How do you get a weatherproof sign?

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

I have a need for a few truly weatherproof signs. I've tried printing with different ink on different papers, including sheets that are supposed to be vinyl and waterproof.

Even if they don't run, they fade after only a few months

I've looked at sellers on different sites that offer custom signs.

They don't guarantee quality and/or are too expensive, or won't fit enough characters on the size. Or they have other limitations.

Ideally two of what I need would be on metal like some of the for sale signs you see at hardware stores.

Commercial sign making sites have minimums and won't do single items.

Or, they just flat too expensive.

I need quality, permanent and cheap, and yes, I'm picking all three.

 

[lxskllr]

How permanent? Absolutely nothing is forever. What's the purpose? If it doesn't have to look pretty, you can use stick on letters on an aluminum back or something like that.

Edit:
or you could do something like hand engraving a piece of slate. That'll be forever for your purposes.

 

[lxskllr]

I made this for my mother's cat...

 

[deadlyapp]

You need UV resistant outdoor rated vinyl. Still will probably only last a few years before needing replacement. You can get someone to make it / cut it on a cricut machine or similar, then just put it on an aluminum backer.

Seems you can get 18x24" aluminum signs for about the $50 range which seems pretty acceptable to me.

 

[sdifox]

Get a slab of sandstone engraved

 

[nakedfrog]

Find the base material for the sign, buy some spray paint, make stencils, DIY.

 

[Paperdoc]

You can NOT expect any paint NOT to fade when exposed constantly to sunlight. The reason you can see any colour is that the paint pigments absorb the colours you do NOT see - this is called subtractive colour dyes. The energy of the light absorbed by the pigment damages that pigment, so continued action like that eventually alters that pigment a lot so it cannot continue to absorb light and create the colour you expect. The closest I can think of to minimize that process is to use glossy BLACK paint on a white background. Changes in the black paint may render it less black, also known as dark grey, but still readable. However, simple black on white is not usually an attractive sign design. Think highway speed signs - not designed to be pretty or exciting.

Your solution may be to plan to re-paint your sign every year or two.

 

[BoomerD]

Well…duh. Make it out of weather-proof materials.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Maybe use tape instead of paint, on corrugated plastic. Electrical tape maybe, as it comes in different colours. Get a clear plastic sheet to sandwich it so the tape won't peal off.

 

[dullard]

Even street signs whose sole purpose is to be quality, permanent, and cheep signs only last about 10 years. The most important ones are changed every ~5 to 7 years due to fading.