How Reflective Signs Work
29th Sep 2020
Reflective signs have made it easier for people to read signs when driving at night. This great invention
has changed the way we approach road safety. So, what is the science of reflective signs? How do they
work? Are there any reflective sign alternatives? We have the answers to these questions and much more.
How Are Reflective Signs Made?
Reflective signs can be made a few different ways, but most professional manufacturers use sheeting
made of either Engineer Grade glass beads, High Intensity lens or Diamond Grade Cubes. These create a
reflective sheeting that reflects the headlights of a car back to the driver, ensuring that the sign is
visible day and night.
Unfortunately, many cheaper manufacturers fail to use quality reflective materials like 3M or use weaker
or less reliable materials — such as .040” or .024” aluminum. With such inferior quality materials, the sign
will wear out after a year or two.
Are Reflective Signs Better Than Traditional
Signs?
In some ways, reflective signs are superior to traditional signs. Since people started using them almost a
full century ago, they've saved countless lives. The added visibility has helped keep drivers, passengers,
and pedestrians safe, especially at night. For this reason, they're the preferred choice for many
communities that want to prevent accidents due to unclear signage.
Essentially, every sign is made more effective by reflective sheeting. For example, reflective street signs
make it easier for people to reach their destination when driving late at night. Reflective signs also
increase the visibility of urgent signs, including stop signs, railroad warning signs, speed warning signs,
and school zone signs.
Try Solar LED Signs
If you're looking for an alternative to reflective signs, you might want to consider solar LED signs. Highvisibility,
solar-powered, blinking LED signs are just as visible as reflective signs. You can even set up
timers to ensure that your LED signs only turn on when you want them to.
With reflective signs, however, they don't need to be charged, turned on, or put on a timer. Their reflective
sheeting makes them incredibly effective both day and night, so long as they come from a high-quality
manufacturer.
Trust in Dornbos for High-Quality Reflective Signs
Dornbos Sign and Safety is an experienced reflective sign manufacturer in the United States. We make our
reliable reflective signs in Michigan using only the best materials on the market. We know how
instrumental these signs are in keeping communities safe, which is why we always prioritize quality and
durability. Our signs are guaranteed to last far longer than the thinner and cheaper reflective ones made
overseas.
We've been using 3M matched component products for over 50 years, producing tens of thousands of
signs. We pair this sheeting with our .080" 5052 - H38 grade aluminum. With our decades of experience in
this industry, you can trust our independent, family-owned business to bring you some of the best
reflective signs in the country.
If you have any questions about our signs or are interested in placing an order, please don't hesitate to
reach out. You can contact us by email at info@dornbossign.com, by phone at 1-800-922-0029, or through
our online form. We hope to hear from you soon!