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Finding the Right Color Sign Vinyl

If you've made your way here we're just going to assume that you've already been around the block a few times. In other words, you probably already know about the differences between cast and calendered vinyl, which brands of vinyl film are the best and why sign, craft and wrap films are different. If we're mistaken, then you'll want to check out these key characteristics and features of sign vinyl film but, if not, keep reading to find out how you can take advantage of the veritable rainbow of vinyl color choices we carry.

What Colors Can Do for Your Signs

We feel like we're preaching to the choir but it's probably pretty obvious that a sign or logo isn't defined solely by the words written on it — shape and color are equally important in designing signs and logos that captivate and make a lasting impression. In fact, color increases brand recognition by up to 80%. When you think of Coca Cola we would bet that you can see the iconic red background and white cursive lettering in your head and that you're equally familiar with the ubiquitous blue and white logo of Facebook. But, when you're asked to help a client come up with a sign for the business, school or office, how do you go about selecting the right color for the job (assuming they don't already have their branding in place)?

When it comes to branding, the power of color is both emotional and practical. On an emotional level, color can affect how potential customers feel  about a brand and, on a purely practical level, the right color can make a sign stand out from the crowd. A number of studies on the relationship between color and branding reveal that up to 90% of snap judgments made about products can be based on color alone, that colors influence how consumers view the ‘personality’ of the brand in question, and that the relationship between brands and color hinges on the perceived appropriateness of the color being the right ‘fit’ for the particular brand. Read on to find out what colors symbolize and how they can help project and define your signs:

Red: Living on the Edge

Evokes feelings of danger, passion, excitement and energy and has a number of different associations. In signage and branding it delivers a highly visible punch. It has the ability to rev desire; and not surprisingly when it is the color of fire, danger, and blood on one hand; and love, sexuality and passion on the other. It is a bold, energetic and lively color that can symbolize strength, confidence and power.

Orange: Youthful yet Retro

This color communicates freshness, youth, creativity and adventure. It blends the warmth of red and the optimism of yellow, orange communicates activity and energy. And of course it’s hard not to go past orange as the color of, well, oranges, and all their vitamin C benefits, which immediately makes orange feel fresh and healthy. Orange is not for everyone so use it with care.

Yellow: Bright and Sunny

Yellow conveys optimism, good cheer, playfulness and happiness. Naturally, yellow is the color of sunshine and is the most visible color from a distance (which is why it’s used for street signs). Interestingly, it has also been associated with mental clarity and intellect. However, yellow is also a cautionary color used in life vests, police cordoning tape and hazardous areas.

Green: Health and Wealth

Green has two very common meanings that seem to be polar opposites: nature and material wealth. When it comes to nature, green represents plant life and growth and is consequently used to convey being "green" in the environmental, sustainable, organic, natural sense of the word. And of course green is, as the saying goes, ‘the color of money’ (US money, that is) and therefore associated with wealth and stability. It's also the color used to symbolize Islam.

Blue: Popular and Powerful

Blue is the most popular color when it comes to signage and branding. It conveys reliability, trustworthiness, and communication (we already mentioned Facebook but here's to Twitter and Samsung as well) and for expressing the authority (AKA the boys in blue). It is also appreciated for it’s calming and harmonious qualities being associated with the sea and sky. However, being associated with the emotional feeling of being ‘blue’ it is also used to express sadness or depression.

Purple: The Color of Royalty

Purple has been said to be a low arousal color and is traditionally associated with royalty, majesty or nobility as well as having a spiritual or mysterious quality. Darker shades often represent luxury or opulence while lighter lavender shades are quite feminine, sentimental and even nostalgic.

Road Sign Colors