Know Your Materials
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Quick Reference
Still not sure? Use this quick reference table to find the right material for your project.
| Material | Outdoor Use | Indoor Use | Reusable | Budget | Best 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 |