Description
- Description
- Background and lettering colours
- Adding content to your sign
- Info Sheets
- Buying
- FAQs
- Guarantee
- Alternatives
As with our Sign Panels, these aluminium Sign Trays are fabricated from 3mm sheet material but differ in offering a folded return to each side giving the finished sign a greater depth than the alternative flat panel. This, combined with a powder-coated finish, available in a choice of colours, gives the finished sign a far greater feeling of quality than that of the equivalent flat panel.
Our aluminium Sign Trays are available in a wide range of standard shapes and sizes for both wall and post-mounting. All Sign Trays have 3mm radius corners which are welded and dressed to provide a smooth and safe finish.
Standard specifications include:
- Manufactured from 3mm aluminium sheet
- Powder-coated in a choice of 13 standard RAL colours
- Available in up to 5 different shapes*
- Wall and post-mounted versions available
- Wall-mounted versions supplied c/w concealed fixings
- Rear face of post-mounted signs powder-coated to match front face
- Pre-production layout proof supplied for approval before manufacturing commences
- Minor text modifications possible (if using vinyl lettering)
*Not all shapes are available in every size.
The standard powder-coated finish is ideal for simpler signs, typically with flat-colour backgrounds, computer-cut vinyl text, one or two logos and border lines. This method lends itself to applications where subsequent, minor changes to the text (such as changes to telephone numbers, church service times etc.) are likely as, whilst vinyl lettering is weatherproof and permanent, given the right technique, it can usually be removed and replaced if necessary.
The digital print option is the choice to make if your sign’s content includes images, more complex graphics or text which is less than 10mm high. Bear in mind however that as the sign surface is a single print, subsequent alteration will not be possible. Digital print is also the method to choose if you wish to have anti-graffiti laminate applied to the sign.
For more on preparing the content of your sign, acceptable file formats, resolutions etc., please see our Artwork Guide.
Options include:
- Choice of powder-coated face or digital print
- Logos & border lines available on signs using computer-cut vinyl lettering
- Anti-graffiti film available on digitally printed versions
Powder-coating colours
Jet Black RAL9005
Ultramarine Blue RAL5002
Signal Blue RAL5005
Light Blue RAL5012
Moss Green RAL6005
Mint Green RAL6029
Ivory RAL1014
Traffic White RAL9016
Chocolate Brown RAL8017
Purple Red RAL3004
Traffic Red RAL3020
Traffic Yellow RAL1023
Bright Red Orange RAL2008
Vinyl lettering colours
Light Blue (AS01)
Mid Blue (AS02)
Dark Blue (AS03)
Mid Green (AS04)
Dark Green (AS05)
White (AS06)
Maroon (AS07)
Red (AS08)
Orange (AS09)
Yellow (AS10)
Ivory (AS11)
Black (AS12)
Gold (AS13)
Silver (AS14)
Brown (AS15)
Grey (AS16)
There are two ways to add content to your sign; both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Method 1: Computer-cut vinyl text
This method is most suitable for signs with content containing a high proportion of text with, perhaps, one or two small graphic elements such as logos. With this method it is also possible to add border lines. Using computer-cut vinyl lettering is a good idea if you foresee that you might need to make small amendments to the content of your sign at some future date. Although vinyl lettering is weatherproof and permanent, given the right technique it is usually possible to make subsequent minor amendments such as changes to telephone numbers, church service times etc. without having to remake the whole item. Possible limitations of this method include a minimum practical character height of 10mm, restrictions on design possibilities and the fact that anti-graffiti laminate is not an option.
Method 2: Digital print:
Using this method, your content is printed onto vinyl sheet which is then applied to the entire front face of the sign. This affords the advantage of far greater design freedom. You are no longer restricted to areas of flat colour for example; it is possible to incorporate images, graphics and lettering below 10mm character height. An anti-graffiti laminate can also be applied to the finished sign. Conversely, the main disadvantage of this method is that minor, post-production amendments are no longer possible.
For more information on preparing artwork and suitable file formats please see our Guide to Preparing Artwork. Whichever method you choose you will be prompted to supply the information that we need to complete your sign at the appropriate stage in the ordering procedure but if you don’t have it to hand don’t worry, it can be submitted separately. Once we receive your order we will prepare and send you a layout proof for your approval before we begin production.
This bow-topped aluminium sign tray illustrates well the type of content suitable for reproduction by Method 1, computer-cut vinyl text.
A flat background colour, a minimum letter height greater than 10mm and individually printed, full-colour logos are all easily accomplished using this technique, whilst minor changes such as to contact numbers can still be easily accomplished should they prove necessary at a future date.
For additional impact, a vinyl border line has been added.
Conversely, this more graphically complex church sign lends itself to reproduction using Method 2.
The coloured strip at the top of the sign using graduated-colour, the multitude of sizes, styles and colours and the very small text near the foot of the sign all make this the ideal candidate for reproduction using digital print.
The resultant flat surface is also ideal for accepting anti-graffiti laminate if required. Any subsequent alterations to this sign would however require replacement of the entire print, which is not something that could be undertaken on site.
Examples of both standard and bespoke signs and fingerposts.
Everything you need to know when sending us artwork for crests, logos etc.
Ordering
All our aluminium signs are made to order. Orders may be placed directly online by completing details of the required specification, by phone on 01280 701093, by email to sales@greenbarnes.co.uk. If you need us to quote your order number in correspondence or on the invoice, please be sure to include this when ordering. All orders will be acknowledged on receipt by email or (where no email address is supplied) in writing and will include an estimated date for completion.
Lead time
Lead time for production and delivery of sign trays is usually 3-4 weeks from approval of layout but may vary according to workload. If your order is urgent or has a specific deadline, please contact us to discuss your requirements and we will do our utmost to accommodate you.
Payment terms
Local Authorities, churches, schools, sports clubs and registered charities: 30 days from date of invoice.
All other non-account customers: Payment in full is required with order.
Methods of payment: Credit card, electronic payment (BACS) or cheque.
BACS payments should be made to:
Greenbarnes Ltd
Sort code 23-05-80
Account no:26585244
Delivery
Our preferred method of delivery will vary depending upon a number of factors including the weights of individual items in the consignment and the delivery address. The delivery method will be stated in our Order Confirmation. The usual methods of delivery for items up to 35kg (the majority of signs) and those exceeding 35kg are detailed below but please be aware that different arrangements may apply to remote areas and offshore islands. Exceptionally, if the size of an individual order or the mileage involved warrant it, we may opt to use a dedicated courier.
Orders where no single item exceeds 35kg are usually despatched via a UK nationwide courier on an overnight service, i.e. the consignment leaves us one day and you receive it on the next working day (Monday to Friday). As soon as your order is completed, we will contact you to arrange a suitable delivery day when someone will be available to receive it. All deliveries require a signature. Please note that this is NOT a timed delivery service and delivery could occur any time between 08:00 and 17:00 on the chosen day.
We appreciate that there is nothing more frustrating than having to set aside a whole day to receive a parcel, so if this is an issue, there are a number of possible work-arounds.
Firstly, it is generally possible to request a before 12:00 or before 10:30 delivery slot but this will attract an additional charge. If a timed delivery is essential please call us on 01280 701093 to place your order.
Secondly, it is sometimes possible for us to get the driver to contact you, say 30 minutes ahead of delivery, with an estimated arrival time. This is sometimes useful for deliveries to churches, village halls etc. when you are close-by but not at the delivery location. It must be stressed however that there is no contractual obligation for the courier to do this and whether or not it happens will depend upon the goodwill of the driver concerned.
Thirdly, exceptionally and not recommended, it may be possible for you to nominate a “safe place” where the parcel can be left without being signed for but please be aware that in choosing this option, you assume full responsibility for the condition of the item as delivered as no claims for damage can be entertained for items received without a signature.
Orders where one or more items exceed 35kg are usually delivered by a specialist 2-man delivery team. As soon as your order is completed, we will contact you to let you know that it is being collected by our chosen specialist courier and shortly thereafter they will contact you directly to make final arrangements for the delivery.
How do I submit wording and artwork for my sign?
You can send us details of the wording required by typing it directly into the appropriate dialogue box when specifying your sign, or by uploading a file when prompted to do so. For detailed information on acceptable file formats for logos and guidance on generating suitable artwork for graphic panels, maps etc., please click here for our separate guide on the subject.
Do I get a layout proof?
Yes, on receipt of your order we will produce and send you a proof layout for approval. The graphic elements of the job aren’t put into production until you have checked and signed this off, so you will have the opportunity to amend anything that needs changing.
Sign Panel versus Sign Tray what is the difference?
Sign panels, as the name suggests, are flat panels manufactured from 3mm thick aluminium sheet and are faced in coloured vinyl. As such they offer a cost-effective method of producing robust, utilitarian signs. Sign trays are also manufactured from 3mm thick aluminium sheet but, unlike panels, they have a folded return to all edges with welded and dressed corners. The return (the depth of which varies according to the scale of the sign) not only acts to stiffen the sign but also adds a 3rd dimension giving the sign a far greater feeling of quality. All sign trays are supplied with a powder-coated finish.
How durable are aluminium signs?
Nothing is entirely indestructible to the determined vandal but all our aluminium signs are manufactured from 3mm thick sheet material and are designed to give a long, trouble-free life. They come with a 5 year materials and workmanship guarantee.
Is it possible to apply anti-graffiti coating to my sign?
Anti-graffiti film can be specified as an option on digitally printed signs, but not signs which use computer-cut vinyl lettering.
Can I make minor changes to contact details, service times etc. on a sign panel?
Yes, you can on signs which have lettering applied in computer-cut vinyl (as opposed to digitally printed or encapsulated signs). Whilst vinyl lettering is designed to be weather-proof and permanent, there is a technique for removing it, if you know how! This means that making minor amendments, such as a change of contact number or service times is easily accomplished. We can supply new lettering to match the original for you to apply on site without the need for the board to be returned to us.
Is it possible to include QR codes?
Yes, QR codes can be printed and included in exactly the same way as logos.
What is the lifespan of digital print?
Digital print has a minimum expected lifespan of 5 years. This doesn’t mean that it will be life-expired after 5 years but that we would not expect to see any noticeable deterioration in colour within a five year period.
What colours are available in your sign range?
Available background colours vary depending upon the chosen method of manufacture. There are different ranges of background colours for vinyl-faced and powder-coated signs. For details of the colours available, please see the “Background & lettering colours” tab in the Information section of the relevant product. Where a precise match to an existing colour is required, or where a design contains areas of graduated colour, digital print offers the solution.
Is it possible to have non-standard shapes and sizes?
Yes. If you can’t see exactly what you need on our website, contact us with details of your requirements and we will provide you with a quotation. For sign panels the theoretical maximum size is 3050mm x 1500mm; for sign trays it is 2950mm x 1425mm. In both instances it is possible to achieve larger sizes by using multiple panels. Again, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Is it possible to mount a sign on our own posts or existing railings?
In the case of flat plate signs, yes it is. We can supply kits for fixing these signs to both customer’s own posts and railings. Tick “Post fixing kit” or “Railing fixing kit” in the “Mounting Options” section and you will be prompted to enter the information that we need in order to be able to supply you with the correct kit of parts.
Sign trays are more problematic as there is no flat surface at the rear onto which we can fix channels to take fixing clips etc. In order to fix a sign tray to existing posts, the posts would either need to be the exactly correct distance apart or would need to use some form of spacer to make up the difference. If in doubt, please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Do you undertake site visits?
The answer to this will always depend upon a combination of circumstances including the likely job value and the distance involved. If in doubt, please contact us. Whilst in the vast majority of cases a site visit is not necessary, there are always exceptions and if it is practical for us to visit, we will endeavour to do so.
What is the lead time for production and delivery of signs?
This depends upon a number of factors but we usually quote 3 – 4 weeks from receipt of layout approval. If you have a project with a tighter deadline, please contact us to discuss it and we will do our utmost to assist if we can.
What about installation?
Installation is designed to be as straightforward as possible and, in most cases, should be well within the capabilities of anyone competent at DIY. All aluminium signs are supplied with the necessary fixings.
The majority of our customers either undertake installation themselves or arrange for it to be carried out by a local contractor as this generally proves to be the most cost-effective method. We are however able to offer an installation service covering much of the UK if required. If this is of interest, please call us on 01280 701093 for details.
What are your payment terms?
For local authorities, schools, churches, charities and regular customers with an account we offer 30 day credit terms. For all other customers we request payment on a pro-forma basis.
How are signs delivered?
This varies depending upon the size of the sign in question. For items which can be specified and bought online, please see the information on the “Buying” tab of the product concerned.
As a general rule, as soon as your order is ready, we will contact you by phone or email to arrange a convenient day, when someone will be there to receive it. In cases where no single item exceeds 35kg we use an overnight carrier, meaning that we despatch an item one day and it arrives with you the following day, (with the exception of some offshore islands and the more remote parts of Scotland which may take longer). For consignments containing one or more items weighing more than 35kg we use a 2-man delivery service. For deliveries within a close radius of our factory, or for whole vehicle consignments, we may elect to use a dedicated courier. In all cases the carrier will require a signature; for insurance reasons items cannot be left without. We recognise that in locations such as churches which are not permanently staffed this can present difficulties and to mitigate this we are sometimes (but not always) able to arrange for a timed delivery on request and for a small additional charge. If this is of interest please ask us for details when placing an order.
Instances of damage in transit are extremely rare, but should always be regarded as a possibility. For this reason it is essential that all items are checked carefully on delivery and the delivery note signed as “RECEIVED DAMAGED“. Even if you are not intending to install the product for some time it should be unpacked and checked thoroughly without delay and any damage notified to us by telephone immediately. We have a very limited time in which to lodge a claim with the carrier, and any delay in this process will almost certainly result in your claim being rejected. In the event of a problem please provide us with as much photographic evidence as practically possible (including photos taken before unwrapping if damage to the packaging is evident). Please also retain all packaging in case it is needed for returning the item to us.
What maintenance is recommended?
Virtually none! That is the joy of our aluminium signs. Other than a quick clean occasionally with water and detergent, there should be little or nothing to do!
5-year Guarantee:
Each Greenbarnes aluminium sign comes with a 5-year guarantee on the quality of workmanship and materials used. We guarantee to the original purchaser that our aluminium signs are free from defects in material and workmanship. “Defect” is defined as any imperfection which impairs the normal use of the sign. This guarantee is expressly limited to the labour and material costs of repair within 5 years of the date of despatch and excludes the following:
1] Defects caused by the improper assembly, installation or disassembly.
2] Defects occurring after purchase as a result of use in unsuitable environments, unauthorised product modification, intentional damage, misuse, abuse or negligence.
3] Cosmetic damage.
4] Labour costs incurred in returning the board to us.
Additional Notes
Consistency of finished colours
The colour swatches shown on this website are depicted as accurately as the on-screen reproduction process will allow. However, you should be aware that slight variations may occur between the colour reproduced on your screen and the colour of the finished item.
Product development
Greenbarnes Ltd follows a policy of continual product development and improvement. Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this information, we reserve the right to change specifications and finishes at any time, without notice.
Related sign trays
| Next size down | 600 x 900mm aluminium sign tray portrait format (Ref: ST69) |
|---|---|
| This sign tray | 600 x 1200mm aluminium sign tray portrait format (Ref: ST612) |
| Next size up | 600 x 1500mm aluminium sign tray, portrait format (Ref: ST615) 900 x 1200mm aluminium sign tray, portrait format (Ref: ST912) |





























