The pros and cons of different lobby sign material choices

Are you curious about what you can do for your business entrance to shout out your brand loudly and clearly? When you begin searching to find the right lobby sign material, it can be a daunting task. There are many factors for you to consider. In this article, we will share our experience and discuss the most common materials used for reception signs, as well as the pros and cons of each material. We will also provide you with some tips on how to choose the right material for your specific needs.

Key Takeaway Points 

• You can choose lobby sign materials based on your desired aesthetic, durability, budget, and installation requirements.
• Metal reception signs can be customized with intricate shapes and raised lettering, which conveys professionalism
• Acrylic entrance signs offer a sleek and modern look, and they can be customized in a variety of shapes, sizes, and options.
• Channel letters can create a striking effect with internal illumination, but they may have limitations on how much text they can display.
• Consider the strengths and weaknesses of wood and glass signs, such as their natural aesthetic and durability.

Lobby Sign Material Choices

While trying to choose your lobby sign material, you found several options available, each with its own set of pros and cons. Here are the characteristics and considerations for some commonly used entrance sign materials:

Metal

The following industries choose metal lobby signs: Law firms, accounting firms, financial institutions, doctors and medical practitioners, finance companies and government agencies. 

Pros

Metal signs, such as mild steel, brass, or stainless steel, conveys your professionalism, elegance, glory and emphasise your power, accomplishments and success. They can be brushed, polished, or painted in various colors. They can be cut into intricate shapes and can incorporate raised or engraved lettering for added dimension.

Cons

Metal signs tend to be more expensive compared to other materials. They can be heavy, needing heavy-duty mounting. Metal can also develop corrosion over time if not properly maintained.

Acrylic

The following industries choose acrylic for their lobby signs: Technology companies, healthcare organizations, retail stores, and educational institutions.

Pros

Acrylic signs can offer you a sleek and modern look. They can be versatile and could be cut into various shapes and sizes. Acrylic is available in different thicknesses and can be transparent, translucent, or opaque. It is lightweight, durable, and resistant to fading and UV damage. Acrylic signs can be customized with vinyl graphics, laser engraving, painted, laminated, or backlit with LED lighting.

Cons

Unfortunately, acrylic can scratch easily, requiring proper care and maintenance. It is also prone to cracking if exposed to significant impact.

Channel Letters 

The following industries choose channel letters lobby signs: Retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and corporate headquarters.

Pros

Channel letters are made up of individual letters that are illuminated from the inside, which can create a striking effect. Illuminated signs are more visible than non-illuminated signs, making them a great way to attract attention and boost brand awareness. This makes them ideal for businesses that want to create a memorable and eye-catching sign. They are durable and customizable to match any brand or style. Generally illuminated for a striking effect. 

Cons

Can be expensive, and not as versatile as some other types of signs. This is because they are made up of individual letters, which can limit the amount of text that can be displayed. Illuminated signs are more expensive than non-illuminated signs. Illuminated signs require regular maintenance to ensure that the lights are working properly.

Wood

The following industries choose wood for their lobby signs: Law firms, accounting firms, financial institutions, and healthcare organisations

Pros

Wood signs provide you with a warm and natural aesthetic. They can be crafted from various types of wood, offering different textures and finishes. Wood signs can be engraved, carved, or painted, allowing you unique opportunities for design and customization. Wood is suitable for both traditional and rustic-themed environments.

Cons

Being natural wood is more susceptible to damage from moisture, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations. This makes it less ideal for outdoor use without proper treatment and maintenance. It can also be prone to warping, cracking, and fading over time.

Glass

The following industries choose glass for their lobby signs: Hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and art galleries.

Pros

Glass signs offer you a sleek and sophisticated appearance. They can be transparent, frosted, or tinted, allowing for different levels of visibility and privacy. They can be etched, sandblasted, or back-painted, providing you with elegant and artistic designs. They are highly weather durable, resistant to scratches, and easy to clean.

Cons

Glass signs are generally more fragile and can break if subjected to impact or mishandling. They can also be heavier and more expensive compared to other materials.

Vinyl

The following industries choose vinyl for their lobby signs: Temporary signs, trade shows, conventions, and sporting events

Pros

Vinyl signs are your most cost-effective option for temporary or short-term signage needs. They can be printed with vibrant colors, graphics, and text, providing versatility in design.  It is lightweight, easy to install, and can be applied to various surfaces, including walls, windows, and creatively shaped panels.

Cons

Unlike other materials vinyl doesn’t impart quality, professionalism or any positive lasting impressions. Vinyl signs may not have the same level of durability as other materials. They can fade over time, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. 

When you choose reception signage material, consider your aesthetics, durability needed, your budget, and its placement. Consult with Premium Sign Solutions. We are a professional lobby sign supplier in Los Angeles. Explore with us the options, and receive design consultation, it ensures you an informed decision that meets your needs.

For more ideas on signage design, color choice and sizes, check out our Principles of Signage Design article.

Contact Us Today For Help!

We’ll help you choose the right material and design to achieve your style.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

Do specific materials like brushed metal, brass, gold, or acrylic signal different things to the viewer?

• Yes, metals like brass and especially gold signal premium high-quality services. Acrylic can be laminated or painted to be brushed metallic or gold looking.

What are the most common materials used for office signs?

• The two most commonly used materials are acrylic and flat-cut metal. They are popular choices because they easily look stylish and adapt to your decor. 

What factors should I consider when choosing a lobby sign material?

• What style do you want to achieve?
• Your interior design elements, what aesthetics are you looking to achieve with you overall business decor. Will your sign material selection amplify or diminish your company image?
• How will your choice of materials etc impact your branding?
• What  is your budget?
• The size and style of the sign will affect the material you choose.
• It should be durable enough to withstand your level of wear and tear.
• And visible in different lighting conditions.
• The material should be easy to maintain.

What is the best material for a lobby sign with a lot of text?

• The best material for a lobby sign with a lot of text is engraved metal. It is durable, easy to read, and can be customized to fit any style. Other options include printed metal, vinyl lettering, and acrylic. However, the most effective signage has the fewest words. So, it’s worth consulting with our team to make sure you only highlight the most important points

What is the best material for an entrance sign that will be exposed to the elements?

• Metal is the best material for an entrance sign that will be exposed to the elements, as it is durable and weather-resistant.
• Another material that can be used for exposed signs is acrylic. However, metal is the most popular choice for its durability and long-lasting performance in all positions.

What is the most affordable material for a lobby sign?

• Vinyl lettering directly on a wall or acrylic panel is the most affordable material for a lobby sign, as it is both inexpensive and easy to install.
• Other affordable materials for reception signs include acrylic. However, vinyl lettering on an acrylic panel is the most popular choice for its low cost and versatility.
• Foam although an option doesn’t result in a quality finish, so we avoid it.

What is the most stylish material for a lobby sign?

• Flat-cut brass metal is the most stylish material for a lobby sign, as it is both elegant and durable. Flat-cut brass is the most popular choice for its timeless beauty and long-lasting durability. 

What material is used for shop signs

• Metal is a durable and long-lasting material that is often used for outdoor signs.
• Acrylic is a lightweight material that is often used for indoor signs.

What are the benefits of using a custom lobby sign, as opposed to a pre-made sign? 

• Custom signs can be designed to reflect your business’s unique personality and branding.
• Custom signs are often made with higher-quality materials than pre-made signs, which can make them more durable and long-lasting.
• Custom signs can be personalized with your business’s name, logo, and other information to create a more welcoming and informative entrance.

What is the standard lobby sign size

• Standard lobby signs are typically about one-half the width of the wall where they are installed. For example, if your reception wall is 10 feet wide, your sign would be about 5 feet wide. We also use other elements such as the reception desk especially when mounted behind it. Or if mounted above chairs or sofa we may match the size to that seating area. 

How to choose the right illumination for your lobby sign.

• Backlighting with LEDs is a good choice for illuminating your metal signs to make them spectacular. 
• Spot lighting works well for front lighting most signs. 

Final Thoughts for You to Choose Lobby Sign Materials 

There are many factors to consider when choosing a lobby sign material. The most important factors include your desired aesthetic, durability requirements, budget constraints, installation considerations of where the sign will be installed. Here is some powerful transformation from before to after

By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can choose the right material for your office sign and create a lasting impression. Let us help you with your choices. We have the experience and can make the ultimate signage to suit your needs.

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