Retrofit Flex Face Signs

Flex Face Conversion for Existing Signs & Light Boxes

Retrofit Flex Face Signs provide a cost-effective way to upgrade suitable existing signs and light boxes without replacing the complete structure.

The system can replace an existing rigid acrylic, polycarbonate or similar sign face with a modern tensioned flex face graphic. Where the existing sign box remains suitable, much of the original structure can stay in place.

This makes Retrofit Flex Face Signs ideal for sign refurbishments, rebranding projects and replacement sign faces. They can provide a practical alternative to manufacturing and installing a completely new sign box.

Existing Sign & Light Box Conversion

The SignComp Retro Frame was originally developed to convert existing rigid-faced light boxes to flex face signage.

A specialist aluminium frame fits to the suitable existing structure. A printed flexible PVC graphic then tensions across the front to create a clean, seamless sign face.

This can work particularly well when an existing acrylic sign face has become damaged, faded or outdated, but the main sign box remains in good condition.

W&Co can assess the construction, condition, dimensions and installation of the existing sign before confirming whether a flex face conversion is suitable.

Benefits of Retrofit Flex Face Signs

Retrofitting can offer several advantages compared with replacing a complete sign or light box:

• Reuse a suitable existing sign structure
• Reduce new fabrication and installation costs
• Replace rigid panels with a seamless printed flex face
• Refresh faded or outdated commercial signage
• Make future graphic changes easier
• Reduce unnecessary replacement of existing materials
• Create large-format graphics without many rigid-panel size limitations

For larger shop fascias, retail park signs, warehouses and commercial buildings, these savings can make a retrofit particularly attractive.

89mm SignComp Retro Frame

The system uses a strong aluminium profile approximately 89mm deep.

Profiles are available in 5100mm and 6100mm lengths. Depending on the project, W&Co can supply the sign in built-up sections or in kit form.

Frames can also be powder coated in a standard RAL colour to complement the building, fascia or surrounding signage.

The 89mm profile creates a relatively shallow flex face system while providing the strength and flexibility required for a wide range of commercial signage applications.

Standalone or Retrofit Installation

Although SignComp originally developed the Retro Frame for converting existing light boxes, the system has evolved into a versatile flex face frame in its own right.

It can fit to a suitable existing sign box or mount directly to appropriate cladding and other building surfaces.

Internal supports or dedicated wall-mounting brackets can provide additional support where required. This means an existing back box is not essential for every installation.

The same system can therefore suit both refurbishment projects and completely new flex face signage.

Internal & External Illumination Options

Retrofit Flex Face Signs can be supplied as non-illuminated signs or internally LED illuminated where the sign dimensions and specification are suitable.

When converting an existing illuminated light box, W&Co can assess the current LEDs, drivers, wiring and electrical components. Suitable components may be retained, while older or unsuitable lighting can be upgraded as part of the refurbishment.

For non-illuminated installations, external LED trough lighting can also illuminate the flex face graphic from above.

Replaceable Flex Face Graphics

Flex face signage makes future graphic changes straightforward.

The printed face can be replaced independently of the aluminium frame and any suitable existing sign structure. A business can therefore update its branding or replace an ageing graphic without replacing the complete sign.

This can be particularly useful for retail, commercial and multi-site businesses where signage may change over time.

SignComp Black Clip Tensioning System

The SignComp Black Clip system securely tensions the flexible graphic around the aluminium frame.

The clips grip the printed flex face material directly. This removes the need for sewn pockets, rods, clamps, eyelets, springs or similar fixings.

Installers can also de-tension individual clips where they need localised access for maintenance. They can then re-tension the same section without removing the complete sign face.

The system helps simplify installation, maintenance and future graphic replacement.

Retrofit vs Front-Loading Flex Face Signs

Retrofit and Front-Loading Flex Face Signs both provide relatively shallow alternatives to conventional flex face light boxes, but each system has different strengths.

Retrofit Flex Face Signs are particularly useful when a suitable existing rigid-faced sign or light box can remain in place. The 89mm Retro Frame can also work as a standalone system where required.

Our Front-Loading Flex Face Signs use a shallower 70mm profile. Their front-access design also allows zero side clearance, which can make them ideal for recesses, internal corners and signs installed directly alongside one another.

W&Co can advise which system best suits the sign size, location, illumination and installation requirements.

Other Flex Face Sign Options

For a new non-illuminated installation, our ultra-slim Non-Lit Flex Face Signs use a 30mm fascia frame and may provide a shallower, more economical solution.

For conventional internally illuminated signage, our Standard Flex Face Signs are available in 135mm, 165mm and 196mm profile depths. A 220mm double-sided system is also available for suitable applications.

For bespoke logos, lettering and irregular forms, see our Flex Face Shapes & Letters.

Typical Retrofit Flex Face Applications

• Replacement shop and business sign faces
• Existing light box conversions
• Retail park signage refurbishment
• Rebranding existing commercial signs
• Builders’ merchants and trade premises
• Warehouses and industrial units
• Large commercial fascias
• Standalone flex face signage

Retrofit Flex Face Sign Specifications

• Approximately 89mm-deep aluminium profile
• Designed for suitable existing rigid-faced signs and light boxes
• Suitable for acrylic and similar rigid sign face conversions
• Can also be used as a standalone flex face frame
• Suitable for appropriate cladding and building surfaces
• Internal supports and wall-mounting options available
• Internal LED illumination available where suitable
• External LED trough illumination available
• Bespoke sign dimensions and printed graphics
• 5100mm and 6100mm profile lengths
• Standard RAL powder-coated finishes
• Built-up sections or kit-form supply
• SignComp Black Clip tensioning system
• Replaceable printed flex face graphics
• Suitable for commercial and external signage

Retrofit Flex Face Sign FAQs

What is a retrofit flex face sign?

A retrofit flex face sign uses a specialist aluminium frame to convert a suitable rigid-faced sign or light box to a tensioned flex face graphic. The existing structure can remain in place where suitable.

Can I convert my existing light box to a flex face sign?

Potentially, yes. If the existing light box is structurally sound and suitable for conversion, W&Co can assess whether a retrofit frame can replace the rigid sign face.

Can I replace an acrylic sign face with flex face?

Yes. SignComp originally developed the Retro Frame system for converting rigid acrylic-faced sign boxes to flex face signage.

Is retrofitting cheaper than replacing the complete sign?

It can be. Reusing a suitable existing structure can reduce the amount of new fabrication, materials and installation required compared with replacing the complete sign or light box.

How deep is a Retrofit Flex Face Sign?

The aluminium retrofit profile is approximately 89mm deep. When fitted to an existing sign or light box, the overall finished depth will also depend on the existing structure.

Can Retrofit Flex Face Signs be internally illuminated?

Yes. The 89mm Retro Frame can support internal LED illumination where the sign dimensions and specification are suitable.

Can the existing lighting be reused?

Potentially. W&Co can assess the existing LEDs, drivers and electrical components to determine whether they remain suitable for the new flex face graphic.

Can Retrofit Flex Face Signs be mounted directly to a building?

Yes. The Retro Frame can work as a standalone system and can mount to suitable cladding or other building surfaces using appropriate supports or wall-mounting brackets.

What is the difference between Retrofit and Front-Loading Flex Face Signs?

Retrofit Flex Face Signs work particularly well when converting suitable existing signs and light boxes. Front-Loading Flex Face Signs use a shallower 70mm profile and provide front access with zero side clearance.

Can the flex face graphic be replaced later?

Yes. W&Co can replace the printed graphic while retaining the aluminium frame and any suitable existing sign structure.

Upgrade an Existing Sign or Light Box

If you have an existing sign or light box that needs refurbishing, send W&Co photographs, approximate dimensions and details of the existing structure.

We can advise whether a Retrofit Flex Face Sign could provide a practical and cost-effective alternative to complete replacement.

Contact W&Co for advice or a quotation for Retrofit Flex Face Signs.