Exterior Signage
Engraving materials for permanently legible signs and identification in outdoor environments. Weather resistant plastics, acrylic and metals are available for company signs, building signs, directional signs, information signs and technical outdoor identification.
Durable Signage for Exterior Applications
Exterior signage is continuously exposed to UV radiation, moisture, temperature fluctuations and other weather conditions. Depending on the location, mechanical stress, dirt, chemicals and increased requirements for corrosion resistance and maintenance may also need to be considered.
Material, surface finish, processing method, material thickness and mounting method should therefore be selected specifically for the intended application. INNOGRAV offers a range of engraving plastics, acrylic materials and metals for these requirements.
Our Material Recommendations for Exterior Signage
Outdoor requirements vary depending on location and service life. UV resistance, weather resistance, scratch resistance, corrosion resistance and the intended processing method should all be considered when choosing a material.
LaserAcryl 1
LaserAcryl 1 is a versatile two layer material for high contrast exterior signs and identification. Its UV resistant, microthin surface layer enables fine text, symbols and logos.
- Laser and rotary engraving
- UV resistant
- Wide range of colour combinations
- 1.6 mm material thickness
- For interior and exterior applications
LaserAcryl 3
LaserAcryl 3 combines fine engraving results with a stable material thickness of 3.0 mm. It is suitable for robust plastic signs where dimensional stability and UV resistance are required.
- Laser and rotary engraving
- Laser cutting possible
- UV resistant
- 3.0 mm material thickness
- For rigid exterior signs
LaserPlus
LaserPlus was developed specifically for exterior applications. Its integrated hardcoat provides increased protection against weathering, oxidation, corrosion and long term colour fading.
- Designed for exterior applications
- Laser and rotary engraving
- Weather resistant
- Protection against oxidation and corrosion
- 0.8 / 1.6 / 3.0 mm material thickness
LaserReverse
LaserReverse is a weather resistant engraving material for mirror image reverse engraving. The visible front remains protected, making it suitable for high quality exterior signage.
- Laser and rotary engraving
- Weather resistant
- UV stable
- Reverse engraving in mirror image
- 1.6 / 3.0 mm material thickness
LaserTexture
LaserTexture has a durable textured surface. The material is UV stable and outdoor weatherable, resistant to fingerprints and suitable for heavily used signs.
- Textured surface
- UV stable and outdoor weatherable
- Resistant to fingerprints
- Laser and rotary engraving
- 1.6 / 3.2 mm material thickness
LaserTaff
LaserTaff is designed for demanding exterior and industrial applications. Its surface is scratch resistant, UV stable, outdoor weatherable and largely chemically resistant.
- Laser and rotary engraving
- Scratch resistant surface
- UV stable and outdoor weatherable
- Largely chemically resistant
- For robust exterior identification
LaserFoil
LaserFoil is an especially thin, flexible and self adhesive solution for exterior identification on flat and slightly curved surfaces. Suitability for exterior applications depends on colour and version.
- Laser and rotary engraving
- Self adhesive backing
- High adhesive strength
- Suitable for curved surfaces
- 0.2 mm material thickness
LaserBasic
LaserBasic is an economical single colour acrylic material for lettering, display letters and templates. It is UV stable and weather resistant and is suitable for exterior applications.
- Laser and rotary engraving
- Single colour material
- UV stable
- Weather resistant
- 1.6 mm material thickness
Clear Cast Acrylic
Clear Cast Acrylic is a cast, weather resistant and lightfast acrylic for transparent exterior signs, covers and signage elements with high quality cut edges.
- Clear cast acrylic
- Laser and rotary processing
- Weather resistant
- Lightfast
- 2 / 3 / 4 / 6 mm material thickness
DuraBlack
DuraBlack is laser markable aluminium for particularly demanding exterior identification. It is suitable for applications involving abrasion, UV radiation, salt spray, temperature or chemical exposure.
- Laser markable aluminium
- Abrasion resistant
- UV resistant
- Weather resistant
- Optionally available with self adhesive film
AluSign
AluSign is a surface treated aluminium for precise, deep black laser marking. It is suitable for premium exterior identification, nameplates, scales and technical information signs.
- Surface treated aluminium
- Deep black laser marking
- UV resistant
- 0.5 / 1.0 mm material thickness
- For interior and exterior use
Stainless Steel (V2A)
Stainless Steel 1.4301 (V2A) is a corrosion resistant material with a durable metal surface. It is suitable for robust exterior and building signage.
- Stainless steel 1.4301
- Brushed on one side
- High corrosion resistance
- 0.8 mm material thickness
- Laser marking with a suitable marking compound such as CerMark
HardwearPlus
HardwearPlus is a material developed for rotary engraving with a microthin, matte surface layer. Its protective lacquer provides strong resistance to UV radiation and weathering for suitable colours.
- For rotary engraving
- Matte, low reflection surface
- Microthin surface layer
- UV resistant depending on colour
- 1.6 / 2.5 mm material thickness
ProPlast
ProPlast is a robust layered plastic for rotary engraving. Its laminated acrylic cap is scratch resistant and weather resistant, making it suitable for durable exterior and information signs.
- For rotary engraving
- Matte, low reflection surface
- Scratch resistant acrylic cap
- UV and weather resistant
- 1.5 / 2.5 mm material thickness
Cast Acrylic
Cast Acrylic offers versatile options for weather resistant, decorative and structural exterior signage. Depending on the version, it can be laser engraved, rotary engraved, milled, drilled and processed into custom shapes.
- Laser and rotary processing
- UV resistant
- Weather resistant
- For transparent or coloured designs
- For interior and exterior use
Cast Acrylic Reverse
Cast Acrylic Reverse is a multi-layer acrylic material for mirror image reverse engraving. The visible front remains protected while the engraving is applied from the back and can be colour filled if required.
- 2-ply cast acrylic
- Reverse engraving
- Scratch resistant laminated cap
- UV and weather resistant
- 1.6 / 3.2 mm material thickness
Aluminium-Stainless Steel Look
Aluminium-Stainless Steel Look combines the machinability of aluminium with a premium stainless steel appearance. The material is suitable for representative building signs and mechanically engraved exterior signage.
- Stainless steel appearance
- For rotary engraving
- UV resistant
- Weather resistant
- For premium exterior signage
Brass MS58
Brass MS58 is highly polished brass for representative signs and lettering. For exterior use, the surface should be protected after engraving or maintained regularly to limit oxidation.
- Highly polished surface
- For rotary engraving
- 1.0 / 1.5 / 2.0 / 3.0 mm material thickness
- For premium signs
- For exterior use only with suitable care or protective lacquer
Which Material Is Suitable for Which Exterior Signage Application?
| Application | Recommendation | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| General exterior signs | LaserPlus / LaserTaff / LaserTexture | High UV and weather resistance |
| Coloured plastic signs | LaserAcryl 1 / LaserAcryl 3 / LaserBasic | High contrast engraving and different colour options |
| Protected reverse engraving | LaserReverse / Cast Acrylic Reverse | Engraving on the back while the visible front remains protected |
| Transparent exterior signs | Clear Cast Acrylic / Cast Acrylic | Weather resistant acrylic surfaces and versatile fabrication options |
| Self adhesive identification | LaserFoil | Thin, flexible and self adhesive; exterior suitability depends on version |
| Mechanically engraved plastic signs | HardwearPlus / ProPlast | Durable surfaces for long lasting rotary engraving |
| Robust metal identification | DuraBlack / Stainless Steel (V2A) | For increased stress, corrosion and demanding environments |
| Fine black laser marking | AluSign | Precise deep black marking on aluminium |
| Stainless steel appearance | Aluminium-Stainless Steel Look | Weather resistant metal appearance with good machinability |
| Decorative brass signs | Brass MS58 | Highly polished; exterior surfaces require maintenance or protective lacquer |
What Should Be Considered for Exterior Signage?
UV Resistance
Direct sunlight can change colours and surfaces over time. Materials explicitly designed for UV resistance should be selected for permanently exposed signs.
Weather Resistance
Rain, moisture, frost and temperature fluctuations place different demands on materials than indoor applications. The selected material should be suitable for the specific exterior use.
Mechanical Stress
Public and industrial environments may involve scratches, friction and frequent cleaning. LaserTaff, LaserTexture, DuraBlack and robust metal solutions are suitable options for higher levels of stress.
Corrosion & Chemicals
For metal signage and industrial applications, corrosion resistance and possible contact with cleaning agents, oils or chemicals should be considered.
Processing Method
Depending on the material, laser engraving, laser marking, laser cutting, rotary engraving or diamond engraving may be used. Material and processing method should be coordinated during the planning stage.
Mounting & Maintenance
Mounting, ventilation and possible material expansion should be considered for larger exterior signs. Some surfaces, such as polished brass, also require regular maintenance or suitable protection.
Custom Cuts for Exterior Signs
Many INNOGRAV materials can be ordered as full sheets, strips or custom cut pieces. This allows company signs, building signs, directional signs and technical exterior identification to be produced efficiently.
Depending on the material and version, additional processing such as drilled holes, cut-outs, rounded corners or self adhesive backing may also be available.
Find the Right Material for Your Exterior Signage
Do you need material for company signs, building signs, directional signs, information signs or technical outdoor identification? We can help you select the right material, surface finish, thickness and processing method.
Frequently Asked Questions About Engraving Materials for Exterior Signage
Which materials are particularly suitable for permanent exterior signs?
LaserPlus, LaserTaff, LaserTexture, LaserReverse, ProPlast, Cast Acrylic and various metals are particularly suitable for permanently exposed exterior signs. The specific requirements for UV radiation, weathering, mechanical stress and mounting are decisive.
Which material is suitable for reverse engraved exterior signs?
LaserReverse and Cast Acrylic Reverse are suitable for reverse engraving. The engraving is applied in mirror image on the back so that the visible front remains protected.
Which materials are suitable for heavily used exterior areas?
LaserTaff and LaserTexture provide durable surfaces. DuraBlack and Stainless Steel (V2A) are suitable options for particularly demanding metal identification.
Which materials are suitable for transparent exterior signs?
Clear Cast Acrylic and other suitable cast acrylic variants are weather resistant and can be processed by laser or mechanically. Cast Acrylic Reverse is available for protected reverse engraving.
Can Brass MS58 be used outdoors?
Brass MS58 can be used for exterior signs, but its unprotected polished surface requires regular maintenance. Alternatively, a suitable protective lacquer can be applied after engraving to reduce oxidation.
Is LaserFoil suitable for exterior applications?
Depending on colour and version, LaserFoil is suitable for certain exterior applications. It is particularly thin, flexible and self adhesive and can also be used on slightly curved surfaces.
Can exterior signs be supplied as custom cuts?
Many INNOGRAV materials are available as full sheets, strips or custom cut pieces. Depending on the material, drilled holes, cut-outs, rounded corners and other processing options may also be available.