Pavement Sign Buyers Guide

Otherwise known as outdoor advertising boards or sidewalk signs, they are essentially portable display signs that companies use to attract attention and inform anyone passing by.

They are most commonly used by anyone offering a product or service. This could be industries such as retail, hospitality, automotive, leisure centres and more. Pavement signs are a great vehicle for advertising what type of coffee is served in a cafe, or they could be promoting an end of season sale.

Your Business Image

The type of sign you might use outside of a restaurant is not the same as one you would use outside a tyre repair centre for instance. Choose a design that fits your brand.

As an example, restaurants and pubs often use chalkboards to give them a traditional feel and allow them to easily change their message. A National Trust property could choose an A board with a wooden frame for a rustic feel.

Portability and Stability

Does it need to be easy to take in at night or would you like to leave it outside?

Folding A boards are a popular choice for high street shops as they fold up quickly, are lightweight and can be easily stored when they are not in use.

There is a trade off between portability and stability. A lightweight A frame sign is not going to be as stable as a swinging pavement sign or a water-based design. However, the advantage is that if the wind picks up it can be folded up and stored.

Often, larger forecourt signs have heavy bases to make them stable in stronger winds, meaning they are not so portable. But, if portability is important, some large forecourt signs either have built in wheels or can be supplied with optional wheeled trolleys so they can be moved easily.

Durability

How exposed is the location?

If you intend to leave your sign out 24/7 you need to go for a stable and robust pavement sign that will stand up to the weather. However, it's recommended to move your sign indoors in bad weather to keep it protected so that it will last longer.

If you're in a windy location or after a large pavement sign, look for a sign that has some form of weighted base and a mechanism for spilling the wind such as a swinging or flexible panel.

We offer paper posters and PVC posters. Paper posters are fine for indoor or sheltered outdoor areas. Our poster signs do come with protective covers, but you can get moisture between the cover and the poster in exposed locations. As a result of this we often recommend PVC posters which are waterproof, rip proof and reusable.

Advertising Message

If you don’t need to change your message very often then a permanent print is the way to go. Panel printing can either be direct onto the panel using UV inks, or onto self adhesive vinyl that is then laminated onto the panel. With modern digital printing you get photo realistic results.

If you want to change your message in the future there is no need to buy a new sign, you can just buy a replacement panel and use the existing frame.

Here are a few tips to help you extend the life of your sign and ensure your graphics always look the best they possibly can.

• Bring them inside at night time where possible
• Keep in mind extreme weather conditions and prepare accordingly
• Wash the frame with warm, soapy water
• Avoid sharp objects that might pierce water bases
• If your graphic cover sheet becomes scuffed you can often buy replacements for a few pounds

You want to attract people into your business, but equally you don’t want to annoy pedestrians by placing your sign in an awkward position. Choose a sign where the size suits your location. Read our guide on planning permission for A boards to find out how to adhere to local regulations and be a responsible advertiser.