Three Simple Techniques to Set up Your Aluminum Indicators

Last updated on March 14th, 2024 at 05:37 pm

Aluminum signs are excellent for putting up long-term signages in areas you want to mark. Since they are water-resistant and durable, they are suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. They are helpful in navigating public places like main thoroughfares, schools, and parks, but they also work well in private settings such as offices and brick-and-mortar stores.

To maximize your aluminum signs, you need to make sure that they are installed correctly. This way, you can ensure they last long and won’t be hazardous to passersby. Here are three easy ways to display your aluminum signs properly, as tried and tested by UPrinting.

1. 3M Command™ Strips

Using adhesive strips from 3M Command is an effortless yet effective way to secure your aluminum sign. All you need to do is to peel off the 3M Command Strips, stick one side on to your metal sign, and then stick the other side of the adhesive to your wall. These foam-based strips may feel soft to the touch but the adhesive itself is unmatched when it comes to stickiness. 3M Command Strips also clean off easily when it’s time to take your sign down, so you won’t leave residue on the wall. Keep in mind that while these strips are water-resistant, they’re better used in indoor settings as constant exposure to water or moisture may affect the adhesive. Furthermore, you can only print on one side of the metal sign if you intend to use 3M Command Strips to install them.

3M Command Strips can be used on smooth surfaces like painted concrete walls, glass, tile metal, painted cinder block, and painted wallboard. It is not recommended to use these adhesive strips on rough or uneven surfaces like brick, cement board, and rough-sawn wood.

When using 3M Command Strips, ensure that surface has no grease, and has been wiped clean and dried prior to application. It’s also important to note that these adhesive strips have weight capacity limitations so take the time to read the instructions and reference guides before installing your sign.

2. Zip Ties

Zip ties are perfect for installing aluminum signs outdoors as their combined durability can withstand exposure to sunlight and rain. You can use the zip ties to secure your metal sign to a wired fence, a pole, or window grills. If you’re having both sides of your aluminum sign printed, zip ties would be the perfect accessory to hang them from hooks.

When ordering aluminum signs from UPrinting, opt to have them drilled with holes in areas you require. Your metal signs with pre-drilled holes will not only save you time, but you’re also guaranteed to have the drilling professionally done. You can also choose the location of the holes: on all four corners, all sides center, top corners only, top and bottom center, and left and right center. If you have a preference not listed in our hole drilling choices, we can customize it for you. Just pick “Custom” from the dropdown menu and tell us where on the sign you’d like to have the hole drilled and we’ll take care of the rest.

3. Velcro

If you find yourself needing to put up and take down a sign on a recurring basis, Velcro will save you time, cost, and energy. For example, you need to shuffle your signs based on your café’s daily specials or you simply need to remove a sign while you’re away. Velcro allows you to remove the signs and put them back easily as needed. Just stick one side of the Velcro tape onto the sign and the other side on the surface you want to attach your sign to and you’re good to go.

Just like with 3M Command Strips, you can only print on one side of the sign if you’re using Velcro as installation accessories. Velcro can also be used in indoor and outdoor settings as long as the hook and loop tape itself is fixed on a smooth surface. While Velcro is made of known water-resistant materials nylon and polyester, note that it can still absorb water. You can still put up your sign outdoors, but it’s best to install it on a surface that isn’t directly exposed to moisture or rain.

It is generally recommended to measure the area where you’d be installing your sign. This way, you can also order the correct signage dimensions and make room for holes that would be drilled into the aluminum, especially if you’ll be using zip ties. Should you need help in choosing the right installation accessory, you can also ask our customer service representatives to help you find the best option for your aluminum sign.