Description
A1 Sign Board Printing
A1 sign board printing gives you a substantial 594 × 841 mm (23.4 × 33.1 inches) rigid display designed for messages that need to register from further away. With approximately 5.38 sq ft of printable area, A1 gives headlines, prices, directional arrows, photography and branding enough scale to command attention without moving up to the much larger A0 format.
Printed Today produces A1 boards in four materials: 5 mm Foamex PVC, 3 mm ACP/Dibond aluminium composite, 4 mm Correx and 5 mm KT Soft Board. The finished dimensions remain identical across all four; the important differences are rigidity, weight, outdoor durability, lifespan and cost.
Every A1 printed sign board is direct UV printed in-house at Printed Today’s UK facility. UV ink cures immediately as it reaches the substrate, producing sharp graphics, strong colour density and a durable printed finish. Because the same process can print directly onto both faces of one sheet, double-sided A1 signs remain the same physical thickness as single-sided versions.
What Size Is an A1 Sign Board?
A finished A1 board measures:
| Measurement | A1 Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Millimetres | 594 × 841 mm |
| Centimetres | 59.4 × 84.1 cm |
| Inches | 23.4 × 33.1 in |
| Approximate area | 5.38 sq ft |
A1 can be printed in either orientation:
- Portrait — 594 mm wide × 841 mm high.
- Landscape — 841 mm wide × 594 mm high.
Portrait is particularly effective for promotional displays, menus, event information and poster-style graphics. Landscape works well for entrance signage, directional boards, horizontal promotions and information displayed above counters, doors or walkways.
A1 provides twice the printable area of A2, four times A3 and eight times A4. That extra space is most valuable when it is used to increase visual hierarchy rather than simply add more copy.
Where Does A1 Sign Board Printing Work Best?
A1 is large enough to function as a prominent sign rather than merely a close-range information panel.
Typical applications include:
- Retail promotions — sales, seasonal campaigns, new-product launches and high-impact price displays.
- Shop entrances — opening information, customer instructions and branded welcome signage.
- Exhibition graphics — feature panels, product information and presentation displays.
- Event signage — registration points, schedules, directions and attendee information.
- Restaurant and hospitality signage — menus, promotions and service information.
- Construction signage — site notices, contractor information and safety messaging.
- Directional signage — entrances, exits, navigation and prominent arrows.
- Property signage — building notices, development information and access instructions.
- Safety signage — larger warnings and mandatory information that needs greater visibility.
A1 is especially useful where the viewer should understand the primary message from several metres away and then move closer for secondary detail.
Which Material Is Best for an A1 Sign Board?
At A1 size, material selection becomes increasingly important because the panel is large enough for rigidity, handling and wind exposure to affect installation.
A1 Foamex Board Printing — The Versatile A1 Choice
A1 Foamex board printing is the strongest general-purpose option for retail, commercial, exhibition and information signage.
Foamex is 5 mm rigid expanded PVC with a smooth, solid and non-porous print surface. Unlike lightweight foam-core display board, Foamex is a self-supporting plastic panel designed to retain its shape.
At A1, its smooth surface allows UV printing to reproduce:
- Large promotional photography
- Detailed logos
- QR codes
- Fine supporting text
- Gradients
- Brand colours
- Prices and calls to action
A1 Foamex works particularly well for shop displays, exhibitions, menu boards, reception graphics, branded wall panels and internal wayfinding.
It can also be used for short-to-medium-term exterior signage. If the panel will remain outside or be cleaned regularly, lamination provides useful additional protection.
A1 Dibond Printing — For Permanent Exterior A1 Signs
Choose A1 Dibond printing when the sign needs to remain flat, rigid and presentable outdoors for years.
Printed Today’s 3 mm aluminium composite panel consists of two aluminium skins bonded around a polyethylene core. This gives the finished A1 board excellent dimensional stability and resistance to moisture, heat and long-term outdoor exposure.
At A1, Dibond is particularly suited to:
- Permanent building signage
- Commercial premises identification
- Exterior directional signs
- Industrial notices
- Property management signage
- Development boards
- Long-term safety signage
- Entrance information
A larger sign that bows or twists quickly looks poorly installed, even when the print remains intact. Dibond’s rigidity is therefore particularly valuable at A1.
For permanent mounting to brick, timber, metalwork or another solid structure, four-corner drill holes are normally the strongest straightforward option.
A1 Correx Board Printing — Large Temporary Signs at Lower Cost
A1 Correx board printing is a practical specification where a physically large sign is required for a limited period.
Correx is 4 mm fluted polypropylene. Its hollow internal ribs keep even an A1 panel extremely light, while the plastic itself remains waterproof.
That makes A1 Correx particularly useful for:
- Construction notices
- Temporary event directions
- Campaign signage
- Contractor information
- Festival signs
- Property notices
- Parking and access instructions
- Temporary operational signage
Correx is the least rigid board in the range, so installation matters more as the panel gets larger.
For exposed outdoor A1 signage, four-corner fixing is strongly preferable to suspending the board from its top edge alone. This keeps the lower corners controlled and reduces movement in the wind.
A1 KT Soft Board Printing — Large, Lightweight Indoor Displays
A1 soft board printing gives you a large display surface while keeping the finished board exceptionally easy to carry.
KT Soft Board combines a foam core with smooth outer liners. Its low weight makes A1 panels particularly practical where graphics need to be transported, repositioned or installed temporarily.
Typical uses include:
- Exhibition graphics
- Conference displays
- Presentation boards
- Retail POS
- Mounted photography
- Event welcome signs
- Temporary indoor branding
- Presentation graphics
KT Soft Board is strictly for indoor use. Moisture can penetrate the facing and core, causing warping and delamination. Choose Foamex, Correx or Dibond wherever outdoor exposure is possible.
A1 Sign Board Materials Compared
| Material | Thickness | Best A1 Application | Outdoor Suitability | Rigidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foamex PVC | 5 mm | Retail, exhibitions and general signage | Short to medium term | High |
| ACP / Dibond | 3 mm | Permanent exterior signage | Excellent | Very high |
| Correx | 4 mm | Temporary, event and construction signage | Good for short-term use | Low to medium |
| KT Soft Board | 5 mm | Large portable indoor displays | Not suitable | Medium |
A1 vs A2 Sign Board Printing
A1 has twice the printable area of A2.
Choose A1 instead of A2 when:
- The sign must be noticed from further away
- The headline, price or arrow needs substantially more scale
- Photography needs greater visual impact
- The board is competing with other promotional graphics
- The installation area is large enough to support a more dominant panel
- The sign needs to work as a feature display rather than supporting information
A2 remains preferable where viewing distances are shorter or installation space is more restricted.
A1 vs A0 Sign Board Printing
A0 has twice the printable area of A1.
A1 is normally easier to transport, handle and install while still delivering strong visibility.
Choose A1 when:
- You need substantial impact without maximum scale
- The available wall or window area is moderate
- Several signs will be distributed around one location
- The boards may need to be moved or replaced periodically
- Easier handling is more important than dominating a very large space
Move up to A0 when the display needs to fill a larger shop window, exhibition area, entrance or wall and greater viewing distance justifies the extra size.
A1 Sign Board Printing Prices
One A1 board covers approximately 5.38 sq ft.
For a single board on standard 5-working-day delivery, single-sided and without lamination, Printed Today’s current reference prices are:
| Material | A1 Size | Approx. Area | Reference Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Correx 4 mm | 594 × 841 mm | 5.38 sq ft | £18.61 |
| KT Soft Board 5 mm | 594 × 841 mm | 5.38 sq ft | £11.46 |
| Foamex PVC 5 mm | 594 × 841 mm | 5.38 sq ft | £23.03 |
| ACP / Dibond 3 mm | 594 × 841 mm | 5.38 sq ft | £37.44 |
These figures provide reference points for comparing materials. Quantity, double-sided printing, lamination, fixing options and delivery speed can alter the final total.
Ordering A1 Sign Boards in Quantity
There is no minimum order.
Each A1 panel contributes approximately 5.38 sq ft to the total order area, so quantities move through Printed Today’s square-foot pricing bands quickly.
| Quantity | Approx. Total Area |
|---|---|
| 1 | 5.38 sq ft |
| 5 | 26.90 sq ft |
| 10 | 53.80 sq ft |
| 25 | 134.50 sq ft |
| 50 | 269.00 sq ft |
| 100 | 538.00 sq ft |
Ordering a known requirement together can therefore be considerably more economical than splitting the same A1 boards into several smaller jobs.
This is particularly useful for:
- Retail rollouts
- Multi-location businesses
- Construction projects
- Events and exhibitions
- Property portfolios
- Hospitality groups
Different designs can also be included within one order. Clearly identify the required quantity for each artwork file.
Single-Sided or Double-Sided A1 Signs?
Choose according to whether the reverse side will be visible after installation.
- Single-sided A1 printing — suitable for walls, shop windows, hoardings, fencing, frames and other installations where the back is hidden.
- Double-sided A1 printing — suitable for projecting, suspended and freestanding signage viewed from two directions.
Printed Today UV prints directly onto both faces of one board rather than bonding two sheets together. Double-sided A1 signs therefore remain the same physical thickness and weight as their single-sided equivalents.
The two faces can also carry different artwork, which is particularly useful for directional boards, entrance and exit signage or promotions viewed from opposing directions.
How Should an A1 Sign Board Be Fixed?
At A1 size, fixing should be considered part of the product specification rather than an afterthought.
A 594 × 841 mm panel presents considerably more surface area to wind than an A4 or A3 sign, so exterior mounting requires suitable support.
Drill Holes
Choose pre-drilled holes where screws or bolts will secure the board.
- No drill holes — for frames, adhesive systems or custom on-site mounting.
- Top drill holes — suitable for hanging signs in controlled or sheltered locations.
- Four-corner drill holes — preferable for permanent wall, timber, metal and exterior installations.
Four-point mounting supports the complete panel and helps reduce twisting or corner lift.
Eyelets
Eyelets provide reinforced fixing points for cable ties, rope, hooks and similar fittings.
- Top eyelets — useful for suspended indoor or sheltered displays.
- Four-corner eyelets — preferable where the A1 board will be tied securely to fencing, barriers or temporary structures.
For an exterior A1 Correx sign, four-corner support is strongly recommended.
Matt or Gloss Lamination for A1 Signs
Lamination can protect the printed face and alter how the board behaves under lighting.
- Matt lamination reduces reflections from shop windows, exhibition lighting and overhead lights. It is particularly useful for menus, schedules, information boards and text-heavy displays.
- Gloss lamination increases colour saturation and contrast, helping promotional photography and branding create greater visual impact.
- No lamination remains suitable for many short-term indoor applications where extra protection is unnecessary.
For exterior Foamex or Dibond signs, lamination also adds another protective layer over the UV-printed surface.
Artwork Specifications for A1 Sign Board Printing
Prepare portrait artwork at 594 × 841 mm or landscape artwork at 841 × 594 mm.
| Specification | A1 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Finished size | 594 × 841 mm |
| Resolution | 150–300 dpi at final print size |
| Bleed | 3–5 mm on all sides |
| Colour mode | CMYK preferred, RGB accepted |
| Preferred formats | PDF, AI, EPS |
| Also accepted | PSD, PNG, JPEG, TIFF |
| Fonts | Outlined or converted to curves |
A1 artwork should be structured for distance first.
The primary headline, price, arrow or call to action should communicate before somebody reaches the board. Supporting text can then become readable at closer range.
Avoid using the additional A1 area simply to add more information. In most cases, larger typography, stronger imagery and more generous spacing produce a more effective sign.
Printed Today’s pre-press team manually checks dimensions, bleed, resolution and colour setup before production and contacts you if anything needs correcting.
No Finished A1 Artwork? You Can Still Order
Artwork status can be selected during the order process.
- Print-ready artwork — upload the completed A1 file during checkout.
- Artwork to follow — place the order now and send the final artwork later.
- Existing design needs adjustment — Printed Today can resize artwork, add bleed, correct resolution and adapt an existing design specifically for A1.
- Design support required — send your text, logo, brand colours, imagery and design direction and the in-house team can create the artwork free of charge.
If the same campaign requires A4, A3, A2, A1 and A0 boards, each format can be adjusted independently so typography, margins and image scale remain appropriate across the entire set.
A1 Sign Board Delivery Options
Every turnaround begins from artwork approval.
- Standard — 5 working days — base-rate production for planned signage.
- 72-hour — three working days from approval.
- 48-hour — two working days from approval.
- 24-hour — express production for urgent requirements.
- Same-day collection — available from Bolton or London for qualifying orders, subject to current production capacity.
Each A1 board covers approximately 5.38 sq ft. Printed Today’s same-day collection service applies to qualifying orders up to 64 sq ft, while the 24-hour service is available within the conditions stated in the live calculator.
Because production time begins after artwork approval, supplying correct artwork immediately is particularly important when an express deadline is critical.
How to Order an A1 Printed Sign Board
- Select your material — Foamex PVC, ACP/Dibond, Correx or KT Soft Board.
- Use A1 dimensions — 594 × 841 mm.
- Choose portrait or landscape artwork.
- Enter your quantity.
- Select single- or double-sided printing.
- Choose no lamination, matt or gloss.
- Add eyelets or drill holes where required.
- Select your turnaround.
- Upload artwork or choose your artwork status.
- Review the live specification and place the order.
Why Order A1 Sign Boards From Printed Today?
Printed Today produces Foamex, Correx, Dibond and KT Soft Board in-house at its UK facility using direct UV printing.
A1 particularly benefits from this process because artwork frequently combines large distance-read graphics with detailed information. Promotional photography needs to remain clean across a large surface, while logos, prices and supporting text still need definition when the viewer approaches.
Producing all four materials through the same in-house workflow also means the substrate can be selected according to the actual application rather than automatically steering the job toward the premium material.
Need Help Choosing an A1 Sign Board?
If A1 is the correct size but you are unsure about material, finishing or installation, contact Printed Today before ordering.
- Telephone: 0208 077 1994 — 8am–12am weekdays, 11am–7pm weekends.
- Live chat — 8am–10pm daily.
- Email: [email protected]
Tell the team whether the sign will be indoors or outdoors, how long it needs to remain installed and how you plan to mount it. Those details are normally enough to determine whether your A1 job is best produced in Correx, Foamex, Dibond or KT Soft Board.