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Signboard Printing for London Shops (Materials Guide) signboards

Signboard Printing for London Shops (Materials Guide)

Printing Planet UK Printing Planet UK

Signboards have to survive London weather: rain, wind, temperature changes, UV, and occasional graffiti. Cheap signs fade or warp within a year. The right material chosen up front saves the cost of replacing a sign twice.

Here is how to pick, from lightweight foamex to rigid dibond, based on use case.

Foamex (PVC foam board)

A rigid foam-core plastic sheet, 3mm or 5mm thick. Printed directly by UV flatbed.

Pros:

  • Cheap (around £30 to £60 per square metre, printed)
  • Lightweight, easy to fix with screws or double-sided tape
  • Good for short to medium-term use
  • Clean, sharp print finish

Cons:

  • Warps in prolonged direct sun on larger panels (above 1m)
  • Softer surface, can scratch
  • Lifespan 1 to 3 years outdoors

Best for: shop interior signs, temporary promotional panels, trade show backdrops, indoor menus.

Dibond (aluminium composite)

Two sheets of aluminium bonded to a polyethylene core. 3mm standard.

Pros:

  • Extremely rigid, does not warp
  • Weather-resistant, lasts 7+ years outdoors
  • Premium look
  • Print holds up well in UV

Cons:

  • Heavier (needs proper fixings)
  • More expensive (around £80 to £140 per square metre, printed)
  • Cannot be cut to complex shapes as easily

Best for: main shop fascia signs, outdoor wayfinding, long-term corporate signage.

Acrylic (Perspex)

Solid transparent or coloured plastic sheet. Usually 3mm or 5mm thick.

Pros:

  • Crystal clear option for backlit or edge-lit signs
  • Premium feel
  • Can be cut to any shape
  • Coloured acrylic looks great without needing to print

Cons:

  • Can crack under stress
  • More expensive than foamex
  • Printing needs UV flatbed or vinyl application

Best for: premium office reception signs, backlit signs, award plaques.

PVC banner

Flexible vinyl banner material, typically 440gsm. Printed and reinforced at edges with eyelets for hanging.

Pros:

  • Very cheap
  • Easy to hang and move
  • Great for temporary displays and large formats

Cons:

  • Not rigid, flaps in wind if not tensioned
  • Shorter outdoor life (12 to 24 months)
  • Looks temporary (positive or negative)

Best for: building site hoardings, event banners, promotional displays, sports sponsorship.

Correx (corrugated plastic)

Corrugated polypropylene, like plastic cardboard.

Pros:

  • Very cheap
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to cut to size on-site

Cons:

  • Low-end look
  • Can crease easily
  • Short outdoor lifespan

Best for: estate agent “For Sale” boards, temporary event signs, construction site notices.

Metal aluminium sheet

Solid aluminium sheet, 2 to 3mm thick. Higher-end than dibond composite.

Pros:

  • Extremely durable
  • Premium feel, used for high-end office signs
  • Can be anodised for finish

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • Expensive
  • Specialist fixing required

Best for: corporate head office signs, premium location wayfinding.

Typical sizes and pricing

Indicative printed and ready-to-install prices:

Sign type Size Material Price
Shop window sticker A3 Vinyl £30
A-board (double side) 60x85cm Foamex in frame £120
Interior menu board 50x70cm Foamex £55
Shop fascia 2m wide Dibond £280
Outdoor banner 3x1m PVC £75
Pavement sign 80x120cm Acrylic in frame £180

Installation considerations

  • Mounting: screws for permanent, double-sided tape for temporary indoor, brackets or ties for banners
  • Wind load: outdoor signs over 1.5m need rigid materials and proper fixings
  • Planning permission: shop fascias in London often need council approval; check before committing to size and design
  • Lighting: illuminated signs need separate electrical work (not included in print quote)

Design tips for signs

  • Legibility from distance: text height should be around 2.5cm per 10 metres of viewing distance
  • High contrast: dark text on light background reads furthest
  • Minimal content: signs are scanned, not read
  • Bold colour palette: use your brand colours, but amplify contrast
  • Sans-serif fonts: clearer at distance than decorative serif

Turnaround

  • Foamex and correx: 2 to 4 working days
  • Dibond: 3 to 5 working days
  • Acrylic with custom cut: 4 to 7 working days
  • PVC banner: 2 to 3 working days

Rush available on foamex and banner up to 24-hour production.

Ordering

Send us:

  • Design or brief
  • Intended location (indoor, outdoor, size restrictions)
  • Expected lifespan
  • Budget range

We will recommend the right material and produce a proof.

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