Trusted by leading brands & retailers...
What our resellers say
Links Signs and Graphics
All first class service. Enquiries are answered quickly and clearly, products always delivered on time and if there has ever been a problem, it is always resolved quickly.
Tones Media
I was impressed by the performance. Whoever designed this product is brilliant. Concerning the Canadian market, most people admired the quality of your products. Several sign shops have ordered demo units to place in their stores to show to customers.
3 Tier Print Management Ltd
That is brilliant service. Thank you so much. It's always difficult when something goes wrong but the real measure of a supplier is how they react and I can't praise you high enough. Thanks again.
Nitro Branding
I find the combination of product range, price and convenience unbeatable. Always a great service and high quality products from Signwaves, thank you.
Mirage Signs
Signwaves are a very professional company and have professional staff that sells quality products at excellent prices.
Signs Express
Swift responses, informative and detailed quotes and our Account Manager at Signwaves is very patient, with endless variations to quote for.
Discount Displays
Brilliant service, detailed information and great performance. The quality of products is superb and consistent. If there are ever any
issues, they’re dealt with quickly and professionally.
Recent News
Snapframes – Don’t Choose Between Quality and Price
Why Has the Snapframe Been Around for Over 100 Years? The history of the Snapframe, or Grip Frame, Click Frame or Clip Frame as it is sometimes known, is an interesting one, and much older than most of us would think. In 1917 a patent was filed in the USA for a bill-posting device with the ‘aim to provide a board or base to which may be removably secured suitable advertising matter, such as posters, bulletins and the like. The primary object of the invention is to provide a device of this character in which all of the edges of the sheet are securely clamped to the board and protected, thereby preventing such edges from becoming torn or mutilated by the wind or from other reasons. The invention also aims to provide spring actuated clamps constructed so as to protect the actuating parts from the elements, the clamping member forming a housing for such parts. The invention further includes means whereby each of the spring actuated clamps may be held from engagement with the board to facilitate the insertion of the poster matter there beneath.’ This perfectly describes the mechanism and function of the aluminium Snapframe today, more than 100 years later. What started out as a device for displaying wall-paper samples evolved into one of the most widely used formats for displaying paper advertising signs and promotional posters across a wide range of commercial signage environments. Snapframes are now commonly used for notices, menus, certificates, artwork and back-lit transparencies.It is the value for money, ease of use, functional simplicity and built-in security of the modern Snapframe that has maintained its universal and enduring appeal. The positive snap-open/snap-shut operation of the frame sides without the need for tools makes poster change fast and dependable, whilst the clamping action of the frame around the edges of the poster and clear plastic cover sheet provides a reassuring degree of poster security and protection, all for a surprisingly small capital outlay. At Signwaves we can’t take any credit for the basic design of the modern aluminium Snapframe, which was developed in the USA in the 1970’s. But, as significant developers and manufacturers of the product since laying down our first frame profile extrusion die in 1990, we have been instrumental in bringing refinement, value engineering and supplementary patented innovation to the market, as well as offering some of the sharpest prices, widest range and largest stocks in Europe. As an established sign trade supplier, we support trade customers with consistent product quality and dependable availability. Is There Really a Difference Between Budget and Premium Snapframes? The competitive confidence we have in our offer, endorsed by a ‘price match promise’, does not come at the cost of quality. Our far east factories for high volume lines manufacture to our strict specification and to the same quality control standards we operate in our own factory. As leading adopters of anti-glare poster cover sheets to improve message visibility, particularly under bright in-store lighting and sunlight, our cover sheets are also UV treated for fade resistance as standard across the range. We regularly see competitor products in the field where cover sheets are turning brown within weeks as a result of UV light degradation. Even at the commodity end of the market not all snapframes are the same. What Snapframe Sizes, Styles and Colours Are Available? The extensive range of sizes and styles, some with specialist functionality and unique to Signwaves, further underpins our leading position in the UK Snapframe market. As does having our own manufacturing facility here in Norfolk where bespoke sizes and a choice of 12 stock colours are available to order as part of an ‘express make to order service’ with no minimum order quantity. Outer frame profiles range in width from 14mm to 50mm. There is also a choice of square (mitred) or round corners, off-the-shelf and make-to-order colours and special finishes, versions for free-standing and suspending, and enhanced security options requiring a simple lever tool or Allen key to open the frame sides. All are available in a wide range of common international and imperial poster sizes and in most cases custom sizes can be manufactured to order within a matter of days. Our Snapframes are generally supplied individually packed with instruction sheet, four screws and wall plugs, with customers or their installers having the option to use double-sided, adhesive Velcro or magnetic tape to mount depending on the application. Our 15mm and 25mm profile frames with mitred corners are the most popular, with silver anodised and satin black stock finishes selling in their 000’s every month. These narrower frame profiles are proportionally more suited to smaller poster inserts and perfect for indoor use. Huge stocks across the popular (A5 to A0) poster size range means even the largest of customer enquiries can be offered a next day delivery service if required. The Counterstand Snapframe with ‘clip-in’ hinged support strut and stylish moulded safety corners is also a popular indoor product, for tables, bars, counters and window displays. In silver, matt black and wood-grain finishes in A6, A5 and A4 stock sizes the innovative design allows the support strut to function in portrait or landscape formats, or folded away allowing the frame to be used as a standard wall mounted snapframe. Can Snapframes Be Used Outdoors? Whilst all Signwaves Snapframes can be used outdoors, because the materials are weather and UV resistant, certain styles and frame sizes are better suited than others. Wider frame profiles generally provide a stronger grip, and clamp a wider poster cover edge, helping them perform more effectively as outdoor signage in exposed environments. This makes them a practical option where a weatherproof outdoor sign is required, particularly in areas subject to changing conditions. The vortex action of the wind, more than the wind strength itself, can affect performance, usually when the wind blows horizontally across the face of the frame or particularly when it is able to blow at 90 degrees past the frame from the rear. How Do You Stop a Snapframe From Being Tampered With? Our recommended Snapframe for outdoor use in exposed situations is the Security Snapframe available in 25mm profile for smaller poster sizes and 42mm for larger. Designed as a vandal resistant frame with a profile shape that is virtually impossible to open by hand, it is the extra springs to increase clamping strength that provides superior wind resistance and poster security. Sometimes referred to as a ‘tamper-proof’ or ‘tamper-resistant’ snapframe a simple lever tool is available to aid opening. For optimum ‘anti-tamper’ the 32mm Lockable Snapframe with sequentially closing sides is the answer. A simple but effective design feature stops the first closed side from opening once the adjacent opposing sides are closed, and these opposing sides cannot be opened once the forth side is closed. The fourth side is then locked courtesy of a single Allen-key screw providing a useful deterrent to unwanted access. Reverse sequence is applied when opening the frame to change the poster and for initial installation. Snapframe innovation from Signwaves is evident at opposite ends of the price spectrum: • Frameworkz is unlike any other poster frame available in that the 50mm wide outer profile can be digitally printed to virtually any design, opening up wonderful new possibilities in frame finishing capable of complementing any décor, promotion or brand identity. Whether a repeated logo or full-colour artwork, or perhaps mimicking a wood grain, stone or rusted metal finish, the opportunities are as exciting as they are endless. • Minimus, in silver finish and four stock sizes, is an example of sustainable design principles at their best. With continuous pressure on price at the commodity end of the Snapframe market we set about designing the lowest cost Snapframe in the World. The patented design solution challenged the need for a back panel and rear aluminium profile for a frame mounted to a wall or rigid flat surface, precisely where the high percentage of poster frames are used. Although lightweight in construction, once fixed to a wall it looks and performs just like any other 25mm standard profile Snapframe. For larger volume projects cost savings can be significant. When a custom colour or sizing isn’t enough, for orders typically no less than 500 pieces, pad printing can be a cost effective way to fully personalise a standard Snapframe. A logo or branding in one or more positions on the surface of the frame endorses ownership and works well for the likes of media advertisers selling space in public areas. For your snapframe quote get in touch with our team today
Do Roller Banners Reduce Event Setup Time?
Walking onto a trade floor before an event usually feels frantic. Organisers set strict loading windows that force businesses to build professional displays in a fraction of the time they actually need. When you arrive at 6:00 AM, your sales team should focus on talking to customers, not struggling with heavy metal frames. Those early hours set the tone for the entire day. Any delay getting your graphics up means you look disorganised when the doors open. Giving your staff a simple way to build their environment completely changes the energy of the stand. We have looked at how using the right hardware solves this common industry problem. How Do Roller Banners Reduce Event Setup Time? Roller banners reduce event setup time since the graphic is pre-installed inside a spring-loaded base unit, making them a strong quick setup option for busy event environments. In most cases, one person can set up the display in moments by pulling the graphic up and securing it with the support pole. There are no loose frame parts to assemble on site. A staff member unfolds the stabilising feet, raises the graphic, and secures it in place. That keeps setup straightforward in a busy venue environment and reduces the chance of missing pieces slowing the team down. Staff also do not need specialist training to deploy the unit properly. That helps create a more consistent presentation across events, even when different team members are handling setup. Venues often bill for extra access time outside of the standard trading window. Every minute spent piecing together rigid wall panels increases staffing costs and early access fees. To make setup faster, review these two pressure points first: Replace display structures that need multiple people to carry or assemble. Reduce the number of separate frame components by using self-contained banner units. Are Roller Banners Good For Events? For many exhibitors, yes. Roller banners are a practical first-choice event display since they are lightweight, easy to carry, and quick to position once you reach the hall. They are also portable for exhibitions where speed and flexibility matter. Unlike heavier exhibition walls, they do not usually need multiple staff members or specialist transport. They also give you more flexibility on the day. Fixed structures are harder to reposition once the stand is built, while roller banners let you adjust messaging, entrance points, or product emphasis around the way people are actually moving through the space. That flexibility matters on smaller stands in particular. Using several banner units instead of one large backdrop can make the space feel more open and easier to navigate. It also gives you more control over how branding appears from different angles. Moving materials from a car park to a venue hall is often one of the most frustrating parts of the day. Portable equipment helps reduce that strain before the event even begins. How Durable Are Roller Banners For Repeated Use? That depends on the quality of the hardware. Internal tension mechanisms, base construction, and pole strength all affect how well a banner copes with frequent travel and repeated use. Lower-quality units often suffer from snapped springs or cracked aluminium bases after only a small number of outings. If the hardware is going to be used across exhibitions, retail promotions, or campaigns, it needs to hold up to regular transport, setup, and storage. For businesses looking for easy setup roller banners in the UK, build quality matters just as much as the printed graphic. The printed graphic only does its job if the display still performs properly on the day. Signwaves has more than 30 years of experience designing and manufacturing display solutions for real commercial use. We manage design, print, manufacturing, and fulfilment in-house, which gives us much closer control over product consistency. That matters with roller banners since reliability depends on the full unit working properly, from the cassette and pole to the printed graphic itself. It also matters for stability. In busy environments or on uneven surfaces, a solid base and sensible weight distribution make a real difference in keeping the unit steady when people are moving past it. Should You Replace Heavy Exhibition Displays With Roller Banners? If event setup is slower than it needs to be, your display hardware is worth reviewing. Start with the equipment you currently rely on. If it takes multiple people to carry, assemble, or reposition, there may be a more practical alternative. Self-contained roller banners can reduce handling time, simplify transport, and make stand setup easier for smaller teams. They will not replace every exhibition structure, but they can remove a lot of unnecessary effort where speed, portability, and ease of use matter most. Common Roller Banner Issues To Watch For Why Does A Roller Banner Lean Forward? A forward lean happens when the supporting pole is not seated properly into the rear mounting bracket. It can also happen if you forget to twist the stabilising feet out to a full ninety-degree angle. This shifts the centre of gravity and makes the unit unstable. Rough handling during takedown also causes problems. Dropping a tension rod can warp the aluminium edge, which prevents the pole from sliding in. Always rotate the base feet out fully before you pull the graphic up to keep the stand vertical. Can You Replace A Roller Banner Graphic In An Existing Base? It is possible to dismantle an aluminium cassette to swap the printed graphic, but it is rarely the most practical option. The labour involved and the risk of the internal spring uncoiling make it far less efficient than buying a new unit. The spring also wears down over time. By the point a marketing message is out of date, the internal housing may already be nearing the end of its reliable lifespan. A new factory-tensioned system is usually the safer and more dependable choice. Can Carpet Or Uneven Floors Affect Roller Banner Stability? Yes. Deep carpet changes how a display unit balances compared to flat concrete, and thick pile can cause metal feet to sink slightly. If you are on a soft floor, placing a flat piece of rigid card under the feet helps spread the load. It also helps to avoid placing the base over taped cable runs or floor joins, since small surface changes can make the top of the banner move more than expected. Choose A Roller Banner System Built For Real Commercial Use Faster setup changes more than the first half hour of an event. It reduces pressure on your team, makes transport easier, and helps you present a more professional stand from the moment the doors open. For exhibitions, retail promotions, and branded events, get in touch with Signwaves. We can help you choose a roller banner system built for practical transport, quick setup, and repeated commercial use.
The Best Materials for Weatherproof Outdoor Signs
A smart choice of material helps graphics stay readable for longer and cuts the number of replacements needed over a campaign.
