Making the decision to get professional signage made for your business is a great first step. However, what you’ll learn quickly is you’re going to have a lot of choices to make throughout the sign creation process. Your sign material is one important decision you will be making.
Below, we’ll discuss some of the most popular sign material options out there. We will help guide your decision by explaining the pros and cons of each sign material and the applications they’re most suitable for.
Vinyl: Flexible, Affordable, & Lightweight
If you’re looking for a versatile signage option, vinyl is a material you may love. This material is available in a wide variety of sign styles, is flexible in the design department, and can come in either a matte or shiny finish. Being easy on the pocket, vinyl signage is popular for both short- and long-term uses.
Vinyl sign options include banners, floor decals, wall wraps and murals, vehicle wraps, and window lettering. While vinyl is prone to fading, and it’s not the most eco-friendly material, people love vinyl for its budget-friendliness and many customization options.
PVC: Lightweight & Versatile
Love the idea of vinyl, but still have room in your budget for an even higher quality option? PVC is an ideal option. This material offers decent weather resistance, is lightweight and easy to mount, and features a smooth look – all while still being cost-effective.
Because PVC signs are known for being prone to denting and may warp in the heat, they’re best for short-term uses and indoor applications. Nonetheless, there are still many uses of this material: menu boards, seasonal promos, indoor lobby signs, and wayfinding signs.
Aluminum: Weatherproof Durability
When great durability is something you want your dream sign to have, going the aluminum route is your best bet. Aluminum is very hardy and holds up well in just about any type of weather without rusting; yet it’s light in weight.
Aluminum is a popular material used for outdoor signs, pool signs, exterior business storefront signs, and parking signs. While it’s a commonly used and well-trusted sign material, one drawback is it’s expensive compared to other sign materials. Additionally, some don’t like the industrial feel aluminum signs give off.
Acrylic: A Sleek, Modern Appearance
For modern or high-end applications, acrylic or Plexiglass is one of the most applicable signage materials to consider. It is fade resistant, super customizable in color, is available in backlit options, and can come in a variety of finishes from shiny to frosted.
Great for both indoors and outdoors, acrylic has many uses: office signs, directories, reception signs, wayfinding signs, nameplates, and product display signs. Best of all, these signs are suitable for long-term use if well-cared for. Otherwise, they can be prone to scratching, cracking, or shattering if not properly installed or tampered with.
Wood: An All-Natural, Classic Look
Does a rustic or classic style go well with your type of business? Wooden signage might be something you’re interested in. Wood is pricier and quite heavy, but it has a traditional charm, can be a long-term investment, offers a unique look, can be carved or painted, is eco-friendly, and gives off a warm and cozy feeling.
While the aesthetics of wood can be strong, some are concerned about how weatherproof it is. Wooden signs aren’t the most weatherproof, making them ideal for indoor or covered settings – unless they are properly sealed. Regardless, they’re stunning when used as a storefront sign, engraved plaques, or sandwich board signs.
Are you trying to decide between two or more different signage materials? We’d be happy to further narrow down your options. Contact Allmark Signs today to get a clearer idea of what you might need to turn your vision into your dream sign.