Everything architects, contractors, and signmakers need to know about specifying and ordering architectural signage.
Choosing the right material for your signage project depends on the application, environment, size, and desired aesthetic. This guide covers the most common architectural signage materials, finishing options, illumination methods, and what to include when submitting a signage tender package.
Each material has distinct advantages depending on your project requirements.
| Property | Stainless Steel | Aluminium | Acrylic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavy | Light (1/3 of steel) | Very light |
| Best For | Premium, small-medium signs | Large signs (1.5m+) | Illuminated faces, light boxes |
| Durability | Excellent - corrosion resistant | Good - with coating | Moderate - UV sensitive |
| Finishes | Brushed, mirror, PVD, powder coat | Powder coat, anodised | Painted, printed, translucent |
| Cost | Higher | Moderate | Lower |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Both | Both | Primarily indoor |
| Typical Use | Hotel lobbies, building ID | Facade signage, pylons | Channel letter faces, panels |
The premium choice for architectural signage. Stainless steel 304 is standard for indoor and sheltered outdoor applications. 316 grade is recommended for coastal and high-humidity environments due to its superior corrosion resistance.
Brushed (hairline), mirror polish, satin, powder coated, PVD coated (gold, rose gold, bronze, black), etched, and embossed.
Hotel lobby signage, building identification letters, monument signs, reception backdrop logos, and premium retail branding.
Typically 1.0mm to 3.0mm for fabricated letters. Solid cut letters from 5mm to 20mm plate.
When you need a premium, long-lasting finish. Ideal for smaller to medium signage where weight is not a primary concern.
The go-to material for large-scale signage. Aluminium weighs approximately one-third of stainless steel, making it ideal for oversized letters and facade-mounted signage where structural load is a consideration.
At 2.7 g/cm3 vs steel's 8.0 g/cm3, aluminium is 66% lighter. A 2-meter letter in aluminium may weigh 15kg vs 45kg in steel.
Powder coated (any RAL colour), anodised (natural, black, bronze), brushed, and painted.
Large building letters (1.5m+), facade signage, pylons, totem signs, and front-lit channel letters.
When signage exceeds 1 meter in height, when mounting on facades with weight restrictions, or when budget is a factor.
Modern signage illumination uses LED modules for energy efficiency, longevity, and consistent brightness.
LEDs illuminate the face of the letter through a translucent acrylic face. Provides maximum visibility and bright, direct illumination. Most common for retail and commercial signage.
LEDs face the wall behind the letter, creating a soft glow or halo effect around the letter edges. Premium look popular in hospitality and high-end commercial projects.
LEDs illuminate from the sides of an acrylic panel, creating an even, slim-profile glow. Common for directory boards and slim-line interior signage.
Combination of face illumination and halo effect. Provides both direct visibility and architectural depth. Premium option for landmark signage.
Understanding the signage manufacturing process helps you plan timelines and prepare the right documentation.
Send drawings, project briefs, or tender packages. Include specifications for materials, finishes, dimensions, and quantity. We accept DWG, AI, EPS, and PDF formats.
Our engineering team reviews your drawings, clarifies technical details, and provides a detailed quotation with material specifications, timeline, and pricing breakdown.
We prepare detailed shop drawings showing dimensions, materials, mounting methods, electrical specifications, and finish samples for your review and approval.
Fabrication begins: CNC laser cutting, forming, TIG/MIG welding, surface finishing (brushing, polishing, powder coating, PVD), LED module integration, and electrical testing.
Each component is inspected for finish quality, dimensional accuracy, and electrical function. Signage is then packed in export-grade timber crating with foam protection.
We coordinate sea or air freight to your project site, with installation drawings and mounting templates provided to your local installation team.
A complete tender package helps us provide accurate quotations and reduces revision cycles.
Whether you have a complete tender package or just an idea, we are here to help you develop the right signage solution.
Discuss Your Project →