Materials and Substrates -

Materials and Substrates

In the sign industry, there are different types of materials and substrates to choose from when deciding what to do for your project. Whether you need signage for indoors or outdoors, each substrate has a their own purpose. First, let’s go over what a substrate or material is.

Materials refer to what the ink or print is going on and Substrates are what the material is being applied to. The sign industry utilizes a wide range of materials and substrates to create visually appealing and durable signs. These materials are chosen based on certain factors that relate to your project, such as design, location, longevity, and budget. Here are some commonly used materials and substrates in the sign industry:

1. Aluminum

Aluminum is designed primarily for outdoor applications. It is stocked in a variety of colors and does not rust. Aluminum is lightweight, yet sturdy. It is the ideal choice for real estate and traffic signage. Standard real estate and yard signs are 0.040 in thickness while street signs or signs required to be mounted to a post are 0.080 in thickness to prevent bending in the wind.

2. Polycarbonate & Acrylic

An extremely versatile, highly durable plastic sheet that comes in a variety of colors. Acrylic is primarily used for long-term interior and exterior signage. Some common uses are internally illuminated signs, architectural signs, wall directories permanent retail signs, menu boards and trade show signs. Acrylic is an excellent product if you desire a high-quality gloss finish. Acrylic can tend to yellow over time but polycarbonate materials that are UV protected to maintain their white color and stay whiter longer.

3. Banner

Our banner material is very durable 14 oz. Nylon-reinforced vinyl. It is well suited for interior and exterior usage because of its flexibility and weather resistant capabilities, which make for easy storage and shipping. The material’s strength allows it to be cut into almost any length or dimension. Many colors are available to meet your needs for special events, promotions, and grand openings.

4. Corrugated Plastic

Offering a variety of colors to complement your sign message, this lightweight versatile product can be used for both short-term indoor and outdoor signage. It is a cost-effective choice for special events signage, indoor point-of-purchase, trade shows, service companies and temporary real estate signage. Corrugated plastic can be pre-cut into many shapes such as customized golf ball or house shaped signs.

5. Expanded PVC

Expanded PVC, also known as Foam PVC, may be used indoors and outdoors for limited amounts of time. Its matte finish reduces glare and makes for easy readability. Expanded PVC can be shaped and is lightweight, yet sturdy. It is an excellent product for trade shows signage, menu boards, point-of-purchase displays, and architectural graphics. PVC is available in a variety of colors.

6. Foam Core

Foam core board is made by adhering two sheets of paper to both sides of a foam core. Foam core board is light weight yet sturdy. It is ideal for all indoor mounting applications. Easy to cut and customize, foam board is clay coated from an extra smooth surface. Foam board comes in a variety of colors and is well suited to trade show applications and many other indoor uses. Foam board accepts ink jet and full color printing very well. Standard foam core board is an economical product for temporary and short-term use.

7. Magnet

Magnetic signage is flexible, easily removable, and perfect for signs on multi-use vehicles. This product is perfect for when you do not want letters permanently affixed to your vehicle. Magnetic signage is weather resistant and, with proper care, suitable for long-term exterior use. It allows your vehicle to be used as an advertising tool for your business and/or service. For proper adhesion the vehicle and the sign must be cleaned at each application. Newer body vehicles may be aluminum and will not allow a magnet to adhere so make sure to verify which material will work best for your needs. In the case that you have an aluminum vehicle we offer an alternative material that is removable for that application as well and can be reused over and over call the iDot material.

8. Polystyrene

This resilient, lightweight material can be used for short-term exterior or interior signage. It is ideal for low-cost point-of-purchase, directional and informational signage, menu boards, trade show signage and temporary real estate signage. Polystyrene’s smooth surface comes in white only.

9. Wood And Composite Material (MDO)

Wood and composite materials will give you years of outdoor service. They are suitable for large format signage, are weather resistant and have a rigid, flat surface. Wood products can be painted to match custom colors for signage use in commercial real estate, construction firms and property leasing companies. Some composite materials come in a wide range of colors. Others are only available in white. Custom site sign frames and skids can be made depending on your signage needs.