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Sintra on acrylic. Photos courtesy DNS Industries

Signs are a vital part of many successful businesses. They draw attention to a place of business, as well as market goods and services to the public. In designing a sign, the best sign companies will ensure the product meets its objectives while respecting the project budget.

As many signmakers already know, achieving the ideal sign requires picking out the best size, shape, colour scheme, and placement, among other considerations. However, the most important factor is realizing the best signs come from deciding which substrate to use for a particular project. This article will act as a guide for selecting the right substrate to get the most out of a signing project by outlining the pros and cons of different substrates, and some of the best applications for each type.

A top candidate for signage substrates due to its very versatile and durable nature, acrylic is made from methyl methacrylate monomer, which is commonly sold under the brand names of Plexiglas, Lucite, Perspex, and Crystallite. Acrylic is a tough, highly transparent material with excellent resistance to ultraviolet radiation and weathering. It can be transparent or coloured, formed, and easily routed to custom shapes and parts. These properties make acrylic a substrate that can be used for both indoor and outdoor signage projects and can last up to five years outside and over a decade inside. Acrylic signs are often mounted on walls with aluminum standoffs.

Acrylic can be directly printed on, or vinyl can be applied on it as well. One very common technique is to have polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cutouts applied on acrylic, which gives a good contrast and makes the sign stand out. It is relatively rigid and comes in a variety of thicknesses from 1.5 mm (1/16 in.) to 25 mm (1 in.).

Another reason acrylic is such a versatile substrate is that instead of it being used as the base material, it can also be used as clear cover, giving signs a fine finish. Acrylic applications include modern lobby displays, backlit signs of all types, and 3D lettering.

PVC panel being prepared for a signage project.

Aluminum composite material is another versatile and durable substrate used for both indoor and outdoor signage projects. ACM is a multi-layered bonded panel consisting of a polyethylene core sandwiched between two thin sheets of pre-finished aluminum. Due to polyethylene’s lightweight and structural properties, ACM is a great substrate that is easily routed to custom shapes and dimensions. When it comes to projects that call for adventurous designs, ACM is one of the top contenders. Graphics can be painted on digitally or screenprinted on and, in other cases, vinyl can be applied onto ACM panels. It is an excellent material for indoor or outdoor applications that require good dimensional stability, low weight, and a sleek, brilliant look.

ACM metal panels are both attractive and practical for use in visual merchandising, framing, archiving, commercial interiors and exteriors, construction, and fine art applications. Adventurous designs demand ACM for its esthetic qualities combined with rigidity and ease of fabrication.

Aluminum is another great long-term option for signage substrates, and one of the most popular options out there. Although aluminum could be used for indoor signage projects, its true potential is realized outdoors. Aluminum is durable and versatile and can be used for simple panels as well as complex sign projects. It is often combined with acrylic for products such as channel letters.

Aluminum is commonly available in .04-gauge thickness, which is used for real estate signs, .08-gauge, which is used for street signs and road signs, and.125-gauge, which is used for heavy-duty sign applications.

Although aluminum is already resistant to rust and oxidation, it is quite common to find aluminum substrates galvanized to give a textured appearance for a product with a more unique finish. This makes aluminum a great option for household decorations, outdoor signs like directional signage and parking signs, as well as store fronts and lobby signs.

PVC is a great option for short to medium-term indoor and outdoor projects. PVC is made from moderately expanded closed-cell polyvinyl chloride in a homogenous sheet. Due to its light weight and durability, PVC is the go-to substrate for sign makers creating signage for advertising, photo-mounting, screenprinting, and other general outdoor signs. PVC is also resistant to scratches, cuts, and dents, which means it could be left outside for fairly long periods without any major impact on its condition or quality. PVC substrates are great for flatbed printing, allowing for a variety of designs. Vinyl application is another common way to transfer graphics onto PVC substrates.

Some of the brand names for PVC include Foamacell, Kapabloc, and Sintra. PVC is an excellent choice for menu boards, tradeshow signs, yard signs, point of sale displays (POS), among other applications. It is also an excellent choice for wall signs indoors.

Corrugated plastic is a great substrate for short-term outdoor signage projects, and an excellent candidate for long-term indoor signage projects. Corrugated plastic consists of three layers of polypropylene, an internal honeycomb-shaped or beam-shaped layer sandwiched between two thin-walled external layers.

Corrugate is a particularly great substrate for graphics purposes as it takes well to various printing processes and is often a great canvas, especially with a white surface, that adds a pop when colours or prints are applied. Graphics can be made by vinyl application or directly with flatbed printing, allowing for a variety in designs options. Due to its surface properties, corrugated plastic holds on to the applied colour for a long period of time, even with exposure to sunlight. Corrugated plastic is very versatile when it comes to installation, as it can be hung from walls or ceilings and is easily attached to posts.

Some of the brand names include Coroplast, Corex, and Coro. Some applications in which corrugated plastic is typically used include menu boards, special event signs, yard signs, directional signs, real estate signs, promotion signs, election signs, and tradeshow signs.

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