Material Options that Make the Most Sense for Your Custom Sign Budget
Custom signs are useful for businesses in so many ways. From branding to advertising to wayfinding signs, they provide a way for businesses to communicate and inform current and potential customers. When thinking about what type of sign will accomplish your goal, you may ask: What are the material options, and which one makes the most sense for my use and budget? [caption id="attachment_1941" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
High-resolution graphics printed on Ultra Board[/caption]
In the sign industry, the category of the material used to print custom graphics are referred to as substrates. Substrates are rigid materials that come in many different forms which allow us flexibility in choosing the very best option for the intended use and budget. Here is a brief description of the available substrate options.
Foam Core
Foam core is a temporary and cost-effective substrate option. This material is lightweight and made up of polystyrene foam clad and white clay-coated paper. It is perfect for short term, indoor use, but it is susceptible to weather damage and damage due to everyday use so it is not ideal for use outdoors.
[caption id="attachment_1942" align="alignright" width="300"]
Ultra Board – Photo Credit: Grimco[/caption]
Ultra Board
Ultra board is still a lightweight substrate that has a glossy plastic outer shell with a foam interior. The inner foam makes ultra board perfect for printing vivid graphic displays, and the outer plastic allows for router cutting and is warp resistant. Although it is intended for indoor use, it has a much longer life than the less expensive foam board.
[caption id="attachment_1937" align="alignleft" width="300"]
PVC – Photo Credit: Grimco[/caption]
PVC
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a plastic substrate that is very durable and beautifully displays high-quality, professional graphics and photos. PVC is also known as Trovicel, Sintra or Kapabloc. This type of substrate is perfect for long term indoor or short term outdoor use. It has the ability to be laminated which can greatly extend its outdoor lifespan. It comes in a variety of thickness but the most popular are 3 mm, 6 mm and 12 mm.
[caption id="attachment_1938" align="alignright" width="300"]
Coroplast – Photo Credit: Grimco[/caption]
Coroplast
Widely referred to by its brand name Coroplast, corrugated plastic is a very popular substrate option for temporary promotional signs. It’s a lightweight, waterproof, long-lasting material that boasts a solid plastic surface with a hollow core that’s similar to cardboard. It is a very inexpensive substrate which is another reason it is so popular. [caption id="attachment_1939" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Styrene - a thin flexible material, ideal for easy transport.[/caption]
Styrene
Styrene is a thin, solid plastic material that has been known to have many uses. It’s used for everything from food service containers and insulation to you guessed it, signs! This substrate is ideal for indoor and outdoor use and can be cut into custom shapes and designs. It is very flexible and can be easily rolled up for easy storage. Transporting this substrate is almost effortless which makes it a favorite for trade show displays. [caption id="attachment_1940" align="alignright" width="300"]
Aluminum Composite Panel – Photo Credit: Grimco[/caption]
Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP)
Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) is constructed of two sheets of aluminum attached to a polyethylene core. It is very durable and can be used to display long lasting outdoor signs. Graphics can be printed on both sides or vinyl can also be applied for a different yet equally appealing result. This substrate can also be cut or routed so it has the ability to display a variety of shapes. ACP is also available in variable weights and thicknesses. [caption id="attachment_1945" align="alignleft" width="249"]
1/8″ thick black powder coated aluminum panel.[/caption]
Aluminum
Because they are weather-resistant, custom aluminum signs are highly durable and perfect for permanent outdoor use. This substrate gives you the opportunity to choose the shape, size, color, and thickness that works for specific needs. It can also be cut into any shape or size so you are guaranteed to end up with a customized design that you can enjoy for years to come.
High-End Dimensional Signage
This article was meant to highlight and explain the different types of substrates used for flat, one-dimensional signs, but if you are trying to accomplish a one of a kind, high-end dimensional look for your business, consider these options:
- Copper
- Stainless Steel
- Bronze
- Wood
- Acrylic
