How is a billboard sign made?

Most people living in urban areas will have encountered billboard signs. These giant forms of outdoor signage are a common advertising choice for businesses; in fact, billboards are so much a part of everyday life that we rarely stop to consider how they are actually made.

This is what this blog will look at.

The billboard construction process consists of three main elements: the actual sign, the frame and the electrics. Before that though, it has to go through a design stage. This is when the content of the billboard is chosen – from the text to the colour scheme. The choices are made based on the image of the company and the desired mood and message of the billboard.

Once the company is happy with the overall design and a placement for the billboard has been secured, construction can start.

The frame is typically made out of metal supported by twin steel poles. This ensures that the billboard will remain standing regardless of how strong the winds are. A billboard frame must also be strong enough to support electrical equipment like lighting, which allows it to function after dark.

The sign itself is usually made from vinyl, which is another durable material. The majority of modern billboards have their text and imagery added using large format digital printing. This is far quicker and more cost-effective than hand-painting. The sign is then fixed to its frame via a material spread across the latter called ‘facing’.

For large format printing in Manchester that is suitable for billboards, get in touch with Ainsley Signs today.