In the world of traffic management, the clarity, legibility, and longevity of road signs aren’t just matters of convenience – they’re essential to safety. Whether guiding drivers through complex intersections or warning of upcoming hazards, traffic signs must remain visible and readable at all times, regardless of weather, vandalism, or age.

Protective overlay films play a vital role in preserving the long-term performance and visibility of permanent traffic signs. They create a durable barrier against environmental factors such as UV exposure and dew formation, helping to maintain the sign’s reflectivity and clarity over time. While they won’t prevent graffiti or sticker vandalism, these films are designed to make removal quick and non-damaging – reducing the need for sign replacement and keeping vital information visible and compliant.

At Lakeside Group, we supply a comprehensive range of protective overlaminates from Avery Dennison, engineered to support the durability, safety, and regulatory compliance of permanent road signage across the UK.

Why UV light, dew and graffiti are serious threats to road signs

UV damage

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight is a major threat to road signage. Over time, UV exposure breaks down the colour and retroreflective properties of sign materials, leading to fading, brittleness, and reduced visibility. This degradation not only impacts the appearance of a sign but also undermines its compliance with visibility and safety standards. Without protection, signs may require replacement far sooner than expected.

Dew formation

Dew may seem harmless, but for traffic signs – especially those using retroreflective sheeting – it can pose a serious visibility issue. When water droplets condense on a sign’s surface, they scatter incoming headlights, significantly reducing the brightness and clarity of the message.

Signs without a dew-resistant surface can lose up to 60% of their reflectivity when dew forms, posing a significant hazard for drivers. This is especially concerning at night, when falling temperatures make dew more likely – just as visibility and clear signage are most crucial for road safety.

Graffiti and vandalism

Graffiti on road signs is more than just unsightly – it can obscure vital information, creating a significant safety risk for road users. Common forms of vandalism include spray paint, permanent markers and stickers. These can all reduce the visibility of important sign messages and are often difficult to remove without damaging the underlying surface. Harsh cleaning methods may compromise the sign’s retroreflective properties, shorten its lifespan, or leave behind residue. Protective overlay films with anti-graffiti features offer an effective solution – allowing for easy removal of graffiti and stickers while preserving the sign’s clarity and performance.

Protective overlay films are designed to tackle all of these challenges – providing an invisible shield that extends the life of the sign while maintaining its legibility and performance in all conditions.

Our protective overlay film offerings

At Lakeside Group, we offer three primary protective overlay films from Avery Dennison, each formulated to address specific threats:

Avery Dennison OL-2000 UV (transparent overlay film)

OL-2000 UV is a robust, high gloss acrylic film overlay designed for lamination over Avery Dennison retroreflective films. It enhances durability while protecting against UV degradation, abrasion, and weathering.

  • UV Protection: Yes
  • Cuttable for sign graphics: Yes
  • Warranty: Up to 12 years, depending on application and base reflective film.

For more information on OL-2000 download the data sheet here.

Avery Dennison OL-1200 (Dew-resistant film)

Featuring a hydrophilic surface layer, OL-1200 is specially engineered to reduce dew formation. This ensures that retroreflective performance is preserved in humid or foggy environments, maintaining critical visibility in low-light conditions.

  • UV protection: Yes
  • Dew-resistant: Yes
  • Warranty: OL-1200 features best-in-class durability with up to 10 year dew resistance and up to 12 year UV protection based on sheeting type.

For more information on OL-1200 download the data sheet here.

Avery Dennison OL-1000 (Anti-graffiti film)

The OL-1000 is a premium clear overlay film that safeguards traffic signs from graffiti, stickers, and surface contaminants. It allows for the easy removal of spray paint and permanent marker without damaging the underlying graphics or retroreflective layer.

For more information on OL-1000 download the data sheet here.

All Avery Dennison overlay films supplied by Lakeside Group are CE-certified and manufactured to meet the rigorous standards required for permanent traffic signage.

How to clean graffiti off a sign with OL-1000 applied

One of the standout features of OL-1000 is its anti-graffiti surface. When signs are defaced, cleaning them is fast, simple, and safe for the underlying material:

  1. Select a suitable solvent: Use a standard solvent such as isopropyl alcohol, acetone, or a commercial graffiti remover suitable for use on polycarbonate surfaces.
  2. Apply with care: Dampen a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge with the solvent. Avoid rough materials that could scratch the surface.
  3. Wipe gently: Clean the affected area using light, circular motions. Repeat, if necessary, until the graffiti is removed.
  4. Rinse and dry: Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove residue, and allow the sign to dry naturally.

Thanks to the OL-1000’s chemical-resistant coating, this process can be carried out repeatedly without compromising the appearance or functionality of the sign.

Benefits of using protective overlay films

Incorporating protective overlay films into your signage programme delivers a wide range of advantages:

  • Extended sign life: Resistant to fading, vandalism, and environmental wear.
  • Maintained visibility: Dew-resistant coatings ensure signs remain legible, even in poor weather.
  • Reduced maintenance: Longer service life means fewer replacements and lower long-term costs.
  • Regulatory compliance: All films meet industry standards for visibility and durability.

Learn more

Want to explore more about traffic sign materials and best practices? Check out these posts on our blog:

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