Project Overview

Polystyrene Signs

Polystyrene is a versatile material widely used in creating signage for both indoor and outdoor applications. Its unique properties make it an ideal choice for this purpose. Let’s delve into how polystyrene can be utilised to craft effective and attractive signs.

Properties of Polystyrene

  1. Lightweight: Polystyrene is remarkably lightweight, which makes it easy to handle, transport, and install. This property is particularly beneficial for large signs that need to be mounted high on walls or structures.
  2. Durable: Despite its light weight, polystyrene is quite durable. It has excellent resistance to physical impacts, which means it won’t easily crack or break. This durability ensures that the signage has a long lifespan, even in environments with high foot traffic or exposure to the elements.
  3. Sustainable: Polystyrene is recyclable, which contributes to its sustainability. Signs made from this material can be recycled at the end of their life cycle, reducing environmental impact and aligning with eco-friendly practices.
  4. Easily Cut and Decorated: Polystyrene can be easily cut into various shapes and sizes using standard tools. It also takes well to different types of decorations, including paint, vinyl, and digital printing. This flexibility allows for a high degree of customisation, enabling the creation of unique and eye-catching designs.

For indoor usage, polystyrene can be used to create a wide range of signs, from small nameplates to large wall-mounted displays. Here’s how:

  1. Cutting and Shaping: Using a CNC machine or a hot wire cutter, polystyrene can be precisely cut into the desired shapes and sizes. This is perfect for creating intricate designs or logos.
  2. Surface Finishing: The surface of the polystyrene can be sanded and smoothed to prepare it for decoration. This step ensures that the paint or vinyl adheres properly.
  3. Decoration: Polystyrene signs can be painted with acrylic or latex paints. Alternatively, vinyl decals or digital prints can be applied to achieve high-resolution graphics.

Outdoor signage requires additional considerations to ensure longevity and weather resistance. Here’s how polystyrene can be adapted for outdoor use:

  1. Protective Coatings: To protect against UV rays, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, polystyrene signs can be coated with UV-resistant varnish or weatherproof paints. This extends the life of the sign and maintains its appearance over time.
  2. Mounting Solutions: For outdoor applications, polystyrene signs can be mounted using sturdy brackets or frames. This ensures they remain securely in place even under harsh weather conditions.
  3. Lamination: Another method to protect outdoor signage is to laminate the surface. This adds an extra layer of protection against environmental factors and makes cleaning the signs easier.

Benefits of Polystyrene Signage

  • Cost-Effective: Polystyrene is relatively inexpensive compared to other materials like metal or wood, making it a cost-effective option for signage.
  • Versatile: It can be used for a variety of signage types, from informational signs to promotional displays.
  • Customisable: The ease of cutting and decorating polystyrene allows for high levels of customisation, enabling businesses to create unique and branded signage.

In conclusion, polystyrene is an excellent material for both indoor and outdoor signage due to its lightweight, durable, and versatile nature. With the appropriate coatings and finishes, polystyrene signs can withstand the elements and maintain their visual appeal, making them a smart choice for any signage needs.

Example Project – Polystyrene Signs For A Local Pilates Instructor

Polystyrene is often the material of choice for anyone who needs stylish but adaptable brand imagery. For a local pilates instructor, polystyrene offered a cost effective solution for a portable custom signs and wall art decals. Keeping brand style in mind, Molygran drew up the final logo using CAD. With this creating a lasting feature for the studio.

Molygran’s custom signage is lightweight. Therefore, it is easy to install and can be portable if required. Polystyrene can also be decorated in a number of different ways to help your brand stand out.

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wall decal
company polystyrene sign

Benefits

  • Polystyrene provided the most cost effective choice for the logos
  • Polystyrene provided a portable, yet durable final product for the custom signs
  • Polystyrene gave the stylish finish required for the logo
  • Molygran were able to provide a draw up service for the logo shape
  • Molygran provided assistance from start to finish, including technical advice regarding the polystyrene

The brief The brief

Local instructor Andrea was looking to brand her pilates classes which are offered through a private health care programme in Lancashire. She wanted to raise awareness about the classes to attract more participants.

She chose a suitable brand image and looked for the right material to bring it to life. The sign had to be portable because the location of classes could change depending on room availability. Decals only offered a permanent solution and, even though the acrylic signage would look good, the fixings would leave marks on the wall and be quite time-consuming to put up. Researching various options, polystyrene became a contender as the choice material.

The solution The solution

However, Andrea was concerned about the durability of polystyrene and the quality it could offer for a custom sign. The acrylic decals had a very professional and stylish finish and she doubted polystyrene could achieve a similar standard. She also questioned its durability as it needed to withstand being moved on a regular basis. Molygran worked with Andrea, using the best grade of polystyrene to meet her needs, and provided a sample for her to test.

Once Andrea was reassured, the final image was created in various sizes to fit different locations around her building, then finished in black to make it stand out.

“Molygran were really helpful from start to finish,” Andrea commented. “ I was concerned about fixing the polystyrene to the wall but when double sided tape was suggested, I was sold!.

“I am really pleased with the outcome. The imagery looks very stylish and professional and my custom sign is really easy to fix into place, as Molygran promised. The service has been exceptional and they have been extremely helpful despite the fact it was only a very small order.”