Cover Story


Behind every great sign is a great fixing


Garrick Dartnell, head of marketing, Sign Trade Supplies, explains why fixings play a make-or-break role in well-executed signs.


W


hen people admire a well-executed sign, whether it’s a sleek acrylic


panel in a reception area or a swinging bracket on a high street, they’re usually drawn to the design, the lighting, or the finish. But ask any sign maker what really holds the whole job together, and you’ll get a knowing nod in the direction of something far less glamorous: the fixings.


At Sign Trade Supplies, we’ve always believed that sign fixings are the unsung heroes of the industry. They don’t make headlines, they’re rarely the focus of a design brief, and they don’t show up in client inspiration boards. But get the fixings wrong, and you’ll know about it, and fast. Whether it’s a sagging banner, a sign that doesn’t sit flush to the wall, or worse, a panel that comes loose in high winds, the consequences of poor fixing choices are immediate, costly, and potentially dangerous.


Why fixings matter more than you think


In an industry where first impressions count and reliability is everything, fixings play a make-or-break role. They ensure structural integrity, ease of installation, and compliance with safety standards. They also help protect your reputation as a sign maker. After all, it’s your name on the job, not the component suppliers. That’s why at Sign Trade Supplies, we’ve built a business around offering more than just products. We provide a comprehensive, constantly evolving range of mechanical sign fixings, backed by real-world expertise, hands-on support, and a commitment to making life easier for the people who use them every day.


Our full range: small components for a big impact It’s easy to dismiss fixings as commodity items. But not all fixings are created equal. We’ve worked hard


| 48 | May/June 2025 www.signupdate.co.uk


to build a product line that delivers both quality and choice, so you can find exactly what you need to get the job done right the first time.


Here’s a quick look at some of our most popular options:


• Acrylic Wall Mount Fixings Ideal for flush-mounted acrylic signs in corporate or retail environments, these fixings provide a clean, professional look. Our range includes stand-off fixings in multiple finishes and sizes to suit every project.


• Anti-Rotational Sign Clips An essential for installing sign panels and rigid substrates to posts and uprights. Available in 304 stainless steel, our range of sign clips offer secure, unobtrusive fixing options for both railings and large diameter sign posts.


50mm Square Post Clip • Banner Brackets


Designed to hold tensioned PVC or fabric banners in place, our heavy-duty banner brackets are built to withstand the elements. Whether you’re working on temporary promotional signage or a long-term installation, we’ve got you covered.


• Swing Sign Brackets For pavement signage or shopfront branding, our swing sign brackets offer both style and stability. With classic and modern designs available, they pair beautifully with printed panels for maximum visibility.


And while our focus is on mechanical fixings, we also stock a carefully selected range of adhesives and tapes, perfect for projects where bonding, not bolting, is the better option.


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