When considering signage options for your business, exterior metal letters are a great choice. They’re attractive, sturdy, and give the exterior of your business an elevated presence.
There are a variety of things to consider when choosing exterior metal letters. Let’s walk through each element you need to consider when selecting the right signage for your brand.
Why Are Exterior Metal Letters a Smart Investment?
When selecting outdoor signage, durability is crucial. Exterior metal letters are one of the most enduring options on the market.
Here’s what makes exterior metal letters a great choice:
- Weather-resistant and long-lasting
- Sleek, sophisticated aesthetic
- Versatile in terms of customization
- Easy to care for
While metal letters typically cost more upfront compared to materials like acrylic or plastic, they are significantly more durable, making them a smarter long-term investment.
Regardless of what type of commercial property you’re working with, exterior metal letters provide a polished, permanent look that is hard to beat.
How Do Exterior Metal Letters Compare to Other Signage Options?
In contrast to acrylic or plastic, metal offers:
- Increased durability in outdoor environments
- A more premium, high-end appearance
- Greater resistance to weathering over time
While acrylic signage is a cost-effective option, it typically doesn’t hold up as well on certain exterior surfaces. Metal letters are built to last and keep their appearance for years, making them a worthwhile investment for long-term signage needs.
Materials for Exterior Metal Letters: Which Option Is Right for You?
The first step in selecting exterior metal letters is deciding on the material. Different materials come at varying price points, levels of durability, and appearances.
Let’s review the most common materials you can choose from and the benefits of each.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a popular choice for exterior metal letters for a few reasons.
- Lightweight, yet sturdy
- Resists rust naturally
- Inexpensive
- Goes well with painted finishes
If you want something that is both easy on your wallet and practical, aluminum is a solid option.
Stainless Steel
For more of a high-end, sophisticated feel, stainless steel exterior metal letters are a great choice.
- Polished, sleek aesthetic
- Superior durability to other materials
- Resistant to corrosion
- Flat cut or fabricated letters
- LED lighting can be added
If you want a high-end feel to the exterior of your business, stainless steel won’t disappoint.
Brass or Bronze
If you’re into signage with character, look no further than brass and bronze exterior metal letters.
- Tones that are warm and rich
- Develop a weathered look called patina over time
- Go well with historic or more traditional buildings
For those who want a classic, timeless feel to their signage, brass or bronze really deliver.
Finishes
Once you have decided on a material, the next thing to consider is the finish. This process will alter the surface of the exterior metal letters and can greatly improve the overall look and feel. The finish you go with will determine not only the sign’s color, but also how it reflects light and meshes with the overall aesthetic of your exterior.
Painted
A painted finish is a great choice for a few reasons.
- A variety of choices like matte, satin, and gloss
- Creates a bold, high-impact look
- Helps aid in visibility from a distance
If you’re wanting a colorful, eye-catching sign, a painted finish is the way to go.
Brushed or Polished
For something a bit more subtle and refined, brushed or polished finishes may be the best choice.
- Offer a clean, modern look
- Creates dimension through reflective surfaces
- Very popular in professional settings
If you want a sleek appearance that doesn’t rely on bold color, brushed or polished finishes will give you just what you’re after.
Cast vs Cut
Another consideration is whether you want cast or cut letters. Put simply, cast letters are molded and have a more dimensional appearance. They offer a deeper and sometimes prismatic effect, creating a classic look. Cut letters, on the other hand, are precisely cut from metal sheets. This makes them much thinner and offers a clean, modern look.
Which Mounting Option Is Best for Your Exterior Metal Letters?
After you’ve determined what materials you want for your exterior metal letters, the next thing to consider is mounting. The way the letters are mounted will have an impact on both readability and appearance. Different types of mounting can affect the depth and overall visibility of your signage, so it’s important to select the mounting type that best aligns with your brand.
Is Flush Mounting the Right Look for Your Signage?
Flush-mounted letters adhere directly to the wall with no space in between.
This type of mounting may be best if you’re wanting:
- A simple, clean appearance
- Little to no shadow
- An understated, yet sleek look
If you want something low-profile and modern, flush mounting is a good option.
Why Choose Stud-Mounted Exterior Metal Letters?
Satin Finish Bronze Letters, Stud-Mounted to Wall – Exterior
Stud-mounted letters are affixed a bit off the wall, creating some space between the letters and the surface of the building.
This type of mounting offers:
- A distinct look with dimension and depth
- Shadow effect
- Visually-striking appearance
If you want your signage to stand out, this may be a better choice for you.
When Do Double Rail-Mounted Letters Make the Most Sense?
Double rail-mounted letters are installed using horizontal rails that support the lettering as opposed to mounting each letter directly on the building surface.
You may want to consider a double rail mount if you’re looking for:
- Fewer holes drilled into the building
- A good solution for hard-to-drill surfaces
- More flexibility for uneven masonry or textured walls
This option is ideal if you need a clean, secure installation without compromising the integrity of the building.
Are Your Exterior Metal Letters Easy to Read?
While having an attractive sign seems like a no-brainer, you also have to ensure that it is highly visible.
When choosing exterior metal letters, consider:
- Viewing distance – how far away can your sign be read?
- Lighting conditions – how does your sign appear in the day vs at night?
- Contrast with your building – does your signage complement the exterior of the building?
- Letter size and spacing – is it appropriate/aesthetically pleasing?
- Font – is your font bold sans serif as opposed to traditional serif?
You can have the most beautiful sign on the block, but without strong visibility, it won’t matter.
Tip: Adding subtle lighting such as backlit or halo-lit letters can significantly improve nighttime visibility while enhancing the overall look of your signage.
Ready to Upgrade Your Signage?
While there is much to consider when choosing exterior metal letters, working with the right partner will ensure that you decide on the perfect signage solution for you.
Here at Impact Signs, we specialize in bringing our customers’ visions to life, crafting high-quality signage solutions that are built to last.
Whether you’re just making upgrades to your current signage or starting completely from scratch, we’re here to help. Contact us and let’s create something together that elevates your business!
