How to Make A Custom Street Sign

If you're a business owner, event organiser, or someone seeking to enhance your brand's visibility with eye-catching street signs, you've come to the right place. Designing custom street signs is a vital aspect of professional signage services. In this blog post, we will delve into the process of crafting unique and impactful street signs tailored to businesses' branding needs. From selecting the appropriate materials to working with experienced sign designers, we'll provide valuable insights into how sign companies create custom street signs that effectively convey messages and brand identity. Whether you aim to attract customers, guide visitors, or simply make a statement, read on to discover how professional sign companies can transform a company's vision into striking and functional street signs.

What are Street Traffic Signs Made of?

Street signs are crucial in guiding people, providing information, and promoting businesses or events. To ensure they withstand the test of time and weather conditions, choosing suitable materials is essential. Street signs are typically made from various durable materials, each with unique advantages.

1. Aluminium: Aluminium is a popular choice for a street or traffic sign due to its lightweight nature and resistance to corrosion. It's a cost-effective material that can be easily customised with graphics and text.
2. Steel: Steel is exceptionally durable and withstands harsh weather conditions. It's often used for heavy-duty road signs that last for many years.
3. Plastic: Plastic signs are lightweight and versatile. They are a practical choice for temporary signage needs and can be easily customised. Plastic is an ideal option to create a temporary sign.
4. Polypropylene: Polypropylene is a durable plastic material known for its weather resistance and durability. It's a suitable option for outdoor sign-making.
5. Reflective Sheeting: Retroreflective sheeting is added to create retroreflective signs to make them visible at night or in low-light conditions. It enhances safety by ensuring signs are easily readable at all times. Many also use tiny glass beads instead of retroreflective material in these signs.

The choice of material depends on factors such as the sign's purpose, location, and expected lifespan. Sign companies work closely with clients to select the most suitable materials to create effective, long-lasting custom road signs.

Steps to Create Custom Street Signs

Creating custom street signs is a meticulous process that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and the use of specialised equipment. Here, we'll guide you through the essential steps involved in crafting custom street signs that effectively convey your message and branding.

Design:

The journey to creating custom street signposts begins with the design phase. This is where the vision for your sign takes shape. Whether you have a clear design in mind or need assistance from a professional sign designer, this step is crucial. Sign design companies can help translate your ideas into a visually appealing sign.

Consider factors such as colour schemes, fonts, graphics, and the overall layout during the design process. Your custom or traffic sign should align with your brand identity and convey your message. Once the design is finalised, it serves as the blueprint for the sign's creation.

Approval:

Once the design is complete, it's time to seek approval. Depending on your location and the purpose of the street sign, you may need to obtain permits or adhere to specific regulations. Regulations can vary widely, so it's essential to research and ensure compliance.

Approval may also involve reviewing the design with relevant authorities or property owners if necessary. This step is crucial to prevent any delays or issues down the road. Obtaining the required approvals ensures that your custom street sign can be installed legally and effectively serves its purpose.

Print the Design:

After design approval, the next step is to bring your vision to life by printing the design onto the chosen sign material. This is where sign companies' specialised equipment and expertise come into play. They use high-quality tools and techniques to ensure your design is accurately reproduced on the sign material.

The choice of material is essential at this stage, as it determines the sign's durability and visibility. Reflective materials may be used to enhance visibility, especially for street signs intended for nighttime or low-light conditions. The process requires precision to ensure vibrant colours and that the text is sharp.

Cut Vinyl:

Vinyl cutting is a technique used to create text and graphics that will be applied to the sign's surface. Custom street signs often feature vinyl lettering and graphics because of their versatility and durability. Sign companies use high-tech vinyl cutters to cut the vinyl precisely according to the design specifications.

The vinyl material is available in various colours and finishes, allowing for customisation to match your branding. Once the vinyl has been cut, it is carefully weeded to remove excess material, leaving behind the desired lettering and graphics.

Apply Vinyl to the Sheet:

After the vinyl has been cut and weeded, it's time to apply it to the sign's surface. This step requires precision and attention to detail to ensure the vinyl adheres smoothly without bubbles or wrinkles. Sign companies use specialised tools to achieve a flawless application.

The vinyl lettering and graphics are placed on the sign sheet according to the design layout. The adhesive backing on the vinyl ensures that it adheres securely to the sign material, creating a long-lasting and visually appealing result.

Trim Edges:

Once the vinyl has been applied to the sign sheet, any excess material is carefully trimmed away. This step ensures that the sign's edges are clean and neat, contributing to the overall professional appearance of the custom street sign.

The trimming process requires precision to achieve straight lines and smooth edges. Sign companies use cutting tools designed for this purpose to ensure accuracy.

Heat the Sign:

The final step in creating custom street signs involves applying heat to the sign. This process, known as heat curing or heat treatment, serves multiple purposes. It helps the vinyl adhere securely to the sign material, ensuring it won't peel or detach over time. Additionally, heat treatment can enhance the sign's durability, making it more resistant to weather conditions.

Sign companies use heat treatment equipment to carefully apply controlled heat to the sign. This process is often followed by quality checks to ensure that the sign meets the required standards of durability and appearance.

Creating custom street signs involves precise steps, from design and approval to printing, vinyl cutting, application, trimming, and heat treatment. Each step is crucial in producing a high-quality, effective street sign conveying your message and brand identity. Collaborating with experienced sign professionals like that from Street Solutions UK ensures that your custom street sign meets regulatory requirements and is time-tested.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting custom street signs can be rewarding, whether you're looking to enhance your brand's visibility, commemorate a special event, or simply express your creativity. Following the steps outlined in this guide, companies can create personalised street signs that leave a lasting impression. Remember to consider material selection, design considerations, and any necessary approvals. Professional sign companies can streamline the process, ensuring your custom street signs meet regulatory requirements and maintain their quality over time.