Custom Metal Signs for Businesses

The main differences between metal sign types are their material construction, finish, durability, and intended use. Each option offers unique benefits depending on whether you need a lightweight display, a premium look, extra rigidity, or high visibility.

 

Feature / Spec	Aluminum Signs	Dibond Signs	Brushed Aluminum Signs	Reflective Aluminum Signs
Key Features	Lightweight, rust-resistant, and durable. A versatile option for both indoor and outdoor use.	Rigid composite construction with aluminum sheets bonded to a plastic core for added strength while remaining lightweight.	Brushed metallic finish that creates a premium textured appearance.	Reflective surface improves visibility in low-light conditions by reflecting light toward the viewer.
Best Uses	Business signs, parking signs, safety notices, directional signs, and outdoor displays.	Storefront signs, corporate branding, architectural signage, directional displays, and long-term outdoor use.	Office signs, lobby displays, restaurant signage, brand plaques, and decorative applications.	Traffic signs, parking signs, safety warnings, regulatory signs, and other high-visibility applications.
Construction	Single solid sheet of aluminum alloy with a print-ready coated face.	Two thin aluminum skins (~0.3 mm each) bonded to a solid plastic core.	Brushed metallic finish applied to either solid aluminum or Dibond, allowing the raw metal texture to show through the print.	Solid aluminum sheet with an added retroreflective layer.
Thickness	0.040", 0.060", 0.080"	0.125", 0.25"	0.032", 0.125"	0.125"
Rust / Corrosion	Rust-proof (contains no iron); may develop a harmless oxide layer over time.	Rust-proof with a water-resistant core that withstands rain, snow, and humidity.	Rust-proof, sharing the same corrosion resistance as its aluminum base.	Rust-proof.
Typical Outdoor Lifespan	3-8+ years, longer with a UV-protective laminate.	40+ years for architectural-grade panels.	Comparable to its base material, though less suited to prolonged direct sun without a laminate.	Engineer Grade: ~7 years; High-Intensity Prismatic: ~7-10 years; Diamond Grade: 10+ years.
Cost Position	Budget-friendly at standard gauges.	Excellent value for large, rigid signs.	More expensive than standard white-finish aluminum.	Varies depending on the reflective grade selected.

Custom indoor and outdoor metal signs are available in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses to match different applications. Small informational displays, middle-measuring branding elements, and large outdoor signs are all included. Available sizes vary by metal sign type. Options range from 4” × 4” to large-format dimensions up to 96 × 48” for solid, reflective, and brushed metal signs. Dibond signs can measure up to 120” x 60”.

Compact sizes (4” × 4”, 6” × 6”, or 8” × 10”) are perfect for detailed messages and indoor use. They’re a good fit for room numbers, office labels, safety notices, and small informational displays.

Mid-size options include 12” × 18”, 18” × 24”, or 24” × 36”. They provide better visibility while still being easy to install. Use them as directional signs, parking instructions, business hours, and branded displays.

Larger sizes include 36” × 48” and above. They help your message stand out from a distance. They’re common for storefront signage, building identification, outdoor advertisements, and high-traffic areas.

Thickness options include lightweight sheets for simple displays and thicker materials for added strength and rigidity. Custom solid aluminum signs are available in 0.040”, 0.060”, and 0.080” thicknesses. These are thin and lightweight options. Use them for general signage, safety messages, and informational displays.

Brushed aluminum comes in 0.032” and 0.125” thicknesses. Choose the first as a lightweight option for decorative displays. The thicker option adds rigidity and serves as a display with a more premium look.

Reflective aluminum signs are available in 0.080”, 0.125” (⅛”), and 0.25” (¼”) thicknesses. Select this material and use it for traffic, parking, and safety signage.

Dibond signs come in 0.125” (⅛”) and 0.25” (¼”) thicknesses. They combine a durable aluminum surface with a rigid core. They are ideal for long-lasting indoor and outdoor displays.

Square Signs is your go-to destination for top-notch sign printing solutions. We use high-quality technology to print your customized metal signs. Our UV-safe printing technique provides signage solutions that are rust and weather-resistant. 

Over the past decade, we’ve made printing easier with our simple online platform with over a hundred products and thousands of free design templates. Our intuitive design tool helps you create custom designs that match your brand.

Enjoy fast turnaround times and expedited delivery across the US and Canada. We help companies like Pepsi, Facebook, and Amazon stand out with bold signs that attract customers and increase sales. Join the ranks of our satisfied clients and see how we can improve your business.

Indoor and outdoor metal signs require minimal upkeep to look professional. Clean them regularly with a soft cloth, mild soap, and water. Don’t use abrasive cleaners or rough materials that may scratch the surface.

Clean away dust, bird droppings, or other residue to remove buildup from metal outdoor signs. Always inspect mounting hardware and ensure your sign remains securely attached.

Need to reinstall your sign? Avoid bending or scratching the surface. Handle with care to preserve your sign’s look.