
You should pick plastic road safety signs if you want signs that are cheap, light, and simple to move. These signs are good for jobs where saving money is important. They are also good when you need signs for a short time or inside buildings. Think about how the material will work in your area and if it fits what you need.
Na OPTRAFFIC, we understand that different projects require different signage solutions. Whether you need lightweight plastic signs for short-term use or durable options for long-term safety, we offer a variety of materials to meet your specific needs. Explore our range of traffic signs and discover how we can help you make the right choice for your project.
Vantagens

Cost
You want to keep your project costs low. Plastic road safety signage helps you save money. When you look at prices, plastic signage is the cheapest. See the table below to compare plastic, metal, and wood signs:
Sign Material | Cost per Square Foot | Notes |
---|---|---|
Steel | $25 – $35 | Steel signs last long and handle weather well |
Aluminum | $15 – $25 | This metal is light and not too expensive |
Plástico (Urethane) | $5 – $15 | Plastic signs cost the least and are strong |
Plywood | Starting at $50 for 4×4 ft | Wood signs are cheap but break easily and need replacing |
You can also see the price difference in this chart:

Plastic signs let you cover more places without spending too much. You can use the extra money to buy more signs or make roads safer. This helps you finish your project without running out of money.
Lightweight
Plastic signs are much lighter than metal ones. Por exemplo, a plastic road safety stud weighs about 0.5 kilograms. A metal one weighs over 1 kilogram. This means you can move and put up plastic signs more easily. It is safer and takes less effort. Lighter signs also mean fewer accidents when moving them. You can carry more signs at once, which saves time and stops delays.
Instalação fácil
You do not need special tools to put up plastic signs. You can set up signs fast, so your project does not get held up. Because plastic signs are light, you can put them on many surfaces with simple tools. This makes it less likely you will put them up wrong. If you need to move or change signs, it is easy to do. This helps you keep up with changes during busy projects.
Dica: Putting up plastic signs quickly means you can react fast to new road problems. This keeps drivers and workers safer.
Customisation
Plastic signs can be made in many ways. You can pick different colours, shapes, and sizes for your job. The table below shows some choices:
Material | Key Customisation Options | Impact on Project Suitability |
---|---|---|
Polyethylene (Pe) | Light, bends easily, handles sun, lasts long | Good for short jobs or busy places because it bends, lasts, and works outside. Good for green projects. |
ABS Plastic | Different thickness, colour, and texture, easy to shape | Works inside and outside. You can make it look how you want. You can also make it in special shapes for your brand. |
Reflective Printing & Hardware | Shiny coatings, ways to fix signs up | Makes signs easier to see and use. You can change them for different places and needs. |
You can match your signs to your company or safety rules. Custom signs make things clear and easy to see. You can add shiny coatings so people see them at night. This helps stop accidents. With so many choices, you can make signs for any place, from busy roads to quiet car parks. Custom signs help you make sure every sign does its job.
Material Types

PVC
PVC is used a lot for road safety signage. This material is strong and can handle bad weather. When you pick PVC, you get many good things:
- PVC signage does not get damaged by sun or rain. It also does not get ruined by chemicals, so it lasts longer outside.
- It does not burn easily, so it is safer in dangerous places.
- The smooth surface lets you print clear words and pictures.
- PVC signage keeps its shape, even when the weather changes.
- You can use PVC signage in wet places because it does not soak up water.
PVC signage is also very tough if something hits it. You can use it inside or outside when you need signs that last and are easy to see. You can make PVC signage in many colours and shapes.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is also a common choice for road safety signage. This material is strong and bends without breaking. Here is how different types of polypropylene work for signs:
Polypropylene Type | Resistência ao impacto | Flexibility/Stiffness | Notes on Signage Application |
---|---|---|---|
Homopolymers | Moderado | High stiffness | Good for stiff signs |
Impact copolymers | Alto | More flexible | Best for signs that get bumped |
Glass fibre reinforced | Excellent | Excellent stiffness | Used for tough signs in busy places |
Random copolymers | Good at low temperatures | Flexível | Good for signs in cold places |
Polypropylene signage is light and easy to carry. You can use it for signs you move or only need for a short time. It does not break easily if it gets hit, so your signs stay nice during busy work.
Comparison
When you look at PVC and polypropylene for signs, think about how they handle sun, clima, and where you will use them. PVC signage does not fade in the sun because of special chemicals. It keeps its colour and strength even after a long time outside. Polypropylene signage is good outside but might lose colour and strength faster than PVC.

PVC signage also does not get damaged by water or chemicals. If you need signs for rainy or dirty places, PVC is a good pick. Polypropylene signage is lighter and better for the environment because you can recycle it. You can choose polypropylene signage for short jobs or green projects.
Observação: Experts say you should use plastics that do not fade in the sun and can handle bad weather. This helps your signs stay bright and clear, follow safety rules, and last longer.
Use Cases
Indoor Road Safety Signs
Plastic road safety signs are used inside buildings. You see them in offices, armazéns, and factories. These signs warn people about dangers or show directions. They also share important messages. Plastic signs are helpful for many reasons:
- You can use them to warn, inform, or guide people.
- They cost less than metal signs, so you save money.
- They last a long time indoors and do not fade quickly.
- They are light, so you can move and hang them easily.
- You can pick different colours, words, pictures, and symbols.
Indoor signs help people see dangers and stay safe. You can put them on walls, doors, or hang them from the ceiling. Because they are light, you do not need special tools to put them up. You can also change the signs fast if things change or new dangers appear. This helps keep your workplace safe and tidy.
Temporary Signage Applications
Temporary signs are needed for short jobs or events. You use them during building work, repairs, or special events. Plastic signs are good for this because they are easy to put up and take down. You can pick from different plastics for your signs. The table below shows how some materials compare:
Material Type | Uso típico | Durabilidade / Lifespan | Key Characteristics & Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Corrugated Plastic (Corflute) | Short-term, Por exemplo, building sites | Very short (~3 months) | Lightweight, cheap, easy to cut and put up; bends or breaks in sun and bad weather. |
Standard Plastics (PVC foam board) | Temporary outdoor signs | Less than 5 anos | Medium strength; can bend in heat; not strong in bad weather; good for short use. |
Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) | Medium to long-term outdoor signs | 5+ anos | Stays strong in sun and rain; light, stiff, does not bend or break; looks neat and lasts. |
Sinais de metal (Por exemplo, Aluminium) | Permanent road signs | Multiple years (5+ anos) | Strong, does not rust with coatings; lasts in sun and rain; best for busy or permanent places. |
ABS plastic sheets are good for building sites. They are strong and not expensive. You can put them up fast and move them if needed. ABS plastics can be recycled, which is good for the environment. Temporary plastic signs help you show dangers, guide cars, and keep people safe. You can use them outside under covers, like under scaffolding or in tents. You can use cable ties, sticky strips, or stands to put up the signs where you need them.
Dica: Use temporary signs to show new dangers as your job changes. Fast updates help everyone stay safe.
Budget-Limited Projects
Sometimes you do not have much money for your project. Plastic road safety signs help you save because they are cheaper than metal ones. You pay less at first, which is good for short jobs or safe places. Plastic signs are light, so you spend less to move and put them up. This means you pay less for workers. You can buy lots of signs at once to save more.
Plastic signs work well inside and in places with little bad weather. You can use them in car parks, escolas, or for short events. If you need to change signs often, plastic signs make it easy and cheap. You can put more signs in important places without spending too much. Putting up plastic signs is simple, so you do not need special tools or skilled workers.
Observação: Plastic signs help you save money and stay flexible. You can use your money for other safety needs and still keep people safe with clear signs.
Limitations
Outdoor Durability
If you use plastic road safety signage outside, think about how long it will last. Plastic signage can get damaged by sun, chuva, and wind. Ao longo do tempo, plastic signs may fade, crack, or bend out of shape. These problems make it hard for people to see the signs. This can mean people miss important health and safety warnings. The table below shows how long different signs last outside:
Material Type | Average Lifespan Outdoors |
---|---|
Plástico (typically used for temporary signs) | Shorter lifespan due to weather exposure, generally less than 7 anos |
Reflective Signs (varies by material quality) | Approximately 7 para 10 anos |
Sinais de metal (Aluminium/Steel) | Tipicamente 10 para 12 years or more with proper coatings and maintenance |
You should pick traffic safety signs that suit the place you use them. For long jobs outside, plastic signs might not be the best. Bad weather can make plastic signs break sooner.
Weather Exposure
Plastic signage can get damaged by the weather. Sun, chuva, neve, and hot or cold days can all hurt plastic signs. Sunlight can make signs fade and lose their shine. Rain and snow can make signs bend or twist. If signs lose their colour or shine, people may not see dangers. This can make your area less safe.
You need to check your signs often. Procure rachaduras, missing shiny strips, or dents. If you see damage, fix or swap the sign quickly. Checking signs often helps you find problems before they get worse.
Long-Term Use
Plastic signage is good for short jobs, but not for long ones outside. After a while, you might see faded colours, bent signs, or missing parts. These problems can hide dangers and make signs less useful. You need to plan to fix or change signs so they stay clear.
Common problems are:
- Faded colours
- Cracks or splits
- Missing shiny strips
- Bent or dented signs
To keep people safe, keep your signs in good shape. Pick strong signs for long jobs and check them often. Good signs help you spot dangers and keep everyone safe every day.
Checklist
Project Needs
You should first know what your project needs. Every choice about signage starts with knowing the area and dangers. Use this checklist to help you manage risks:
- Find out why you need the sign. Is it to warn, guide, or inform people?
- Look at where the sign will go. Will it be inside, outside, or under a roof?
- Think about how risky the area is. Dangerous places need signs that are easy to see and last longer.
- Think about what dangers are there. There might be moving cars, máquinas, or chemicals.
- Check the health and safety rules. Make sure your signs follow UK rules like TSRGD.
- Decide how long you need the sign. Will it be there for a short time or always?
- Plan what to do in emergencies. Make sure signs help people act fast and stay safe.
Dica: Always pick signs that fit the dangers and risk in your project. This helps you manage risks well and keeps health and safety important in your plans.
Material Match
You must pick the right material for your sign. For signs outside, use materials that do not get ruined by weather or sun. Vinyl and mesh are good for windy or wet places. For signs inside, lighter plastics or even paper can work. If there are chemicals, choose signs that do not get damaged by them. Always check if you can recycle the sign to help health, segurança, and the environment. Use reflective signs in dark or risky places. This makes sure everyone can see the sign, mesmo à noite.
Practical Tips
Follow these steps to put up and look after your signs:
- Clean the spot before you put up the sign. Take away dust and oil so the sign sticks well.
- Mark where each sign should go. Use tools to measure and get it right.
- Use the best glue or fixings. Follow what the maker says for the best results.
- Check the sign after you put it up. Make sure it is straight and easy to see, mesmo à noite.
- Keep signs clean. Change broken signs quickly to keep things safe.
- Have a repair kit ready. This helps you fix signs fast if they get damaged or dangers change.
- Check signs after bad weather or lots of use. This helps keep health and safety strong and risks low.
Observação: Good signs help lower risks, keep people safe, and help everyone know what to do if there is danger or an emergency.
You now know when plastic road safety signage works best. Use this signage inside, for short jobs, or when you have less money. These signs help people see warnings and directions clearly. Always think about cost, how long signs last, and the environment. This helps you keep people safe and lower risks. The checklist and tables help you pick the right sign for each job. If your area is tricky or different, ask an expert for help. Experts say you should pick strong and good signs to keep people safe. Signs that shine or bend are easier to see and help stop accidents, especially in tough places. Pick signs that fit the dangers and safety needs of your job. Check your signs often to keep risks low and safety high. New smart signs and better materials can make things even safer. Good signs are very important for keeping people safe and lowering risks in every project.
To explore more about how material choices are influencing the future of traffic signs in Australia, check out our latest blog, Como as escolhas materiais moldam o futuro dos sinais de trânsito para venda na Austrália.
Perguntas frequentes
What makes plastic road safety signs a good choice for short-term projects?
You can use plastic signs for short-term projects because they are light, easy to move, and cost less. You can install them quickly and remove them when you finish the job.
Can you use plastic road safety signs outside?
You can use plastic signs outside for a short time. They work well in mild weather. For long-term outdoor use, you should check the sign often and replace it if you see damage.
How do you clean and maintain plastic road safety signs?
You can wipe plastic signs with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid strong chemicals. Check the signs for cracks or fading. Replace any sign that is hard to read.
Are plastic road safety signs customisable?
Sim, you can choose different colours, shapes, and sizes. You can add your logo or special messages. This helps you match the sign to your project or company needs.