Comparing Different Signage Materials
Just like furniture, artwork, technology, homes, and all things physical, the quality of the material it is made with determines the lifespan and look of the object. When designing and fabricating signage, you must choose the right material for the job. But what, exactly, makes a material the “right” material for your signage?
Wrapology is Arkansas’s signage experts. We know a thing, or two, or … a lot of things about signage. If you have questions about any of the materials listed below, or you just have questions about signage in general, you can give us a call at 479-368-6490 or visit our contact page. A member of the Wrapology team is always here to help.
The Pros & Cons of Popular Signage Materials
The best materials for signs depend on multiple factors of your signage design and placement. Specific looks only come with specific materials, while only certain materials can withstand the weather outside. Not all materials are good for your signage needs. In this guide, we’ll discuss materials based on the kind of signage they’re best suited for, how long they will last, and whether or not they are budget-friendly. Let’s dive in.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a versatile material that you’ll see on much of the modern outdoor signage out there. Acrylic is made from plastic and is known for its clarity and versatility. It can give off a “glass-like” appearance that comes with increased durability at a fraction of the cost.
Acrylic can be manufactured in a variety of colors and shapes and makes for a modern, high-end look. However, keep in mind that acrylic is made of plastic. Though durable, it is prone to scratches is sensitive to heat, and can even warp in extreme temperatures.
Overall, acrylic is a versatile, durable, and budget-friendly option for signage material. However, you may want to consider if acrylic will be right for your outdoor signage, given that it is susceptible to the elements and will scratch. But, acrylic makes for a great indoor signage material!
Corflute
Corflute is a popular signage material made of two “fluted” plastic (polypropylene) sheets. Often used for high-end graphic signage and packaging, corflute is versatile, budget-friendly, and lightweight. It can be used outdoors and is often used in a-frame outdoor signage.
Its ability to bend into any shape you desire, and thus create unique displays and graphics, makes it a desirable material for indoor and outdoor signage. Though corflute is fairly durable, it can be bent and broken, and prolonged exposure to the elements will eventually break your corflute signage down.
Standard sheets of corflute range in price, costing anywhere from $10-30 per sheet, plus the cost of printing your graphics. For less gargantuan-sized projects, corflute can be a great option for your wallet.
Foam Core
A great indoor, temporary signage material that comes at a low price is foam core. You’ll generally only find foam core at indoor events since the material is lightweight and easily moved. Foam core can be printed on both sides, making a sign reversible or dual use.
This material is not meant to be outdoors. Wind will easily sweep this sign off its feet and cause it to be chipped and damaged, and heat will melt the foam. Foam core won’t last forever, so it’s best suited for temporary signage needs.
Foamcore costs about $15-50 dollars a board depending on the size. Graphics costs will vary, but generally, foam core is a budget-friendly, indoor signage option.
Colorbond
Businesses that want signage that needs to withstand the elements in a fixed permanent or semi-permanent location could benefit from a Colorbond sign. Colorbond is a material made from pre-painted steel with a zincalume core, which makes it strong, lightweight, and generally weather and rust-resistant.
However, Colorbond signage is not meant to be moved around continuously. This material performs best in a fixed location that is only moved occasionally. Though Colorbond is not exactly an upfront budget-friendly material, the investment in the sign will keep you from needing to replace it as quickly as other materials may require.
Colorbond sheets and boards vary in cost. On the low end, the sheets can cost $40-$100+ per sheet or board, plus the cost of graphics.
Aluminium
Aluminum can be used for both indoor and outdoor signage due to its durability and lightweight. Aluminum is rust and corrosion-resistant and provides a clean, professional look. Aluminum signage will also be less susceptible to sunlight damage.
However, aluminum is less customizable when it comes to colors and finishes, and aluminum can be dented. Though somewhat weather resistant and durable, if met with impact, the sign can dent.
It’s important to note that aluminum is expensive compared to its longevity. A single sheet of aluminum, without graphics, will cost you about $10 – $150. This makes aluminum an expensive material for signage, and probably wouldn’t be the right choice if you need temporary signage.
Forex
Forex is a common indoor signage material that is waterproof and lightweight. Often used at exhibitions and conferences because of its ability to foster high-quality images, this solid plastic signage material can be a great option for a business needing high-quality indoor signage, or temporary outdoor signage.
Forex is waterproof but flimsy. High winds or impact with the sign could damage, dent, or destroy it, making it better suited for indoor signage. Forex pricing ranges greatly depending on the size, thickness, cut, and graphics. On the low end, you can expect prices for an 8.5 x 11 inch (the size of a standard sheet of paper) sign to be around $1 per sheet without printed graphics, or $30 with printed graphics.
Self Adhesive Vinyl
Self-adhesive vinyl is one of the most versatile signage materials! Just like a sticker, this vinyl can be applied almost anywhere, even on the floor! An example of SAVs applied to the floor comes from the 6-foot distancing stickers to remind customers to social distance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Self-adhesive vinyls are great for when you’re advertising on large spaces like walls or windows. Vinyl can cost as little or as much as you want since pricing is purely dependent on your needs. Generally, if you’re purchasing vinyl that is bigger than a foot, you’re looking at about $5 – $11 per sq ft.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a durable plastic material that is often used in place of glass or acrylic since Polycarbonate can take a punch from the elements. Its highly impact-resistant qualities, versatility, and ability to take on various levels of translucency, making this a great option for signage that needs to weather a storm but take on the appearance of high-end materials like glass and acrylic.
However, it should be kept in mind that since polycarbonate is not like glass or acrylic, it can yellow over time due to prolonged sun exposure. You may want to consider replacing polycarbonate signs every so often if yellowing occurs.
Wrapology offers a variety of signage options that are budget-friendly and customizable. If you’re ready to get a quote for your signage needs, visit the contact and quotes page of our website.