Color plays a vital role in sign design, significantly impacting how your audience perceives your message and your brand. According to research, color improves brand recognition by up to 80%, according to SmallBizGenius. However, choosing the wrong colors for your commercial signage can have the opposite effect, making it difficult to read or fail to capture attention. When designing your signage, it’s essential to know which colors to avoid to ensure maximum effectiveness and visual appeal.

1. Light or Pastel Colors

While light and pastel colors might seem visually appealing, they often lack the contrast needed for outdoor or high-visibility signage. Shades like pale yellow, light pink, and soft blues can easily blend into the background, especially in direct sunlight or against light-colored surfaces. These colors make it harder for people to read your sign from a distance. For commercial signage, high-contrast, bold colors are more effective in ensuring that your message stands out clearly.

2. Overly Bright or Neon Colors

Bright, neon colors like electric green or fluorescent pink can certainly grab attention, but they can also overwhelm the viewer. Neon hues can strain the eyes and may even detract from the professionalism of your brand. While these colors are great for certain designs, they may not always be appropriate for signage, especially if your goal is to create a more sophisticated or corporate image. Balance is key when considering bold colors for your signage.

3. Similar Background and Text Colors

Another common issue in sign design is using text and background colors that are too similar, reducing legibility. For example, combining red text on an orange background or blue text on a dark green backdrop can make your signage difficult to read from afar. Always aim for high contrast between your text and background, such as black text on a white background or yellow text on a dark blue background. This ensures your sign is clear and easy to read at a glance.

At Shamrock Signs, we specialize in creating impactful and visually appealing commercial signage that captures attention and communicates your brand effectively. Our expertise in sign design helps businesses stand out with the right color combinations that enhance readability and brand recognition. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you design your next commercial sign.