Signage materials guide
The material you choose sets the look, the lifespan and the price of your sign. This guide compares the main signage materials used in Nairobi by durability, indoor or outdoor use and cost band.
Acrylic
Cast or extruded plastic, laser-cut to any shape. Best for illuminated letters, modern interiors and budget illuminated signs. UV-stable cast acrylic lasts years outdoors. Cost band: medium.
Aluminium and steel
Powder-coated metal for durable outdoor fascia, pylons and monuments. Heavier and more expensive but lasts decades outdoors with minimal maintenance. Cost band: medium to high.
PVC and foam board
Lightweight, cheap and easy to cut. Best for temporary signs, indoor directories and exhibition graphics. Cheaper PVC yellows outdoors within a year. Cost band: low.
Vinyl
Self-adhesive printed or cut film applied to glass, walls or existing panels. Best for window graphics, vehicle branding and budget lettering. Removable and replaceable. Cost band: low.
Glass films
Frosted, solar and safety films applied to existing glass. Frosting for privacy, solar tinting for heat and glare, safety lamination for impact. Indoor and outdoor. Cost band: low to medium.
LED neon and LED modules
Flexible LED neon for illuminated lettering and feature walls. LED modules for backlit channel letters and light boxes. Low voltage, long lasting, energy efficient. Cost band: medium.
FAQs
Which material lasts longest outdoors?
Powder-coated aluminium and cast UV-stable acrylic. Both last decades outdoors with minimal maintenance. Cheaper PVC and non-UV-stable plastics yellow and crack within a year.
Is acrylic good outdoors?
Yes, cast UV-stable acrylic lasts years outdoors and is the standard for illuminated letters. Cheaper extruded acrylic or PVC is better for indoor or temporary use.
What's cheapest for a temporary sign?
Vinyl and foam PVC. Both are low cost, fast to produce and easy to apply, but neither is suitable for long-term outdoor use.