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A Simple Guide to Buying Permanent Signs | Clear Steps for Perfect Selection
🛠️ Permanent Signs Guide
Clear Steps for Perfect Selection
When purchasing a permanent sign from our website, you need to build your sign by selecting four key options:
- Facing (Reflective Grade)
- Substrate (Material)
- Fixing (Mounting Method)
- Size
Once you choose one option from each row, the price will be displayed, and you will be able to add your sign to the basket. This guide will help you understand what each option means, which combinations are valid, and how to make the best choice for your project.
1️⃣ Facing (Reflective Grade)
The facing determines how reflective your sign will be and is a critical factor for visibility, especially at night and in poor weather conditions. All permanent signs must meet specific UK regulations for reflectivity.
| Facing Type | Description | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| RA2 (High Intensity) | High-performance reflective material suitable for most public roads. Provides excellent visibility in all lighting conditions. | A-roads, urban and rural roads, most permanent installations |
| R3B (Diamond Grade) | Highest grade reflective material, offering maximum performance and visibility. | High-speed roads, motorways, overhead signs, areas with competing light sources |
✅Tip: When selecting a permanent sign, it’s not just about the material or size – installation environment matters too. Urban areas with frequent lighting may require R3B Diamond Grade reflectivity for maximum visibility, while rural locations often benefit from RA2 High Intensity to meet regulatory standards. For best results, always consider factors such as mounting height, background contrast, and local authority requirements to ensure your sign remains clear, compliant, and effective for years to come.
2️⃣ Substrate (Material)
The substrate is the base material of your sign, determining its strength and durability. Each material is designed for specific applications and has different compatible fixings.
| Substrate | Description | Fixing Options Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | The industry standard for permanent signage. Highly durable, weather-resistant, and recyclable. Ideal for long-term outdoor use. | Channel, Plate Only |
| Composite | A cost-effective alternative to solid aluminium. Lightweight but robust, made from an aluminium and polyethylene composite. | Channel, Plate Only |
| Stickers | Self-adhesive vinyl that can be applied directly to a flat, clean surface for a simple, flexible solution. | Self-Adhesive only |
3️⃣ Fixing (Mounting Method)
The fixing determines how the sign is attached to its post or surface. Not all fixings are compatible with every substrate.
| Fixing Type | Description | Compatible Substrates |
|---|---|---|
| Channel | Aluminium channels are riveted to the back of the sign, allowing for secure and adjustable post-mounting. | Aluminium, Composite |
| Plate Only | The sign is supplied as a flat plate without any fixings, giving you the flexibility to mount it using your own custom brackets or to a wall. | Aluminium, Composite |
| Self-Adhesive | A peel-and-stick backing for direct application to a flat surface. | Stickers only |
4️⃣ Size Options
The size of a permanent sign is determined by the road type and speed to ensure it is clearly visible and legible to drivers at the required distance. Sizes are measured by the ‘x-height’, the height of the main text on the sign.
| Size (mm) | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | Low-speed areas, private sites | For signs with small lettering |
| 450 | Urban areas, residential roads | Standard size for lower speed roads |
| 600 | Standard road use, urban and rural roads | The most common size for many sign types |
| 750 | Rural roads, dual carriageways | Provides better visibility on faster roads |
| 900 | Busy A-roads, motorways | Necessary for high-speed traffic |
| 1200 | Motorways, trunk roads | For maximum visibility and legibility at high speeds |
| 1500 | Motorways, large directional signs | Used for critical, large-format signage |
✅ Valid Combinations
Here’s a quick reference for which combinations are valid:
| Substrate | Valid Fixings |
|---|---|
| Aluminium | Channel, Plate Only |
| Composite | Channel, Plate Only |
| Stickers | Self-Adhesive |
💡 Final Note
By understanding these options, you can build the perfect sign for your needs. You can browse our full range of permanent signs here.
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