Outdoor Sign Printing: How to Create Effective Business Signs

Lighting and Exterior Signage

Businesses that operate after dark may benefit from illuminated signage. Lighting can help customers identify premises outside normal daylight hours.

The lighting solution should be appropriate for the surrounding environment. Excessive brightness can create glare, while insufficient illumination may fail to make the sign readable.

Where illuminated advertisements are planned, businesses should also check whether relevant consent is required.

Planning and UK Signage Requirements

Businesses should check applicable requirements before installing outdoor advertising signage. In England, advertisements are controlled through a specific consent system, with some displays permitted without express consent, some benefiting from deemed consent and others requiring express consent.

The official GOV.UK guidance on advertisements explains the main rules and advises businesses to contact their local planning authority if they are unsure whether consent is required.

The exact requirements can depend on the sign's type, size, position and location. Additional considerations may apply to listed buildings, conservation areas and signs positioned on or near highways.

Safety and Signage

Some outdoor signs have a safety function rather than a marketing purpose. In workplaces, safety signs need to be clear, visible and appropriate for the information they communicate.

The Health and Safety Executive states that workplace signboards should be sufficiently large and clear to be easily seen and understood, with size appropriate to the intended viewing distance.

Businesses can review the HSE guidance on safety signs and signals when planning signage used for workplace warnings, instructions or emergency information.

Maintaining Printed Outdoor Signs

Even durable signage needs regular attention. Dirt, weather exposure and physical damage can gradually affect the appearance of printed graphics.

Businesses should periodically check for:

·       Fading or discolouration

·       Surface damage

·       Peeling or deterioration

·       Loose fixings

·       Dirt and debris

·       Obstructions affecting visibility

·       Lighting problems

Cleaning methods should be suitable for the specific material and finish. Using inappropriate chemicals or equipment can damage printed surfaces.

How to Get Better Value From Outdoor Sign Printing