Illuminate Your Brand with Premium Illuminated Signage
                     Illuminated 
Signage
B U Y E R ’ S  G U I D E
Everything you need to make an informed decision 
on your next illuminated signage project.
1
The Sign  Promise
At , we believe in going the extra mile to give you a great 
signage experience.  offers full-service signage options that 
you simply cannot get anywhere else. Whether one sign or hundreds, 
temporary banners or corporate signs, we are committed to providing 
an exceptional experience for every customer each and every time. 
From concept to completion, let our dedicated professionals show you 
the way to grow your business.
2
Did you know illuminated signs are one of 
the most popular advertising solutions?
Illuminated signs work day and night to draw LED technology has advanced the ways in which 
attention and double your visibility, driving your your signs can be lit – from 3D fabricated letters, 
marketing message 24/7 and delivering maximum backlit logos and under awning lightboxes, we will 
impact. If your business is competing for attention help you craft the perfect sign.
in a busy area, bright signage will help you get 
noticed.
You’re in good company. See why we’re the 
trusted illuminated signage experts.
“ It’s been a pleasure “ Thank you for the “ I have been using working with  amazing transformation s services 
They have taken on of our building. Your for years now and 
some tasks which have been in attentive service made the the quality of work is why we 
the impossible basket from my process quick and easy. Your keep going back. The team 
point of view and with a bit of ability to problem solve when communicate well and are 
research and tenacity, managed developing a solution ensured incredibly flexible to ensure the 
to come through with a solution. the end result looks great. work they do does not disrupt 
our office. 
To learn more about illuminated signs, call or visit 
 store to discuss your ideas!
3
The 
 
Difference
Why use  
for your Illuminated 
Signage?
We understand that you are busy, 
and want to achieve excellent results 
for your business with minimum time 
investment.
SPECIALIST GRAPHIC HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS
DESIGNERS At , we always recommend the 
Our design team will work closely with you highest quality materials. Your business 
signage is a reection of your company and 
meet and exceed your expectations. what you stand for – and this should only be 
the best. 
They will discuss your requirements, gather 
together all of the required elements such 
as logos, colours, photos, etc, then design 
some concepts for you to approve. 
PURCHASING POWER PARTNERS IN BRANDING 
With our resources, we utilise the latest SOLUTIONS
technology and techniques to produce top  is more than just your signage 
quality results at the best possible price. company. We can brand everything from 
pens through to corporate head ofces.
Anything you can think to put a logo on, we 
can help! We are in the ‘branding solutions’ 
business. 
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
 has continued to research and 
develop new signage solutions for our 
customers. 
Our size and our exposure to national and 
international world-leading technologies, 
means that we can bring you some of the 
most creative solutions available for your 
business.
4
Our Process
At  we pride ourselves on helping demystify 
the signage process for our customers.
By following these simple steps, we help make your branding process easy by taking the hassle away 
from your desk and letting you get on with running your business.
1. CONTACT US
Contact  by phone, email, or website enquiry, or 
visit us in-store. We are easy to nd on the internet, just 
search 
2. WE CONSULT
 can meet you on site or in our showroom to gain a 
full understanding of your requirements and objectives. We 
will then provide recommendations tailored to your business.
3. WE ESTIMATE
We always endeavour to provide you with an itemised written 
estimate within 24 hours. Once you are ready to approve 
your estimate, just pay a 50% deposit to get the design 
process underway.
4. WE DESIGN
Our Graphic Designer will generate your unique, customised 
proof, complete with photographic overlay (where applicable) 
which will be presented to you for approval or changes.
5.YOU APPROVE
Once you are happy with the design, you provide nal 
approval of your proof. This enables us to put your project 
into our Production system. Depending on the complexity, we 
allow for between 7-10 days from the date of receiving your 
proof approval to completion for most projects.
6. WE FULFILL
We will contact you to either arrange for collection of your 
goods, or to schedule the date and time for the installation of 
your signage. 
5
Why LED Signs?
LED signs are fast becoming the most common answer 
for attractive and cost-effective signage. 
LED (light emitting diode) The impact on the 
is a small electronic semi- environment is also reduced. 
conductor that converts LEDs contain no lead, 
electric energy into visible mercury, or glass, allowing 
light. Due to their low power for easier disposal. For any 
consumption and durability, business looking to obtain a 
LEDs have become a “greener” image, LEDs are 
popular illuminated signage an environmentally friendly 
option, delivering long-term alternative to other forms of 
cost savings. lighting.
The efciency of LED At , we offer 
reduces the need for ongoing manufacturing ,design 
maintenance and labour – 
some LED signs running ten and installation to suit 
hours a day can produce all your LED signage 
bright and stable light for needs.
more than ten years!
We use a wide variety of 
materials including:
 Acrylic –  Also known as perspex, acrylic comes in many 
thicknesses and colours, including clear acrylic. It can 
be used in a range of applications, both internally and 
externally. Great for lightbox faces (opal), 3D lettering, 
channel and fabricated lettering to get different light 
diffusion effects.
 Aluminium – Aluminium can be powder coated with a 3D backlit sign mounted on Stainless steel back-lit letters
high quality, baked-on high-gloss enamel for a premium aluminium composite panel
Ideal for small to 
medium size indoor and outdoor signage.
 Composite Panels (ACP )– Aluminium composite panels 
are a relatively new signmaking product. It is lightweight, 
yet strong, and will not warp, rot, or rust. Its unique 
core does not swell, absorb water, or corrode from the 
inside. Great for custom-cut graphics for daytime and 
outdoor applications.
 Flex Face – A PVC banner material, used for larger 
illuminated sign boxes where a continuous, join-free 
surface is required and acrylic sheeting is not a suitable 
option. Best for wind resistance. Raised back-lit letters with an Acrylic fabricated letters on ACP 
LED backlit lightbox behind a panel with coloured vinyl face
metal panel
6
Lightboxes
Lightbox Signs are a uniquely 
effective way to brand and 
draw attention to your business 
24/7. 
Get seen from high trafc areas by using a lightbox for 
exterior fascia or pylons. Inside they can highlight your 
brand above counters, in reception areas and shopfronts, 
giving your brand a sleek, professional look.
Under awning lightbox–  
We generally fabricate our lightboxes out of acrylic Popular with many retail and 
or aluminium. The faces of our lightboxes are digitally shopfront businesses
either single-sided or double-sided. We also offer different 
lighting options for your lightbox. 
NO MORE UNSEEMLY JOINS
For larger lightboxes, we recommend providing 
panels to avoid the unseemly joins that you see in many 
old-school acrylic-faced lightboxes. 
Flex face can be produced in larger sizes - with no 
joins! - meaning that your brand, message and logo go 
uninterrupted across the full length of your illuminated Custom shaped lightboxes 
sign. – whatever the shape, we’ll
Your  specialist will consult with you on the 
right lighting design based on the locationsi,z e, 
graphic design and the benefits that you want to 
achieve from your illuminated signage.
For a 
sophisticated feel, 
try an LED backlit 
panel sign. Free standing pylon Wall mounted slimline 
lightbox – ideal for lightboxes – great for 
We can apply various real estate, posters, menu 
gold acrylic, as pictured.
Wraparound lightboxes – 
be seen from both sides of – perfect for indoor and
the street outdoor signage
7
3D Fabricated Letters
Create vibrant, attractive displays 
with 3D illuminated letters.
HOW IT WORKS
The text or logo is fabricated from aluminium or acrylic 
materials. The letters can be fully illuminated (front and 
sides), they can be front lit, side lit (opaque faces) or space 
mounted and back lit.
Alternatively, the illumination can be embedded in solid 
acrylic letters giving an overall glow. Your creativity is the only 
limit to what can be achieved with custom illuminated letters.
HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS
Depending on the nish and colour required, we can produce 
your illuminated signage from a variety of durable, high 
polished mirror, brushed steel, powder coated, aluminium, 
brass, or painted.
The most commonly used material in Australia is acrylic, 
which can be internally illuminated with LED lighting and can 
produce any effect desired. 
Just as common now is the usage of aluminium letters that 
illuminated to provide a front or back-lit effect.
 will advise on the best solution for your 
branding needs.
Front-lit lettersp rovide solid colour, Face-lit letters Edge/side or back-lit halo lette rs
day/night colour reversals. programmable controller and RGB LED are considered more elegant and 
modules. dramatic as the letters are lit internally 
from behind, outlining your graphics or 
letters. This creates the popular ‘halo’ 
effect.
8
LED Message Boards
Do you need to convey 
constantly changing information 
to a wide audience? 
LED message boards are the perfect 
solution.
We have partnerships with software providers that can 
help you create and publish your own content to message 
boards. You will be completely in control of your own 
message. 
If you’re not sure how to create your own content, 
speak to  and we can assist you with content 
creation.
PERFECT FOR THINGS TO 
CONSIDER
Schools and 
universities Location
The need to communicate, How far away will passing 
inform and advertise is trafc be to read your sign? 
constant on education How will they be travelling 
campuses. LED message (walking, vehicles)? This will 
boards allow your help determine the ‘pitch’o f 
communications team to the LED sign that is chosen 
continuously push messages to maximise visibility but 
to students and service retain cost-effectiveness.
providers alike.
Maintenance
Sporting associations
Consider a maintenance 
Promote sponsors, display contract on your LED 
scores, update your signage to ensure that your 
supporters on upcoming LED message board keeps 
events. working for you, 24/7. Also 
ensure that you undertake 
Retail centres regular maintenance of your 
power source to maintain 
Looking for a way to attract visibility.
new customers, advertise 
your wares or announce Mobile
promotions? This is a great 
way to keep your message Do you need your message 
current and relevant to to be mobile? Consider 
existing and new customers. mounting your LED message 
board onto a trailer so that 
it can be seen around town. 
Talk to  about this 
option.
9
Neon Signs
Classic is classy.
Neon signs are an old favourite, and in many 
cases are coming back into fashion for their ‘retro’ 
look. All about attracting attention, we can create 
a truly bespoke sign that conveys the essence of 
your brand. The angles and shapes achieved with 
neon are great for lettering. 
Neon signs can be for either indoor or outdoor 
use, available in 30 colours to match your 
corporate branding.
Two types of neon are available: Standard (Blue 
& Red) or Coloured Glass with around 30 colours, 
which is more expensive, but is much more 
vibrant.
Choose from three sizes of neon tube: 9mm for 
tight curves such as script lettering, 12mm for 
most work, and 15mm for larger lettering.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
 You’re best to go with a brand logo, name or 
short, clear message. Big, bold lettering is hard 
to top so talk to us about choosing fantastic 
and timeless font that will best broadcast your 
brand.
 Choose your font, your colour and we will do 
the rest. Your lovely lights can even be set on 
a timer to display different effects for maximum 
impact.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
 Positioning - make sure that your neon sign is 
easily accessible for easy maintenance and 
cleaning. We’ve all seen neon signs where one 
letter is ‘out of action’ for a while, and it doesn’t 
represent that business well! Also locating your 
neon sign in a cooler spot can provide a longer 
life to your neon sign.
 Maintenance - we recommend an ongoing 
maintenance contract on your neon signage to 
ensure a longer life.
10
Neon vs. LED 
What’s the difference?
When we talk about  without waste.  LEDs can also be 
‘illuminated signs’, many supplied in clear tubes which have a 
similar look to neon.
people still think we mean 
‘neon’. Changeability
While neon signs still have their place, Once a neon sign is made, there’s no 
more often than not in today’s signage changing it. Using LED strips, any strip 
world, neon has been replaced by LED. can be easily replaced and upgraded 
as often as you like, with whatever 
So why the change? LED signs have messages you like. This makes your 
a number of natural advantages over signs’ maintenance much easier as well.
neon signage:
Cost savings
Reliability
Over the long-term, LEDs are much 
LEDs are very reliable and will last the cheaper to run than neon as well as 
life of the sign when properly installed. 
Meanwhile, neon signs are more fragile, This brings great environmental 
being made of glass, and contain advantages.
noxious gases which potentially leak 
out. Brightness
Adaptability Whilst neon signs can offer a ‘warmer’ 
light, LEDs are far brighter and can be 
LED illumination is very adaptable and seen better from a distance, even in 
the light source can be placed in small broad daylight.
letters, and can be precisely positioned 
behind illuminated elements in larger 
signs to place light where it is needed 
Planning your illuminated 
signage project
Each council will 
have a different set of 
Any major signage project involves Council Approval regulations, so speak with 
planning. By considering the message 
you want to convey to your target Large signs will generally need  to find out what 
audience and the location of your planning and building approval from the requirements are in 
signage, we can help you select the your local council. your area.
best solution for your needs.
Your signage will need to comply with 
You also need to take into consideration regulations covering location, height, 
the timing of your project to ensure stability, etc. 
that we can meet all of the necessary 
requirements to have your signage 
installed on time.
11
Outdoor Sign Solutions
Broadcast your 
location, day or night.
These signs are the workhorses of the 
sign industry for retail locations.
From budget lightboxes to sophisticated 
electronic digital signage with 
changeable message displays, we can 
location and budget.
Under awning lightbox Fabricated lightbox
Backlit 3D fabricated letters
Pylon lightbox signs
Under awning lightbox
Pylon lightbox
Directional signage Stainless steel illuminated letters
12
Circle shaped lightbox Changeable LED sign 
for advertising
Hanging under awning lightbox
3D fabricated letters
3D fabricated letters
Retail shopfront signage Backlit 3D router cut letters
Large scale 3D illuminated letters
Freestanding lightbox
13
Indoor Sign Solutions
Not just for the Reception signage Restaurant neon sign 
outdoors!
Brighten up any interior space with an 
LED sign. Whether you’re a restaurant, 
barber, salon, boutique, or retail store, 
we have the perfect signage solution for 
you.
Hanging 3D fabricated letters LED backlit panel
LED backlit panel
Hanging lightbox Backlit 3D letters
3D edgelit letters Lightbox menu boards 
14
LED backlit panels Backlit 3D letters
Neon reception sign Neon reception sign
Reception area signage
Reception signage
Hanging lightbox
Fascia signage for retail
15
How do I design the perfec t
illuminated sign?
While everyone has their own idea of Signs should take into account how Brand Connection
what makes for a creative masterpiece, they will be viewed and read from 
there are a few key ingredients to a different modes of travel including It’s important that your signage 
great, effective sign. people on foot, in a car, or bus. connects to your business’ brand. 
You can achieve this through colour, 
The Right Information Complement the architecture of the materials, typography and integration.
building in terms of style, scale and 
Ask yourself: Does my sign include proportion. Great signage incorporating your 
every detail people need? Is it all identity can enhance your space and 
necessary? Can I leave it out? Positioning creates an extension of the brand.
Good Legibility The placement of 3D illuminated 
signage in particular requires careful 
When you’re designing on a screen, consideration. Not just access to power, 
consider the scale of the design. What but more importantly visibility to passing 
looks great at a small scale may not trafc. Where does your sign need to 
translate at a much larger size. be viewed from? How large do your 
letters need to be in order to be legible 
at night?
Caring for your illuminated signs
You’ve invested in your LED scrub brush or scouring pad since it SIGN MAINTENANCE 
sign – maximise its longevity could damage your sign’s surface. PROGRAM
by conducting regular Rinse your sign with clean water and  may advise you to sign up for 
maintenance . dry it with a soft micro bre cloth to avoid a sign maintenance program. This 
water spots. means that we will handle preventative 
Keep an eye out for wear and tear, cleaning and routine maintenance. 
gra SPOT CLEANING
performance or increased power usage. In addition to scheduling visits as 
If you notice any issues or damage Your LED sign can be spot cleaned with needed, we can work with you to build 
to your sign, please contact  Windex using a soft towel or cloth, but a custom maintenance schedule. 
immediately and we will be happy to avoid using paper towels, or other harsh 
help! solvent cleaners or materials. We typically recommend that signs be 
serviced every three years; however, 
GENERAL CLEANING REMOVING GRAFITTI your illuminated sign may need more 
The quicker the gra frequent servicing and repairing if it is 
Wash your LED sign with mild soap and easier the removal process will be. Ask running all day and night.
warm water, such as dish soap. Avoid your local  for recommended 
using any type of abrasive such as a cleaning solutions.
16
Preparing your artwork
We can help you with your 
existing art 
result you want.
HOW TO SEND YOUR FILES TO US
Many hotographic art 
be sent on CD, USB, uploaded via the Artwork Upload form 
on your local  store’s website, or on cloud services 
like Hightail, Dropbox, or WeTransfer. We work with most 
common le formats.
TIPS
Fonts & Text – if you want us to use your design without 
any changes, it is best to convert all text to outlines. This 
avoids the problem of us not having the exact same fonts as 
you on our system (we have thousands of fonts, but there is 
sometimes one that we don’t have). 
If you don’t know how to convert fonts to outlines, just ask 
, and they will tell you how to do it on your design 
program. 
Colour – colour is an important part of good signage and 
exhibition graphics; however, the colour you see on your 
monitor, or produce on your printer will not necessarily be the 
colour you will see on your new  digitally printed 
graphics. This is not due to any fault on your part, or ours, 
rather it is because colour is device dependent.
We can maintain the colours in your digitally printed graphics. 
T nd out about how to incorporate industry If you have no artwork, 
standard colour in your design, and other ways of maintaining 
y. no problem!
SCANNING ha  thousands of high-resolution photos, 
We can offer scanning services for photographs, logos, etc. images, illustrations, fonts and backgrounds.
These are scanned up to 2400dpi. The bigger the original, Whether or not you have an in-house designer, 
the better the result.  can work with you to build the best brand 
The logos and designs are the property of the company they image possible. 
represent. Contact your local  sign centre today 
to learn more about our professional creative 
design services.
17
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I buy illuminated What types of lightboxes do you How do I know which feature 
signage as my business signage? supply? lighting and effects to use?
We can supply single sided lightboxes Confused? Don’t worry – simply give us 
signage is that your sign will be seen all a call or visit your local  sign 
day and all night. sided lightbox, under awning (either centre. We are always happy to explain 
single or double sided sign), or we and discuss your feature lighting 
Additionally, lightboxes are can do 3 dimensional lightboxes with choices and requirements.
weatherproof and last for years in ‘push through’ lettering to combine the 
exposed conditions, and look sleek and What fonts should I use?
sophisticated no matter the time of day. component. 
The font or typeface refers to the letters 
If your business is one that relies on How durable are your lightboxes? or characters that make up the words 
brand exposure, and you wish to extend on the sign. It’s important to remember 
that in to the night, a lightbox is ideal. Our lightboxes are exceptionally well that not all fonts are appropriate for 
built. In addition to the aluminium signage. 
As leaders in the signage industry, extrusion that makes up the external 
our experienced team are happy to edges of the lightbox, we use internal Choose a font that is legible and best 
consult and guide you to create the best braces for further strengthening of the reects your brand.  will help 
illuminated signage solution for your box. you consider factors such as visibility, 
business. readability, noticeability and legibility 
When comparing quotes, it is hard to when choosing the best font.
How cost effective is it to run know the quality of the lightbox that you 
illuminated signage? will get. 
Illuminated signage does require How long do illuminated signs last?
electricity consumption; however, with 
the advancement of LED technology All our LED signs are created 
there are more economical and energy according to your specic environment 
efcient options. Generally we use requirements, and can be expected 
and encourage LEDs for any of our to last long term, even in the harsh 
illuminated signage. The cost is slightly Australian environment.
more initially, but this is outweighed 
by long term power savings and less What effects can be achieved?
maintenance.
Our graphic designers are qualied and 
How are your lightboxes experienced in creating the highest 
illuminated? possible impact to meet your brief and 
requirements.
Traditionally, lightboxes have been 
We can produce signage with effects 
Nowadays we encourage customers on your logo or lettering like the Halo 
to use LEDs to internally illuminate Effect (the bright glow around the sides 
lightboxes. They offer a more evenly of the signage to create a ‘halo’ look), 
distribution of light, are highly energy front illumination only, or side 
efcient and long-lasting, requiring less illumination only. We have sample 
maintenance and repair. boards made up to demonstrate these 
different effects. 
18
RENT TO OWN WITH
 Finance
NOW YOU CAN AFFORD NEW ILLUMINATED SIGNAGE!
Rent to Own – from $500 to 
$500,000
No deposit or hidden fees
Simple application (with an in-
stant response)
No security bond
100% Tax Deductible
Pay out at any time OR 
purchase at the end of the term 
for $1!
Add additional items any time
BE SMARTER WITH YOUR CASH FLOW
ASK US ABOUT SIGNS SA FINANCE
08 8283 3692
www.signssa.com.au
[email protected]
19