Signage Glossary
40 signage terms in plain English, from ACM to wayfinding, each linked to the products, prices and guides that cover it.
0 to 9
- 2.5D letteringalso called raised lettering
Letters cut from a sheet such as acrylic and fixed to a sign face, so they stand proud of it with depth and shadow. Often used on signtrays.
A
- A sizesalso called A1, A0, paper sizes
The international paper sizes used for posters and signs. Each size is half the one before it: A0 is 841 × 1189mm, A1 594 × 841mm, A2 420 × 594mm, A3 297 × 420mm and A4 210 × 297mm.
- A-boardalso called pavement sign, sandwich board
A freestanding folding sign shaped like the letter A, placed outside a shop or on a forecourt to catch passing trade. Ours are aluminium with snap frames, single or double-sided. Placing one on the pavement usually needs the council’s permission.
- ACM (aluminium composite material)also called aluminium composite, aluminium composite panel
Two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a plastic core. It is light, rigid and weather resistant, so it stays flat outdoors and is the standard material for permanent outdoor signs, fascias and signtrays.
- Acrylic
A clear, rigid plastic with a glossy, glass-like finish, used for premium interior signs, reception logos, flat-cut letters and point of sale displays such as poster and card holders.
- Advertisement consent
Permission from the local planning authority to display a sign. In England signs are controlled by the advertisement regulations rather than ordinary planning permission, and most illuminated signs need consent.
- Anti-graffiti laminate
A clear, wipe-clean laminate over the print that protects a sign against graffiti and marker pen. A good choice for signs in exposed spots.
- Artwork proof
A preview of your sign, checked by a person, that you approve before anything is made. Production times are counted from proof approval.
B
- Bleed
Extra background artwork, typically 3mm, that runs past the edge of the finished size so no white line shows after the sign is trimmed.
- Brushed aluminium
Aluminium composite with a fine brushed metallic face, used for entrance, office and reception signs indoors or out.
Brushed Aluminium Stand-Off PanelBrushed Aluminium Sign Prices
- Built-up letters
3D letters fabricated with a face and returned sides, so they are deeper than flat-cut letters and can hold lighting inside.
C
- Cassette
The base of a roller banner. The printed graphic rolls up inside it, pulls up onto a pole to display and retracts again for transport.
- Correxalso called fluted polypropylene
A fluted polypropylene sheet: very light, waterproof and low cost. It is made for temporary signs such as site, event and promotional signs.
D
- Deemed consent
Signs that can go up without applying for advertisement consent, as long as they meet every condition of their class. In England many non-illuminated fascia signs on business premises qualify.
- Dibond
A well-known brand of aluminium composite material (ACM), often used as a general name for it. Our flat aluminium signs use 3mm aluminium composite.
E
- Eyelets
Metal rings set into the hemmed edge of a banner so it can be tied or cable-tied to fences, railings and shopfronts.
F
- Fascia
The board above a shopfront that carries the business name. A fascia sign is fixed to it, often as a signtray or flat aluminium panel.
- Flat-cut letters
Letters cut from a single sheet, such as acrylic or Foamex, for a crisp raised look on a wall or panel.
- Foamexalso called PVC foam board
A brand name widely used for PVC foam board: light, rigid and lower in cost than aluminium. It suits indoor signs, displays and shorter-term outdoor use, in thicknesses such as 3mm, 5mm, 10mm and 19mm.
- Fret-cut
A sign face with the lettering and logo cut out of it, often backed with acrylic, for a crisp architectural look. Usually made as a fret-cut signtray.
G
- gsm
Grams per square metre, the weight of a banner or print material. A 440gsm PVC banner is heavier and harder-wearing than a 300gsm one.
H
L
- Laminate
A clear protective film over a print. Matt laminate reduces glare, gloss laminate makes colours look richer, and dry-wipe or anti-graffiti laminates add a wipe-clean surface.
- LED neon
Signs made with flexible LED lighting shaped into lettering or artwork to give the look of traditional glass neon, in a full range of colours.
- Lightbox
An illuminated sign with a printed face lit from inside. A projecting lightbox sticks out from the building so it is seen from both directions.
- Locators
Spacers fixed behind individual letters so they stand off the wall and appear to float.
M
- Manifestationalso called glass manifestation
Markings such as frosted dots or bands applied to glazed doors, screens and partitions so people can see the glass. It is required in many places under the Building Regulations and can carry a logo.
P
- POS (point of sale)
Displays at the till, on the counter or on the shop floor that promote products and offers, such as strut cards, poster holders and display bridges.
- Post and panel sign
A printed panel mounted on posts in the ground, used for site entrances, car parks, wayfinding and roadside signs.
- Projecting signalso called hanging sign
A sign fixed at right angles to a building, so people walking along the street see it from both directions.
R
S
- Signtray
A sheet of aluminium composite folded into a shallow tray, so the sign has clean returned edges and sits neatly on a fascia. Ours come 30mm or 50mm deep, with vinyl lettering, raised 2.5D letters or a fret-cut face.
- Snap frame
A frame with edges that click open, so a poster can be swapped in seconds without tools. Used on A-boards and poster displays.
- Stand-offalso called stand-off fixings
A metal fixing that holds a panel a short distance off the wall, giving a floating look. Common for reception, office and entrance signs.
- Strut card
A printed card with a fold-out strut on the back so it stands up on a counter or table, used for promotions and price cards.
T
- Tobleronealso called pitch-side board
A triangular freestanding advertising board, named after its shape, used pitch-side at football grounds and sports events.
V
- Vector artwork
Artwork drawn as shapes and paths rather than pixels, usually saved as PDF, EPS, AI or SVG. It scales to any sign size without losing sharpness, which makes it the best format for print and cut lettering.
- Vinyl
Self-adhesive film used for signs and graphics. Coloured vinyl is cut into lettering, while printed vinyl carries full-colour artwork and is applied to boards and panels.
W
- Wayfinding
Signs that help people find their way around a building or site, such as directions, maps, entrance and car park signs.
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