Review: New $699 Mac mini is crisp and capable
The smallest sibling of the Mac family just graduated. Little brother has some new smarts and a sharp new suit. I'm talking about the Mac mini, and the "sharp" part is literal: this tiny desktop computer now has an elegant aluminum case with edges so defined they can scrape your skin off.

At least, it matters when deciding which type of aluminum-based material to use for your custom outdoor aluminum sign.

For instance, if you're ordering a real estate sign, you'll need an all-weather outdoor material - aluminum - but you won't need something 1/2" thick. But if you're crowning your business with a large, mounted sign, a.04" aluminum sheet simply won't do the trick. Fortunately, we have just what you need in outdoor aluminum signs, no matter the size!

Good Outdoor Signs Often Come In Small Packages...

Because aluminum is a high-endurance metal, a simple sheet is all that is needed for hanging, or free-standing, signs smaller than 18"x 24". Even for outdoor signs up to 3'x 4', aluminum sheeting is a good choice if mounted flat against a surface.

Smaller outdoor aluminum signs are usually used for real estate signs, directional signs, construction signs, and sale signs, to name a few. They're inexpensive, durable, and professional in appearance, so if you're looking for an efficient way to send your message, a smaller custom sign may be what you want.

Thickness grades ranging from .04" to .08" are available for these smaller outdoor aluminum signs, and we will be happy to help you decide which is best for your custom sign!

But Sometimes Bigger Is Better

You might be wondering how a naturally thin metal such as aluminum can look good on a large sign on top or in front of your building. The truth is, alone, it would not. But thanks to a variety of aluminum-based sign materials, you can have a weather-resistant custom outdoor sign of any size! The following materials make for high-quality custom outdoor signs:

ARMOUR-Wood is just as it sounds, a solid piece of wood 1/2" thick, sandwiched by two pieces of aluminum. ARMOUR-Wood is virtually indestructible for your custom outdoor sign and best for large signs that will be exposed to long-term weather conditions.

Aluminite is an aluminum composite material and similar in strength to ARMOUR-Wood, also 1/2" thick, but available in 1/4" as well.

Dibond is similar to ARMOUR-Wood in construction, only it uses plastic rather than wood. It is still quite strong, though not as heavy as ARMOUR-Wood or aluminite. However, it is ten times as strong as aluminum sheeting and able to stand up to the big boys, should your custom outdoor sign need a little muscle.

So, Goldilocks, Is Your Custom Sign Too Big, Too Small, or Just Right?

A hanging outdoor sign might be too small for your type of business. On the other hand, a large, mounted sign on your building may simply look too overwhelming. Is there a just-right option?

If Goldilocks could find her perfect bowl of porridge, then our experts can help you find your perfect custom outdoor sign.

Sometimes an outdoor aluminum sign actually looks best mounted between two posts. And the best news about this type of outdoor sign is that all of the aluminum materials are available for this professional-looking style.

Deciding which material will be best on your post-mounted outdoor sign depends on a few things:

• How large are your posts? Because the weight varies considerably among the different materials, your posts have to be the appropriate strength to withhold the sign.
• What are the size and style of the building you are advertising with your custom outdoor sign? Chances are, you will not want a large, ARMOUR-Wood sign in front of a small cottage-style building, or a thin, aluminum sign displayed in front of your office complex.
• What is going onto your custom sign? If you have a large amount of lettering and graphics for your custom outdoor sign, then you will obviously need a sign with the surface area to make those graphics look clean and professional. Also, if you have details in your graphics that you really want to show off, then a larger sign would also work best. Small signs are best for small, simple messages, such as a name, number and logo.

So Try On An Aluminum Outdoor Sign For Size

Still not sure what to get? After two decades in the sign business, we will lead you down the right path in choosing the correct size and aluminum material for your custom outdoor sign. Guaranteed for ten years in any of the aluminum-based materials, our signs are built to last.

Just let us know what you want, and we will make it happen for you. When it comes to custom outdoor signs, size does matter, but so does our customer satisfaction! Visit http://www.signsus.com/metal-signs/outdoor-aluminum-signs.php for more information

"Signs US, Professional Signage for Small Businesses Across America"

Kara M. Klein invites you to check out http://www.TheSignChef.com, where "Flawless Sign Recipes are Guaranteed." The Sign Chef is constantly developing free-to-use sign design software, custom sign decision-making tools, and How-To videos to make your sign buying experience efficient and your new custom signs effective.