Choosing the Right Reflective Sheeting

When selecting signage, the type of reflective sheeting used determines how visible your sign is at night and how long it will last in the field. We offer three great options - below is our guide to the three industry-standard 3M reflective tiers.

GOOD: 3M™ 7300 Series Advanced Engineer Grade (AEGP)

The Economical Choice for Non-Critical Signage.

Reflectivity Level: Low. Uses microprismatic technology to provide a uniform appearance and a whiter base color than traditional beaded sheeting.
Durability: 7-year minimum expected service life.
Compliance: Meets ASTM D4956 Type I standards.
Best Use: Ideal for non-regulated and non-critical applications such as parking lots, wayfinding, neighborhoods, and commercial branding.

EXAMPLE: 3M™ Advanced Engineer Grade Prismatic Series 7300

BETTER: 3M™ 3930 Series High Intensity Prismatic (HIP)

The Standard for Regulated Roadway Signs.

Reflectivity Level: Medium-High. Features truncated cube technology that is significantly brighter than Engineer Grade and performs best at medium to long distances.
Durability: 10-year minimum expected service life.
Compliance: Meets ASTM D4956 Type III and Type IV requirements.
Best Use: The minimum level required for most DOT and municipal roadway signs, including stop signs, speed limits, and other regulatory markers.

EXAMPLE: 3M™ High Intensity Prismatic Series 3930

BEST: 3M™ 4000 Series Diamond Grade™ (DG3)

The Ultimate in Visibility and Safety.

Reflectivity Level: High to Very High. Utilizes 100% efficient full-cube prismatic technology, returning nearly twice the amount of light as HIP sheeting.
Durability: 12-year minimum expected service life.
Compliance: Meets ASTM D4956 Type IX and Type XI standards.
Best Use: Critical safety applications, overhead signs, work zones, and "disadvantaged" sign positions (like the left shoulder) where maximum sight distance is vital for all vehicle sizes.

EXAMPLE: 3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG³ Series 4000

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Engineer Grade (AEGP)	High Intensity (HIP)	Diamond Grade (DG3)
ASTM Type	Type I	Type III/IV	Type IX/XI
Minimum Service Life	7 Years	10 Years	12 Years
Brightness	1x	3x	10x
Night Visibility	~500ft	~1,000ft	~1,500ft
Primary Application	Parking Lots, Private Use	Regulated Roadways	High-Speed & Critical

Standard Colors vs. Fluorescent Colors: Which to Choose?

While standard reflective colors are the industry baseline, 3M’s fluorescent technology offers a significant safety advantage by converting invisible light into visible light. This makes signs appear to "glow," providing critical visibility when drivers need it most.

Standard Colors

The Reliable Baseline for Everyday Roadway Use.

Performance: Standard colors like white, yellow, and red perform best under low and medium light levels. They rely entirely on retroreflection to return light from vehicle headlights.
Daytime Visibility: Provides clear, standard contrast during bright, sunny conditions.
Durability: Standard colors in the Diamond Grade™ DG3 (4000 Series) carry a 12-year warranty.
Common Colors: White, Yellow, Red, Blue, Green, and Brown.

Fluorescent Colors

Superior Visibility for High-Risk and Low-Light Conditions.

The Science of Fluorescence: Unlike standard colors, fluorescent sheeting absorbs short-wavelength solar energy (UV light) and re-emits it as longer-wavelength visible light. This increases the sign's total luminance.
24-Hour Performance: These colors provide higher visibility in any light condition, but they are particularly effective during dawn, dusk, and inclement weather like rain or overcast skies.
Increased Reaction Time: Studies show drivers detect fluorescent signs an average of 160 feet sooner than standard signs during the day. This advantage is even greater for older drivers (ages 55–75).
Durability: Fluorescent Yellow and Yellow-Green typically carry a 10-year warranty, while Fluorescent Orange is warrantied for 3 years due to the intensity of the pigments.

Specific Fluorescent Applications

Color	Typical Use Cases	MUTCD / Industry Use
Fluorescent Yellow-Green	School zones, pedestrian crossings, bicycle paths, and playgrounds.	Mandated for school zone warning signs.
Fluorescent Yellow	Hidden hazards, sharp curves, and dangerous intersections.	Used to increase conspicuity at hazardous sites.
Fluorescent Orange	Temporary traffic control, construction, and work zones.	Industry standard for high-visibility work zone safety.

Note: Upgrading from standard yellow to fluorescent yellow or yellow-green is an inexpensive way to significantly reduce accidents—one study (see article) showed pedestrian injury crashes can drop by up to 37% with these high-visibility upgrades.