Outdoor signage businesses have grown by 14% in Australia from 2018 to 2023. Because they help businesses grow by attracting customers, promoting brands, and conveying important messages. But to keep the advertising alive for long, weather-resistant materials for outdoor signage are essential to ensure durability, maintain visual appeal, and get the most value from your investment.
The top weather-resistant materials for outdoor signage include:
- Aluminium
- Vinyl
- Acrylic
- High-Density-Urethane (HDU)
- Polycarbonate
In this article, we will discuss the top 5 weather-resistant materials for outdoor signage in detail. So that you can choose the perfect material for your particular business advertising needs.
Top 5 Weather-Resistant Materials for Outdoor Signage
The following materials are highly regarded for their weather-resistant properties, making them ideal choices for outdoor signage:
1. Aluminum Signs
Aluminum is one of the most popular durable signage materials for UV-resistant signage use due to its versatility and resilience.
Key Features of Aluminum Signs:
- UV Resistance: Aluminum signs are coated with UV-resistant finishes to prevent fading, even under intense sunlight. Aluminum’s light reflection rate of UV rays to infrared is 80%. This indicates that it is highly capable of reflecting any radiant energy that keeps aluminium functional, damage-free, and fade-resistant signs under harsh sunlight for years.
- Corrosion Resistance: You can consider that aluminium does not rust. The corrosion rate of aluminium is 0.03 to 4 µm/year. That means pure aluminium can last in the environment for hundreds of years. So, you can expect outdoor aluminium signs to stay functional for years, making it ideal for humid or coastal environments.
- Lightweight and Durable: Aluminium is lightweight and easy to move and use. However, despite being lightweight, aluminium is strong and long-lasting. The tensile strength of aluminium is 90 MPa, which can reach 690 MPa or even 1600 MPa with proper alloy treatment.
- Heat Resistance: Aluminium is highly resilient to heat and cold. It can continue its service from -80°C to 649°C. So, it can operate from extreme cold to extreme hot weather in any location.
Best Uses of Aluminium Signs
The best uses of aluminium signs include, but are not limited to:
- Outdoor business signs such as storefronts, offices, and retail establishments.
- Wayfinding signs for directional signage in commercial areas and parking lots.
- Real estate signs for sale, lease, or construction sites.
- Industrial and safety signs for hazard warnings, chemical resistance, and heavy-duty usage in construction and mining.
- Campus wayfinding, building nameplates, and public information boards.
- Custom outdoor branding logos, monument signs, etc.
2. Vinyls Signage
Vinyl is a go-to material for outdoor signage due to its flexibility, durability, and ability to handle various weather conditions. Within vinyl, PVC vinyl and cast vinyl are prominent types known for their strength and versatility in outdoor applications.
These materials perform flawlessly without degradation under environmental stressors like UV rays, rain, and temperature extremes.
01. PVC Vinyl: Cost-Effective and Durable
Among outdoor advertising materials, PVC vinyl (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a widely used signage material. PVC signs are prized for their durability, affordability, and versatility.
- UV Resistance: Different additives, such as hindered amine light stabilisers (HALS), absorbers like benzotriazoles, carbon black at around a 2% level, etc., make PVC vinyl preventive to degradation from sunlight exposure. These make it resistant to yellowing or fading.
- Moisture Resistance: PVC is naturally one of the most effective waterproof sign materials. The water absorption rate of PVC is only 0.08% by weight, which is very minimal. This makes it perfectly suitable for wet or humid environments.
- Flexibility: Despite its strength, PVC vinyl maintains enough flexibility to endure wind stress without cracking or breaking.
- Temperature Tolerance: PVC can withstand temperatures up to 60°C (140°F) without significant deformation. This makes it ideal for hot Australian weather.
- PVC is resistant to chemical damage from air pollutants or cleaning solutions.
Best Applications:
- Outdoor vinyl banners for long-term promotions.
- Displays in humid or coastal regions.
- Large-format signs require cost-effective weather resistance for a long time.
02. Cast Vinyl: Premium-Grade, Flexible, and Long-Lasting
Cast vinyl is a premium type of vinyl produced using a casting process. The process creates a thin, flexible, and highly durable material. It is ideal for curved, irregular, or 3D surfaces, making it perfect for vehicle wraps and other demanding outdoor signage applications.
- Base Composition: Cast vinyl is made by mixing liquid vinyl resin with plasticisers and stabilisers before being cast into thin sheets. This process makes the difference by ensuring consistent thickness and high-quality UV protection.
- UV Protection: Cast vinyl includes advanced UV stabilisers and UV absorbers like PVC. These allow it to maintain its colour and integrity for up to 10 years in outdoor conditions.
- Hydrophobic Surface: The material is naturally resistant to water and doesn’t absorb moisture, preventing mould or degradation.
- Elongation at Break: Cast vinyl can stretch significantly without tearing, making it suitable for curved and uneven surfaces.
- Thermal Stability: It performs well in extreme temperature ranges, from -30°C to 100°C, without shrinking or warping.
- Wind and Rain Performance: The material remains intact even in high winds or heavy rainfall.
- Abrasion Resistance: Cast vinyl has a smooth and durable surface that resists scratches, dirt, and grime.
Best Applications:
- Vehicle wraps for cars, boats, and trailers.
- High-end outdoor signage requires longevity and flexibility.
- Used for storefront displays, privacy films, and decorative graphics on glass surfaces.
- Signs on curved or textured surfaces where rigidity would fail.
- Suitable for boats and jet skis since cast vinyl is resistant to water, UV rays, and saltwater environments.
3. Acrylic Signage
Acrylic is a sleek and modern material widely used for outdoor advertising. Its glossy finish and durability make it an excellent option for businesses seeking a professional appearance.
Key Features of Acrylic Signs:
- UV Resistance: Acrylic is highly UV-resistant. It only transmits 0.1% to 0.3% UV rays, which means it blocks and reflects more than 99% of harmful rays. As a result, it retains its colour when exposed to sunlight.
- Waterproof: Acrylic’s water absorption rate ranges from 0.1% to 0.8%. Acrylic resists moisture in rain and humidity, making it highly suitable for humid climates.
- Operating Temperature: Acrylic can continuously operate and withstand temperatures ranging from -30 degrees to 90 degrees Celsius. This is perfect for diverse climates all over Australia.
Best Uses:
- Illuminated signs and LED displays.
- Directional signage in malls, hospitals, and office buildings.
- Storefront signage.
- Educational and institutional signage for schools, museums, and galleries.
- Customised personal signage, such as house numbers and wall art.
4. High-Density-Urethane (HDU) Signs
High-density urethane (HDU) is a lightweight, rigid foam board made from polyurethane. It is engineered specifically for applications requiring durable, weather-resistant, and versatile materials, particularly for signage and decorative elements.
HDU is an excellent alternative to wood, as it offers similar aesthetic qualities without the risk of rotting, cracking, or splitting over time.
Key Characteristics of HDU
- Strength: Despite its lightweight nature, HDU is strong enough, with a tensile strength of 885 psi. It makes it easy to handle while maintaining structural integrity.
- Weather Resistance: HDU is impervious to water. The water absorption rate of HDU is only 0.060%, which is extremely low, making it highly resistant to moisture, rain, and humidity.
- UV Resistance: HDU can withstand prolonged exposure to UV rays without fading or weakening, especially when coated with protective paints or finishes. It does not swell, crack, or degrade in harsh outdoor environments, making it ideal for long-term signage applications.
Best Uses of High-Density Urethane (HDU) Signs
- Dimensional and carved signs for businesses.
- Monument signs for entrances and community landmarks.
- Retail storefront signage with intricate designs.
- Directional and wayfinding signs for outdoor environments.
- Real estate and property signs for signage durability and longevity.
- Architectural signage with custom engravings.
- Decorative plaques and nameplates.
- Theme park and resort signage with weather-resistant finishes.
- Customised 3D logos and sculptures.
- Trade show displays and promotional signs.
5. Polycarbonate Signs
Polycarbonate (PC) is a strong, durable, and transparent thermoplastic. It is very strong, durable, and highly weatherproof, making it one of the most effective weatherproof signage solutions for outdoor signage.
Key Features of Polycarbonate Plastic
- UV-Resistance: Polycarbonate is 100% UV-resistant thermoplastic. So, harsh UV radiation will be reflected and won’t fade even after long exposure to UV radiation.
- Heat Resistance: This thermoplastic can operate from -20°C to 140°C. So, you can rest assured that you can use them for your business branding signage in any area of Australia.
- Impact Strength: The polymer strength of polycarbonate is 1.2 – 1.22. This makes it resistant to high impact and fracture.
Best Uses of Polycarbonate Signs
- Illuminated and backlit signage for businesses.
- Protective covers for digital and LED signs.
- Safety and warning signs in industrial settings.
- Durable outdoor business signage in harsh weather conditions.
- Wayfinding and directional signage in public spaces.
- Transit signage, such as bus stops and train stations.
- Real estate signs requiring impact resistance.
- Temporary construction and site signs.
- Custom signage for sports arenas and stadiums.
Signage Maintenance Tips to Increase Outdoor Sign Longevity
Though the discussed materials are weather-proof, everything has its lifespan. Prolonged exposure to the environment can hinder the lifespan of your outdoor sign materials. So, we recommend you take proper signage maintenance steps to extend the life of your outdoor signage:
- Regular Cleaning: Use mild soap and harsh chemical-free cleaning solutions to remove dirt, debris, and grime. Avoid harsh chemicals like acetone, ammonia, etc.
- Protective Coatings: Apply anti-UV or waterproof coatings to enhance weather resistance. However, acrylic is naturally water-resistant, so waterproofing isn’t typically needed.
- Periodic Inspections: Check for cracks, fading, or structural damage and address issues promptly.
- Secure Mounting: Ensure signs are properly fastened to prevent wind damage.
- Environmental Considerations: Position signs in locations that minimise direct exposure to extreme weather, such as intense sunlight or heavy rain, whenever possible.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right weather-resistant materials for outdoor signage is essential for ensuring durability, maintaining vibrant designs, and achieving long-term value. Materials like aluminium, acrylic, vinyl, and are excellent options. Each offers unique advantages based on your specific needs and budget.
If you are looking for the best weather-proofing sign solutions in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, Signage 4Business Group is here to serve you. For over 20 years, we have been making custom signage based on your requirements with any materials you ask for. From design and production to installation, we handle everything that fulfils your branding purposes all alone. Contact us today, and let us take your signage advertising to the next level.