Your sign might say “Open for Business,” but if the colors are washed out, too trendy (in a bad way), or just not legible at night, it could be telling a different story: “We haven’t updated since Y2K.” Let’s talk about how your color choices can make or break your sign—and what to do about it.
1. Faded Glory: When Bright Colors Go Bland
Colors fade. It’s a fact of life—and sunlight is public enemy #1. Reds, oranges, and purples are the first to throw in the towel under UV rays. That bold crimson that popped a year ago? It might look like pink lemonade now.
Pro Tip: Ask your sign provider (hey, that’s us!) about UV-resistant inks, weatherproof materials, and laminates that protect your investment for the long haul.
2. Lighten Up! Or… Not
Ever drive by a sign at night and wonder, “What does that even say?” That’s probably due to poor color contrast or translucent colors that vanish when backlit. If your sign lights up, your colors need to work with illumination—not against it.
Example: Yellow letters on a white background? Looks great at noon. Completely disappears after dark.
Better: Pair dark, bold fonts with lighter backgrounds for contrast that holds up 24/7.
3. Stuck in a Time Warp
Some colors scream a specific era. Teal and purple combo? Hello, 1992. Earthy browns and mustard yellows? That’s pure 1970s. Unless you’re a retro diner or vintage shop, that can make your business
look out-of-touch.
The Fix: Go timeless with modern neutrals, high-contrast combos (think black and white, navy and gold), or use color psychology to match your brand personality without dating your sign.
4. Environment Matters
The color of your sign doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Is it going on a brick wall? In a strip mall with lots of visual noise? Near trees? Think about how your chosen colors will look in that real-world setting.
Design Hack: Test color mockups on actual photos of your building or location. What looks great in a design file might get lost in the wild.
5. Let Your Sign Reflect Your Brand—not the Sun
Color choices are more than just aesthetics—they’re strategic. A modern, well-contrasted, and legible sign tells customers you care about quality and attention to detail. If your current sign looks faded, invisible at night, or just plain tired, maybe it’s not the weather’s fault. Maybe it’s time for a color upgrade.
Your business isn’t boring. Your sign shouldn’t be either. Let us help you pick colors that pop, last, and light up right—day or night.
