Signage Materials Guide

Need a sign but not sure what material is best for your project?  The most common materials used for signage and displays are described below.  Still have questions?  Our experienced team is happy to recommend the right material based on your project needs and budget – just reach out! 

Vinyl Banner 

Often also called scrim or scrim vinyl, this reinforced material is used to produce durable, weather-resistant banners for indoor or outdoor use.  Also great for trade show backdrops and displays.  Standard weight is 13 oz, but other weights are available upon request.   

Mesh Banner 

10 oz. heavy-duty mesh banner with 25-30% airflow.  Excellent for use on fences and in windy outdoor conditions. 

Often referred to as coroplast, you’re likely familiar with this material as the go-to for yard signs.  The fluted sheets are waterproof, lightweight and low cost, and fluting allows for wire yard stakes to be inserted for easy ground placement.  This is the most cost-effective rigid sign material that is very versatile and widely used in a range of applications.  Standard thickness is 4mm, but additional thicknesses are also available.

Foam board is a lightweight, economical material comprised of two white paper faces with a foam center.  Excellent for a wide range of uses, including marketing materials, retail displays and event signage.  Due to its lightweight and rigid structure, foam board can be displayed on an easel, mounted on a wall or printed double-sided and suspended from the ceiling for maximum impact.  Standard thickness is 3/16”, also available in 1/2″. 

Photo Credit: Grimco

A lightweight, rigid material with a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications for both temporary and permanent use, often known by the name Sintra (a popular brand of foamed PVC).  The most common uses include permanent ADA signage, dimensional letters, retail graphics, and permanent indoor signage.  UV light deterioration may occur with long-term outdoor use.  Standard thickness is 3mm, but a range of thicknesses are available.  

Photo credit: Gimco

Aluminum composite is comprised of a solid polyethelene core with smooth aluminum panel faces on both sides that is lighter in weight and more durable than either MDO boards or all-aluminum panels.  Comes in a variety of colors, including metallic finishes.  Widely used for durable outdoor signage, including construction jobsites, as well as interior signs and décor.  

Pre-finished ½” plywood that is primed and painted, most commonly used for project descriptions and 4 ft. x 8 ft. land use signs.  We can also supply the posts for mounting as well as professional installation.  Sign face can be coated with anti-graffiti laminate to provide longer-term protection and durability on job sites.