F.A.Q
Materials
A hard smooth plastic material commonly stocked in 1mm, 3mm, 6mm and 12mm thick sheets.
Application: Indoor and Outdoor signs
Pros:
• Gives nice smooth finish to signs
• Lasts years outdoors
• Costs less than metal
• Readily available locally
Cons:
• Very flexible so it requires support to stay rigid*
• Will warp over time so it is not recommended for large signs unless framed
• Becomes brittle and may break easily after a year or more outdoors
* Does not apply to ½” or thicker.
A smooth rigid but soft material with a foam center commonly stocked in ¼” thick sheets.
Application: Indoor signs
Pros:
• Gives nice smooth finish to signs
• Excellent for indoor use
• Stays rigid eliminating the need for support
• Lightweight
• Readily available locally
Cons:
• Very fragile and so dents easily
• Will warp over time so it is not recommended for large signs
• Cannot be used for outdoor signs
A smooth rigid material with a foam center commonly stocked in ¼” & 1/2” thick sheets.
Application: Indoor and outdoor signs
Pros:
• Gives nice smooth finish to signs
• Excellent for indoor use
• Warp resistant
• Lightweight
• Remarkably strong despite light weight
Cons:
• Not readily available locally
A durable sturdy plastic material with a corrugated center (similar to cardboard) commonly stocked in 3/16” thick sheets.
Application: Indoor and Outdoor signs
Pros:
• Low cost material for both indoor and outdoor use
• Stays rigid eliminating the need for support
• Lightweight
• Readily available locally
Cons:
• Corrugation causes noticeable impression
• Sides expose the corrugated center, which is unattractive for certain signs
• Not as strong as PVC
• Somewhat fragile though stronger than foam-board
• May become brittle after 6 months or more outdoors
A very hard smooth plastic material commonly stocked in 1/16”, 1/8”, 3/16”, and ¼” thick sheets. Acrylic can be clear or coloured and resembles glass.
Application: Indoor and outdoor signs. Typically used for high-end applications and lit signs.
Pros:
• Gives polished glass like finish to signs
• Good for indoor and outdoor use
• Readily available locally
Cons:
• Will warp over time when used outdoors so it is not recommended for large signs
• Easily scratches
• May chip or break
• Expensive
A smooth sheet of metal with a plastic core commonly stocked in 3/16” sheets. Available in white or various metallic finishes.
Application: Indoor and outdoor signs.
Pros:
• Very durable material
• Gives smooth high-quality finish to signs
• Excellent for indoor and outdoor use
• Readily available locally
Cons:
• Larger sizes will warp due to the plastic core and therefore require framing.
• Dents or bends relatively easily
• Gives a more industrial finish which may not be aesthetically pleasing for all applications.
A smooth sheet of metal commonly stocked in 18 gauge, 20 gauge and 22 gauge sheets.° Available in white or with a stainless finish.
Application: Indoor and outdoor signs.
Pros:
• Most durable material
• Gives smooth high quality finish to signs
• Good for indoor and outdoor use
• Readily available locally
Cons:
• Very thin profile results in the need to frame larger signs*
• Dents easily
• Typically requires screws for installation which may affect aesthetics based on the setting of the sign.
° The smaller the gauge, the thicker the metal, eg. 16g is much thicker than 22g.
* Thicker gauges require less support.