Aluminum Signs

Custom office signs can be an impactful way to make a favorable first impression on visitors, communicate the values of your business, and stand out from the competition. However, business leaders who are still in the design phase of their signage project will need to make an important choice: which material makes for the best sign? Stainless steel and aluminum are two top choices, and both can provide long-lasting, professional-looking custom office signs. 

Factors such as durability, style, and functionality must all be considered when creating a custom office sign. As such, business owners must be well-informed on each of these to make educated decisions about their custom sign.

Here are some recommendations for choosing between stainless steel and aluminum signs for your business based on your branding needs, budget, and environment.

Understanding the Basics of Stainless Steel and Aluminum Signs

Stainless steel contains around 10% chromium, while the balance is primarily iron. This combination allows it to resist rust, corrosion, and other damage while maintaining the bright sheen that is commonly associated with stainless steel. Aluminum, by contrast, is a pure metal. As the most common element in the crust of the earth, aluminum is easily accessible, which is reflected by the less expensive price.

Both of these options can be a great choice for custom office signs, offering durability, resistance to wear over time, and aesthetic benefits that make them impactful installations in any office. However, it is important to understand both the advantages and disadvantages of these materials.

Advantages of Stainless Steel for Custom Office Signs

When it comes to sleek, high-end signage, stainless steel is often the preferred choice for business environments. Its heavier weight and premium feel are ideal for professional branding and can convey a sense of dedication and attention to detail. Because stainless steel resists rust and other damage, it is a long-lasting option that can even withstand harsh conditions such as outdoor use.

Advantages of Aluminum for Custom Office Signs

Unlike stainless steel, aluminum is lightweight in nature, making it among the easiest types of signage to install. This light weight also makes it versatile, since it can be placed in locations that may not be able to support a heavier stainless steel installation. Because aluminum is such a common element, it is cost-effective without compromising on durability. It, too, is rust-resistant, which allows it to be used both indoors and outdoors.

Key Differences Between Stainless Steel and Aluminum Signs

Three main areas in which stainless steel and aluminum signs differ are:

• Appearance – Stainless steel tends to excel as a polished metal, while aluminum is usually brushed.
• Attributes – Stainless steel is heavier, which tends to make it more difficult to install.
• Upkeep – Both aluminum and steel can last for a long time, but stainless steel is often regarded as more durable. Aluminum resists rust, but it can corrode if the sign is used outdoors and exposed to salt, which may occur in colder climates that use road salt.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Steel and Aluminum

In addition to the attributes of the metal itself, business managers should also consider a few other factors when selecting the right sign for their needs:

• Budget – How much can the business allocate to the sign project, including installation?
• Location – Where will the sign be displayed, and will it be a permanent fixture?
• Space – How big is the ideal installation space, and how big is the vision for the sign? Do these align?
• Environment – What factors influence the location of the sign? Is it humid, exposed to sunlight, or something else?
• Identity – What brand identity does the business embrace, and which material best suits that image?

Real-Life Applications for Each Material

Businesses have several decisions to make when selecting their signage. And, although every office style is different, stainless steel is most frequently chosen for spaces such as luxury offices, corporate lobbies, and showrooms where sleek, premium materials make an immediate impression.

However, aluminum is a great choice made by many as it is accessible for companies of any size. It’s versatility makes it common in startups, creative workspaces, or areas requiring frequent sign updates.

Get the Right Sign for Your Business

Choosing between stainless steel and aluminum signs depends on what your office needs to meet branding goals and budget. Whether you’re looking for the sleek sophistication of stainless steel or the versatility and affordability of aluminum, both materials can create stunning custom office signs that reflect your company’s personality. Contact ShieldCo Art today to craft high-quality, professional signs customized for your workspace.

Metal signs make a powerful statement, combining durability, versatility, and a polished appearance that elevates any business’s professional image.

At ShieldCo, we believe that the material behind your custom logo or business sign is just as important as its design. The right choice ensures your sign not only looks exceptional but stands up to the elements over time. Aluminum and stainless steel are two of the top materials we recommend for their unique strengths. The table below breaks down their key differences, helping you select the best option for your custom metal sign.

Aluminum vs Stainless Steel: Which is Best for Your Metal Sign?

Aluminum vs Stainless Steel

Weight

Aluminum is about 1/3rd the weight of stainless steel (and steel for that matter). Aluminum is much much lighter! A 4ft by 4ft sign in our multiple layer format could weigh 40lbs. This is without a doubt light enough to hang directly on drywall with standard wall anchors. If the same sign were made out of all stainless steel, the weight would be 120lbs and would require reinforcement behind the drywall.

Strength

The strength of metals can be measured in a few different ways and they are all related to how different loads can be applied to an item. Two of the most common ways are tensile strength and shear strength.

1. Tensile strength —Tensile strength is the amount of load or stress that can be handled by a material before it stretches and breaks. Think about having a hole in the material and then hanging weight from it. This is often represented with PSI. Your standard alloy of aluminum would be rated at 40,000 PSI. Stainless Steel would be 70,000 PSI.
2. Shear strength — Shear strength is its ability to resist forces that cause the material’s internal structure to slide against itself. Think about having a bolt fixed in a horizontal position, and a weight hanging from that bolt immediately after the fixed position. At a certain weight, the bolt is going to fail and the weight is going to move. For aluminum this is 30,000 PSI and stainless it is around 50,000 PSI.

What does this mean for signage? Well, aluminum is plenty strong to be used for signage, particularly if it is layered. If the sign was a single layer and strength was a major concern, then stainless steel could be the better option.

Strength to Weight Ratio

(Force per unit area divided by density)

Aluminum has a tensile strength of 276 MPa and a density of 2.81gcm-3. Therefore it’s strength to weight ratio is ~99.

Stainless steel has a tensile strength of 505 MPa and a density of 8 gcm-3. Therefore it’s strength to weight ratio is ~63.

From a strength to weight perspective, aluminum is stronger than stainless steel. That is to say for the increase in weight from aluminum to stainless steel, you get less than a corresponding increase in strength.

Corrosion

Aluminum creates a passivation layer that helps it resist oxidation and corrosion. Aluminum comes in multiple different alloys with the bulk of all aluminum being 5052 and 6061. 5052 is considered marine grade and is more resistant to corrosion than 6061. Most of your “extrusions” are made of 6061. If aluminum is left outside it will begin to get a milky oxidation on the face of it quickly. If it is powder coated, the aluminum is protected from the atmosphere and won’t corrode which will leave the powder coat in tack for decades. Brushed aluminum on the interior of a building will retain its shiny look.

Stainless steel contains chromium which has corrosion resistance properties. Stainless also comes in different alloys, with the bulk of all stainless being 304 and 316. 304 is the most common type of stainless steel. 316 has a greater resistance to corrosion. 316 costs costs more than 304, but it will last longer and rust less.

Typically if you are making something out of stainless it is because you want the look of shiny metal and therefore you don’t typically powder coat stainless steel unless you are extremely concerned over corrosion, then 316 stainless steel powder coated is going to be your absolute best bet.

Cost

Aluminum is more expensive than stainless steel, when you compare it by weight. However, aluminum is about 1/3rd the weight of stainless steel, and when you compare the cost of the same volume of material, stainless steel is much more expensive, usually by about 30%

Malleability

5052 aluminum is very malleable. 6061 is likely to crack if bent. Aluminum has a lower tensile and shear strength than stainless steel and therefore is more likely to bend.

Stainless steel is more likely to keep it’s shape than aluminum,

Electrical Conductivity

Aluminum conducts electricity well. You can often find large scale electrical wires made of aluminum as aluminum is much cheaper than copper and the conductivity is similar (but less).

Stainless Steel is one of the poorest conductors of electricity amongst all the metals.

Welding

Aluminum is more difficult to weld than stainless steel, but with the advent of welding machines that can MIG weld aluminum, welding aluminum has become much easier. However, since the material is “soft” (when compared to stainless steel) you must be very careful when welding thin aluminum to not burn through it. When choosing an aluminum to weld, choose 5052, it is easier to weld than 6061. Use 100% argon shielding gas when welding aluminum.

Stainless steel is less difficult to weld than aluminum and you can also use a 100% argon shielding gas. However many welders will also use a mixed gas of 75% argon and 25% carbon dioxide.

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What does this mean for you?

Aluminum is a better metal to use for outdoor signs because it has better weather resistance than stainless steel. Stainless steel, however, has superior strength. Both metals can be used for indoor signs.

Essentially, the choice you make depends on what you’re willing to live with. Both metals will give you the refined look you desire. Their strength and weather resistance are the ultimate decision factors.

Our recommendation is always for aluminum since the weight is so much lower it make handling much easier!

Can I combine aluminum and stainless steel in one sign design?

Yes, combining aluminum and stainless steel can create a unique aesthetic and optimize for both lightweight and strength, depending on the design and functional needs.

How does the finish of aluminum compare to stainless steel for aesthetic purposes?

Aluminum can be brushed, polished, or powder-coated for a variety of finishes, while stainless steel offers a naturally shiny appearance and is ideal for a polished, high-end look without additional coating.

What maintenance is required for aluminum vs stainless steel signs?

Aluminum signs with a powder coat require minimal maintenance and resist corrosion well. Stainless steel signs may need periodic cleaning to maintain their shine and prevent minor rusting in certain environments.

Which material is better for intricate logo designs or cutouts?

Aluminum is generally better for intricate designs due to its malleability and lighter weight, which allows for easier cutting and handling during production.

How do aluminum and stainless steel perform in coastal or marine environments?

Marine-grade aluminum (5052 alloy) is highly resistant to saltwater corrosion, making it ideal for coastal areas. Stainless steel 316 also resists corrosion in marine environments but is heavier and more expensive.

Can aluminum and stainless steel signs be recycled after use?

Yes, both aluminum and stainless steel are fully recyclable materials, making them environmentally friendly options for signage. Aluminum is often more energy-efficient to recycle.

Key Takeaways

• Aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor signs.
• Stainless steel is stronger and more durable, perfect for high-traffic or premium signs.
• Aluminum has a better strength-to-weight ratio, while stainless steel offers a polished finish.

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