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Know Your Materials

What's Your Sign
Made Of?

A plain-English guide to the most common signage materials — what they are, what they're good for, and when to use them.

Materials Guide

Every Material.
Explained Simply.

Not sure what material you need? Here's everything you need to know before placing your order — or just ask us and we'll recommend the right one.

Coroplast
Corrugated Plastic

Lightweight, waterproof plastic sheets with a fluted core — like cardboard but made of plastic. Inexpensive, fast to produce, and holds up outdoors for months. The go-to for lawn signs.

Lawn SignsReal Estate SignsElection SignsContractor Signs
Vinyl Banner
PVC Flex Banner

Heavy-duty flexible PVC with a matte or gloss finish. Incredibly versatile — can be hemmed, grommeted, or attached to frames. Outdoor-rated, UV-resistant, and highly affordable for large formats.

Outdoor BannersEvent BackdropsTrade Show DisplaysBuilding Wraps
Foam Board
Foamcore / Gatorboard

Rigid foam sandwiched between paper or plastic layers. Lightweight with a smooth surface — perfect for sharp indoor print quality. Not suitable for outdoors but ideal for presentations and displays.

Indoor DisplaysEvent Easel SignsRetail POPPresentations
Aluminum Composite
ACM / Dibond

Two thin aluminum sheets bonded to a polyethylene core. Rigid, flat, and weather-resistant — the gold standard for permanent outdoor business signs. Looks professional and lasts for years.

Exterior Business SignsWayfindingSite IdentificationParking Signs
Cast Vinyl
Vehicle Wrap Film

Ultra-thin, conformable vinyl film designed to wrap around curved surfaces without bubbling or peeling. Adheres to vehicles, walls, and windows. Removable without damaging paint.

Vehicle WrapsWindow GraphicsWall MuralsFloor Graphics
Fabric / Polyester
Dye-Sublimation Fabric

Soft, wrinkle-resistant fabric with vivid dye-sublimation printing. Lightweight and packable — perfect for events. Can be washed and reused. Looks premium and upscale at trade shows and galas.

Step & Repeat BackdropsTrade Show DisplaysEvent BannersTension Fabric Frames
Acrylic
Plexiglass / Perspex

Clear or coloured rigid plastic with a glossy, glass-like finish. Can be laser-cut into any shape, backlit, or frosted. Looks high-end and is used in premium interior applications.

Lobby SignsOffice PlaquesBacklit DisplaysAward Plaques
Mesh Banner
Perforated Vinyl Mesh

Vinyl with tiny holes throughout — allows wind to pass through, reducing stress on the material and mounting hardware. Essential for large outdoor banners in exposed or high-wind locations.

Construction HoardingFence BannersLarge Outdoor SignsScaffolding Wraps
HDU / Aluminum
High-Density Urethane / Metal

Premium fabricated materials for dimensional and carved signs. HDU can be routed and painted to look like wood or stone. Used for upscale monument, entrance, and channel letter signs.

Monument SignsChannel LettersDimensional SignsLuxury Branding

Quick Reference

Which Material
Do You Need?

Still not sure? Use this quick reference table to find the right material for your project.

MaterialOutdoor UseIndoor UseReusableBudgetBest For
Coroplast$Lawn signs, real estate
Vinyl Banner$Banners, backdrops, events
Foam Board$Indoor displays, easels
Aluminum Composite$$Permanent exterior signs
Cast Vinyl$$Vehicle wraps, wall graphics
Fabric / Polyester$$Trade shows, events, galas
Acrylic$$$Lobby signs, premium interiors
Mesh Banner$$Construction sites, fences
HDU / Aluminum$$$Monuments, channel letters
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