If you're splurging on a metal sign, you’ll want to get the most bang for your buck. That means investing in quality and taking care of your metal signs. Outdoor signs play several different roles depending on what they’re representing. For example, if the outdoor signage represents your business, you will want people to notice it and engage with your business.
Comparatively, if your outdoor sign is more decorative or informational, you'll still want people to notice, but you may opt for something less flashy.
No matter where you plan to put your custom metal sign, knowing how to care for it in all weather conditions will provide longevity and prevent other maintenance issues from arising in the long term. If you're a ShieldCo customer looking for a few tips on outdoor signage protection—or you're simply a sign owner looking for tips—we have all the tricks to keep your exterior signs looking their best.
Choosing the Right Metal for the Right Outdoor Sign
Depending on the nature of your outdoor sign, you'll have different needs. After prolonged outdoor use, the materials will degrade and will likely require some regular cleaning and general maintenance. Dust, sunlight, moisture, snow, and wind are all contributing factors that can degrade your outdoor signage over time.
While there are no bad options to choose from, not all metal surfaces are created equal, and some are better than others. Here is what we primarily work with:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel provides a sleek and modern feel to your signs. It is also great at preventing rust and is corrosion-resistant. Not only that, but it won't scratch and is generally easy to maintain. Stainless steel is great for outdoor signs with a more decorative approach, like gardens or community spaces.
Stainless steel has very few downsides, but it doesn’t offer the same customizable experience as aluminum. If you're opting for stainless steel, it is because you're looking for that modern shine so adding a powder coating layer won't be done. Stainless steel is also a denser metal, so it will keep its shape for longer but offers less malleability than aluminum.
Corten Steel for Outdoor Signage
Corten Steel is known as a "weathered steel," meaning it will deliberately rust over time. After the material is exposed for long periods to moisture and rain the metal will develop its layer of rust and fade. Corten adds a certain natural personality to its signs, and the underlying protective coating will keep it from corroding further. Coreten is a popular choice for outdoor architectural designs and signage that can withstand wear and tear.
Aluminum Steel
Aluminum is ShieldCo's preferred metal, offering the highest number of design elements at your disposal. Aluminum is lightweight while also being durable. It holds up well for outside signs as well as indoor ones with electrical components attached. Aluminum will hold up in most weather conditions and will take longer to fade from the sun.
When it comes to customization solutions, Aluminum works great for three big reasons:
It is the most malleable. This means that more intricate shapes and designs can be molded to your desired pattern.
Powder-coated colors will stick to the material better, so your signs will be more vibrant and stand out. Powder coating also will not chip like paint.
Aluminum is the best option for people looking to hook up lights or other electrical elements to their sign. The material is highly conductive and our LED lighting system will add some flair to your custom signs.
Keep Your Outdoor Signs Protected and Maintained
Even the highest quality custom metal signs need to be cleaned once in a while. The normal wear of the outdoors means that your outdoor signage will eventually get covered in dirt, snow, rain, and sunlight. Regular maintenance can keep your signs looking fresh for a long time, and for the most part, they are easy to clean.
So, if you're looking to keep your metal surface looking its best, here are some professional tips:
Soap and water work: That's right, for the most part getting rid of grime requires no more than your basic cleaning products and a little elbow grease. Mix some soap or a mild detergent with clean water and use a clean cloth.
Avoid chemical cleaners: Chemicals work for tough spots but a lot of the time extra-strength chemicals will ruin the metal's natural coating. Use chemicals sparingly for maintenance issues as surfaces can wear quicker if exposed to abrasive substances.
Let it dry: Outdoor signage in locations with more humidity, rain, or snow may have a harder time maintaining dryness but surfaces that remain in contact with moisture for long periods of time have a higher risk of rust and corrosion. Keeping the sign dry and out of contact as much as possible with moisture maintains its look for longer.
The Power of Powder-Coated Signs
ShieldCo uses a special powder coating technology that will not only protect your signs but also keep them colorful and vibrant. Powder coating does not require a liquid solvent like regular paint so the material sticks on better and doesn't run the risk of chipping.
Powder coating helps maintain signage by keeping a protective layer on the metal, which increases durability and resistance to rusting and corrosion.
