Ever wonder how that eye-catching sign you saw on your way to work stays so darn bright, rain or shine? It’s not magic (although sometimes the finished product feels pretty magical)! It’s all thanks to a secret weapon: sign paint. Forget that gallon of leftover house paint in the garage – sign paint is a whole different beast.
Sign Paint Rockstars: Matthews & AkzoNobel
Let’s ditch the stuffy industry talk and meet some sign-paint rockstars. Matthews Paint has been in the game since, like, forever (1935 to be exact). They understand that signs need to be tough cookies, not delicate wallflowers. Their paints come in all flavors – solvent-based for outdoor brawls with the weather, water-based for the eco-conscious sign maker, and even specialty paints for those fancy pinstripes and vinyl lettering. Plus, their colors are like a bag of Skittles – endless options to make your sign truly pop.
Then there’s AkzoNobel with their Grip Gard line. These guys are all about making paint that sticks like glue (in a good way) to all sorts of surfaces, from metal to wood to plastic. No more flaking letters or peeling graphics – Grip Gard keeps your sign looking sharp, no matter what Mother Nature throws at it. And because they’re not cavemen, they offer water-based options that are kinder to the environment.
Choosing Your Paint Partner
Picking the perfect paint for your sign is like picking the perfect outfit for a big night out. Here’s what to consider:
- What’s your sign made of? Metal, wood, plastic – each material needs a specific paint type to become BFFs.
- How are you painting? Going the old-school hand-painting route or using a fancy printer? Different paints work best for various techniques.
- How tough does it need to be? Is your sign chilling in a cozy lobby or battling the elements outside? Choose paint with the right level of toughness.
- Are you feeling eco-friendly? Water-based or UV-curable paints might be your jam.
More Than Just a Can of Paint
Most sign paint manufacturers, like our rockstars Matthews and AkzoNobel, have your back. Their websites are treasure troves of info – color charts, application guides, safety tips – basically everything you need to choose the perfect paint and avoid any messy mishaps. Industry associations like the SGIA (Society for Signage and Display Graphics – say that ten times fast!) are also there to help you navigate the world of sign painting.
The Takeaway: Sign Paint Makes Signage Shine
So, the next time you see a sign that makes you stop and say “Whoa, that’s cool!”, remember – it’s not just about the design. It’s a collaboration between creativity and the specialized paints that make those visions a reality. Sign paint might not be as flashy as neon signs, but it’s the silent hero keeping your favorite storefronts looking sharp.
