LED Signage: A Brighter Future

Whether it’s catching the attention of passers-by during the day, or lighting up the darkness during the night, LED signage is a sure-fire way to help your customers’ messaging stand out.

Many brands and marketeers are now turning to this sort of sign lighting as a way of ensuring their campaigns still draw attention but in a more energy-efficient manner.

Rising demand for LED signage has seen the development of new technologies and products in the sector also increase. Manufacturers and suppliers are continuing to bring to market new solutions to help their clients stand out in a busy modern world and help them save on both costs and energy usage along the way.

Here, SignLink sits down with several specialists within the LED signage and lighting sectors to learn more about their latest offerings and also the key trends that are shaping both the current and future market.

A Powerful Tool

For those sign-makers looking to extend their offering to clients, there is of course the option of working with a trade partner. One such company that offers LED signage within its wide range of services is Very Displays. Marketing manager, Kirsty Corcoran, describes the rise in popularity of LED lighting in the display industry as “no real surprise” given its various features like long life span, high energy efficiency, environmental positives, higher durability, low heat, and light product weight.

“They provide businesses with a powerful tool to display their logos, colours, and messaging in an eye-catching, illuminated way,” Corcoran comments, adding: “Whether that is an LED spotlight or fully lit LED lightbox or advertising stand.

“While in comparison to other options, the initial cost may be higher to invest in, the lower power usage and minimal maintenance costs contribute to the overall cost-efficiency of LED signage, so underinvesting could prove costly in the long run. By not choosing the right product or not opting for a high-quality product it could also result in lower impact for your display and not enhance the customer experience at all.”

In terms of current demand, Corcoran explains that Very Displays has identified increasing demand for battery powered solutions within the event and display landscape. She says that while LED is seen as a more eco-friendly option in comparison to halogen, battery is further improving this.

“From battery powered portable lightboxes that can last eight hours, to other LED battery powered signage, we are seeing more battery-operated options trickling into the portable display market,” she says, adding: “An area our in-house product development team are exploring is foldable LED lightbox options. So, watch this space!”

As for what is currently available from Very Displays, Corcoran wastes little time in pointing out its freestanding Premium PVC LED lightboxes, which she says are its most popular LED products by some distance. Easy to assemble without the need for tools, these are suitable for multiple use exhibitions or retail displays.

“Once the hardware is assembled the graphics can be changed time after time, and with display backlit fabric graphics they really do pop once lit,” Corcoran explains, continuing: “Ranging from 85cm to 3m widths, they light up the room and offer a unique event option for marketing a business or service.”

As well as upgrading lightboxes this year to a more premium PVC option, Corcoran says Very Displays has also launched some cost effective accessories that allow these lightboxes to be connected and configured in a modular way. Users can now connect multiple lightboxes to fill a space seamlessly by selecting the right feet and connectors, providing 90-degree angles or 180-degree straight joins.

Aside from this, Very Displays also offers a range of LED lights, which can be used to brighten up a stand or space. Very Displays now offers these in a selection of seven options that can fit to pop-ups, fabric tube walls, roller banners, and gazebos.

“They simply connect to the frame to add that extra illumination to branding or messaging,” Corcoran adds.

Greener Goals

Another trade specialist in this area is The Sign Group. Managing director and founder Grey Hoole says the importance of quality LED lighting in signage cannot be overstated.

“High-quality LED lighting offers distinct advantages, including superior colour accuracy, which ensures that your signage stays true to your brand’s vision,” Hoole says, adding: “It also provides effective heat management, a critical factor that extends the lifespan of the LEDs and optimises power consumption. Neglecting this aspect can lead to issues such as colour distortion, excessive energy use, and, at worst, a potential fire hazard.”

High-quality LED lighting offers distinct advantages, including superior colour accuracy, which ensures that your signage stays true to your brand’s vision

Hoole recognises that cost considerations may push some towards cheaper options but says it is important to weigh the long-term implications. He adds that inferior LEDs can compromise the impact of signage, which in turn can damage a brand’s reputation.

As for other factors, Hoole also flags the importance of sustainability saying it is undeniably the dominant trend in the industry. He explains that LEDs can play a big part in this: “Investing in modern, high-quality LEDs isn’t just about longevity; it’s about efficiency too. With energy costs as they are, the benefits of using efficient LEDs speak for themselves. And for those in the resale business, offering high-calibre, energy-efficient products can be a significant selling point when competing for projects.”

Looking forward, Hoole says the ultimate vision for a truly sustainable product encompasses several key aspects including that such a product would be made from recycled materials, sourced locally, and produced using renewable energy and efficient systems. It would also be delivered as locally as possible and would be part of a circular programme to allow for the signs to be returned, dismantled, and recycled to the greatest extent possible. This approach minimises the use of virgin materials and prevents products from ending up in landfill.

However, Hoole says achieving this level of sustainability is no small task, especially while also managing the day-to-day demands of a business. He continues: “However, it’s important to view sustainability as an ongoing journey rather than a fixed goal. Incremental improvements can and should be made continuously.

“Once you embark on this journey, you can begin to communicate these advancements to your clients. Not only will they likely appreciate your efforts, but they may also be more inclined to support your business as you move forward.”

As for what is currently available from The Sign Group, and its WeLoveLEDs online brand, Hoole highlights Alphascreens, which it launched in 2019. While the pandemic required the group to shift its production focus to other high-demand products, it has been reinvesting in the components and equipment necessary to bring these screens back to market.

“What sets Alphascreens apart is their versatility and attention to detail,” Hoole comments, adding: “The LED screens we use are not just your standard panels; instead of the usual 500mm square or rectangular shapes, we’ve specially designed the components to be around 80mm.

“These modular LED screens can be connected to form larger, more complex logos and shapes, offering a unique visual experience. They can display any animation or video content required, making them a dynamic choice for brand displays. Additionally, because they are modular, they can be reused in different designs, making them not only versatile but also a more sustainable option.”

A Sticking Point

Of course, LEDs in signage are much more than just the lighting; sign companies also need to consider how they are going to fix lights to signs and protect them. Intertronics specialises in adhesive, coatings, sealants, and related equipment.

Kevin Brownsill, head of technical, learning and development at the supplier, says the company can recommend materials to customers depending on their application. “Typically, we suggest testing polyurethane materials first, due to their versatility, hardness, reasonable price, and UV resistance,”

Brownsill comments, continuing: “They cure at room temperature and are easy to handle and use.”
Going through some of these options, Brownsill says epoxies are a cost-effective option that offer high temperature and chemical resistance, while they also perform well in salt water or mineral and oil-based environments. They are often used for smaller applications, as they exotherm when curing in large volumes and can lead to a loss in clarity, however, Brownsill says their simple mix ratios make them easy to handle.

Another option is silicone, which Brownsill says offers good clarity, are suitable for potting large areas, and are relatively soft when cured.

“They are available in gel formulations where they retain a jelly-like consistency even post cure which can be advantageous for products in environments that are subject to extreme shock, temperature, or thermal cycling,” Brownsill explains, adding: “This softness can be a disadvantage too; an additional lens may be needed as the product may not be hard enough to form a lens itself, and as they are soft and susceptible to abrasion. As they are UV resistant, they tend not to discolour.”

Brownsill gives the example of how one customer, a manufacturer of outdoor signage and lighting products, was looking to encapsulate its LED strips to protect them from weather and other external factors but was experiencing quality issues with the materials they were testing, such as delamination. This altered the colour temperature of the light output and posed the potential for functional failure.

“We recommended the customer try Wacker Silgel 612,” Brownsill says, adding: “As well as good adhesion across the PMMA and LED strips, it provided good light transmission, and consistency of LED colour warmth across the strips. Its gel-like texture means it can absorb shock or vibration, protecting the electronic circuits from damage and thermal cycling.”

Rounding off our piece on LEDs, Brownsill offers some words of warning, and indeed wisdom, to those working in this market. He comments: “Failure to invest in the right materials, or underinvesting, can result in discolouration of the signage meaning they become unclear, while selecting the wrong material can result in electronic failure. Depending on the environment, such as swimming pools, this can cause downtime and business losses.”

To sum up, sign-makers and similar companies working with LEDs should ensure that they are working with trusted suppliers or trade partners so that they get the best out of their LED applications. Carefully research the requirements of each project and the specifications of the materials you plan to work with, as well as speak with suppliers, to ensure your carefully crafted signage continues to shine bright.