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Sign material

Aluminium

The most durable standard signage material. Pressed or extruded aluminium sheet, typically 1.5-2mm thick. For high-impact, industrial, and 15+ year outdoor applications.

Pressed aluminium is the most durable of the standard signage materials. Used where impact resistance, chemical exposure, or 15+ year outdoor life is required.

Direct Signs supplies pressed aluminium in 1.5mm and 2mm thicknesses. The standard finish is powder-coated to your colour or branded specification. For tactile signage (raised lettering and braille), aluminium is the standard substrate — usually with engraved letters and applied tactile elements.

Lifespan: 15-20 years in standard installations. Marine-grade aluminium with appropriate coatings will last decades in coastal environments.

Best for

  • Industrial environments
  • Vehicle yards and plant rooms
  • High-impact areas
  • Marine and coastal locations (marine-grade)
  • Chemical storage areas (with overlaminate)
  • Tactile / accessibility signage

Avoid for

  • Anywhere rigid PVC or aluminium composite will do
  • Lightweight installations where weight matters

Available thicknesses

  • 1.5mm (standard)
  • 2mm (heavy-duty / large-format)

Lifespan

15-20 years standard; decades with marine specification

Common questions

Aluminium FAQs

When do I need solid aluminium over composite?
High-impact areas (vehicle strikes, deliberate vandalism), severe chemical exposure, marine / coastal environments, or applications needing 15+ year life. For most external signage, aluminium composite is sufficient.

What's tactile aluminium signage?
Aluminium signs with raised lettering, braille, or pictograms for accessible signage under BS 8300 and the Equality Act 2010. Typically wall-mounted at 1500mm handle height for accessible toilets, lifts, and key destinations.

Can aluminium be powder-coated to brand colours?
Yes. Powder-coating in any RAL, Pantone, or BS-spec colour is standard. Lead time adds 5-7 working days for the coating cycle.

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