of using stainless steel signs are numerous, making it a great option for your custom interior or outdoor sign. Its eye-catching shine, durability, customisable design, and versatility are just a few of the reasons why you should consider using stainless steel.

Painted plywood is one option for signage. It is a sturdy material that is easy to paint and maintain. Plywood is can be resistant to weathering when painted correctly. It is also relatively inexpensive to buy.

But and it's a big but, painted plywood signs will suffer from weathering over time. The paint can be affected by temperature, and moisture can seep into the wood, causing it to warp and shrink. It is not ideal for general purpose signage anymore. There are much better products available. In these coastal areas, sadly they just do not last very well and can show signs of weathering relatively quickly.

Interior signage in ply and paint is fine, and when a retro or vintage look is required, it's perfect. It can be aged or distressed much better than any of the stock boards available.

Overall, painted plywood signage is an attractive and reliable option for some settings. However, it should be noted that regular maintenance and upkeep are required to ensure that the sign remains in good condition over time. The cost of the wood and the paints to finish it, can mount up quickly, especially if you take into account the labour cost to prep such a board.