Add some real pop to your company’s images and branding elements with three-dimensional signage.
SpeedPro is well-equipped to add another dimension to your branding outreach. With our cutting-edge technology, industry-leading materials and experts positioned throughout the country, you’ll receive high-quality pieces of work wherever you go.
Learn more about dimensional signs and how you can use them in your business.
WHAT IS DIMENSIONAL SIGNAGE?
Dimensional signage is any sign that projects out of the wall or surface it is on. A poster is typically flat against the surface it’s hung on. A dimensional sign seems to “pop” out of the wall. The sign might consist of individually cut letters or a logo that is cut out to make it project. Some dimensional signs feature a printed, flat surface that is hung on the wall in such a way that it projects outward.
When people think of dimensional signage, they often envision individually cut lettering. Although dimensional lettering is one example of this type of signage, it’s not the only example. Logos can also be created using dimensional signage techniques, for example.
Dimensional signage can also be used for wayfinding. For example, an arrow that projects from the wall can help a person find their way in a busy corridor. The pictograms indicating the presence of restrooms can project outwards from the walls or doors.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DIMENSIONAL SIGNAGE?
Dimensional signage has a few considerable benefits, especially when compared to flat signage. Dimensional lettering tends to be more readable than its flat counterpart. A sign that’s easier to read is a sign that’s more accessible and that can better accomplish its intended task.
Before jumping into the features that make a dimensional sign readable, it helps to understand the challenges or obstacles the average person faces when it comes to identifying and understanding the information on a sign.
- Context: A sign’s location and what surrounds it can influence how visible it is and how much it “jumps out” to a viewer. Dimensional signage can increase visibility in areas where a lot is going on or where there might be other distractions, such as trees and parked cars.
- Speed: If a sign is meant to be read from the roadside, then size and positioning matter. When a person is driving 55 mph in a car, they travel about a quarter mile every 16.5 seconds. A person will see big, dimensional letters on a sign from farther away than smaller, flat letters. They’ll have more time to figure out what a sign says and decide if it’s what they are looking for.
- Font: Although you can use cursive letters or other “fancy” lettering in a dimensional sign, it’s better to use block letters, which are more legible.
- Positioning: Depending on the angle at which a person is approaching a sign, they might have difficulty seeing it. For example, drivers have a limited “cone of vision,” if they keep their eyes on the road ahead of them while driving. Any sign that’s placed outside of a 10-degree cone will be difficult to see unless a driver turns their head.
Beyond making a sign easier to read, dimensional lettering can also pique people’s interest in a business. One-third of shoppers have stated that they’ve gone into a business they weren’t previously familiar with because it had high-quality signs. Dimensional signage that pops out the wall and that looks good can make the difference between getting a new customer or not.
Dimensional signs can also influence how people perceive your business. A new sign made of custom dimensional letters isn’t just going to grab people’s attention. It’s also likely to make them think that your company is doing well and that products or services you offer are high-quality. The better the perception people have of your company, the more likely they are to give you their business.
BEST MATERIALS TO USE FOR DIMENSIONAL PROJECTS
Dimensional signs can be made from a variety of materials. The type of material you choose depends in part on what kind of look you’re going for and where you’re going to place the sign. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your materials:
- Location: Some materials can better withstand the elements than others. If you’re going to use your signage outside, you might want to choose a material such as acrylic, as it’s durable and can take rain, snow and cold temperatures. Some materials, such as foam core, are best for indoor use only. Wood signs can work well indoors or outdoors, provided they are well-sealed or are made from a type of wood that can withstand the elements.
- Duration or lifespan of the signage: Another thing to consider is how long you want the sign to last. Some materials are meant for temporary use, such as foamcore. If you’re creating a sign for a limited-time event, foamcore can be a good option since it’s lower cost. For more long-lasting signs, you might want metal, acrylic or wood.
- “Look”: How you want the sign to look influences the type of material you choose. For example, law firms and other companies might want a sign with a professional appearance. In that case, metal, such as bronze or steel, might be the best choice. A hunting lodge or camping resort might want to create a rustic ambiance, in which case, a dimensional wooden sign can be ideal.
- Cost: Some materials cost more than others. If budget is a concern, you might want to choose a more cost-efficient material, such as foamcore.
- Your overall aesthetic: The material you choose for your sign can coordinate with other design elements at your business. For example, if you pick metal, you can select a metal that coordinates with fixtures such as doorknobs or other detailing in your office. Foamcore or acrylic signs can incorporate your company’s signature colors.
Here’s a rundown of some of the materials SpeedPro uses to create custom dimensional signage and the benefits of each different material:
- Acrylic: Acrylic offers a bold, immediately recognizable element to your office space. It’s an incredibly versatile material, as we can use features to fit a range of sizes, shapes and colors. You can add a dimensional flair to your logo or create some interesting decorative elements. Acrylic dimensional signs can be used indoors or outdoors. They are lightweight and can resist fading, chipping and cracking.
- Foam core and Ultraboard: If you’re looking for an option that’s cost-efficient, lightweight and temporary, it’s hard to beat foamcore. You can even extend its lifespan with a series of different finishes and coats. Foamcore is best for interior signage; ultraboard is a more durable version and is great for outdoors. Either is an ideal pick for trade shows, conventions or any other event when you want to grab people’s attention quickly.
- Metal and ACM (Aluminum Composite Material): Aluminum and other malleable metals like copper, bronze and steel are all fair game for companies seeking industrial, hardened overtones. Metals can also be finished and polished in a variety of ways, and the durability they offer is second to none. Metal signage is excellent for indoor use or outdoor use.
- Wood: Sometimes you can’t beat the old-fashioned, natural ambiance wooden signage helps to inspire. Many popular wood types can be cut to fit your requirements, which also means they can be made to withstand indoor or outdoor use without significant wear and tear. Although wood can be used to create a rustic, it can also be used to create a polished, professional sign, depending on the finish and style.
CONTACT SPEEDPRO SAN DIEGO, YOUR TRUSTED PRINTING PARTNERS FOR STUNNING DIMENSIONAL PROJECTS
Are you looking for dimensional lettering or signage to make your business stand out or to attract new customers? SpeedPro can work with you to create custom signage that reflects the aesthetic and identity of your company.
Our products are cut with precision using the latest CNC router technology, and the appearance can be matched to pair with your other visual elements flawlessly. While people often think of dimensional signage as merely decorative, it can suit a variety of other applications and fulfill functional needs as well.
Call us today to schedule a consultation and start designing the look of your brand.