PVC Foamboard
The most frequently used sign material. Designed for interior and exhibition
signage but useable in almost all situations.
Advantages
Affordable
Available in standard colours, plus black, white and grey.
Ideal out of direct sunlight.
Attractive matt appearance
Lightweight
Disadvantages
Signage can be picked by evil fingers so place it high or laminate it, if there
is a risk from idle fingers
Red will fade in direct sunlight within 12 months. Other colours will dull in direct sunlight over a period of years
There is an
unsightly bulging on very hot days when used outside and in direct
sunlight. This goes down at sunset. It can be partly overcome by
fixing with oversize holes.
Aluminium composites
These have largely replaced white faced aluminium, offering a matt finish that exudes quality
Advantages
Stands up to any weathers
Appearance stays good after years
Keeps its rigidity
Ideal for functional outside information carrying signage
Disadvantages
Inappropriate
image for interior signs.
More expensive than PVC foamboard
CAUTION: There are two grades. Hoarding board is much cheaper,
BUT it is only available in white; it is only useable for single side signs; the
aluminium face is much thinner than for the proprietory brands. For long outdoor
life detailed signage, it is not recommended.
Correx
Used for temporary signs; Contractors boards, Estate Agents boards etc.
Advantages
Cheap: about a quarter of the price of foamboard.
Cuts with a stanley knife or similar
Ideal for temporary signs
Easy for DIY signmaking
Disadvantages
No rigidity, larger signs needs back support
Should never be used for large boards
Easy to put a nail or screw straight through it
A bend is effectively a break
Not good for the corporate image
Carriage:
Several pieces the same size need to be put together for transport
particularly with larger sizes.
Acrylic (Note perspex is a trade name for ICI's acrylic range)
Advantages
Exudes quality
Available in a wide range of colours
Ideal for prestigious image carrying signs
Disadvantages
Can be broken by a determined brick if not supported behind
We only use
the more expensive cast acrylic. The cheaper extruded acrylic
fractures under stresses and should be avoided
Expensive, about double the cost of foamboard
Clear Acrylic and Polycarbonate
Ideal where signs might be tampered with. The signage is applied to the back (mirror imaged) which is then sprayed or covered in
vinyl. The front provides a smooth surface which can be wiped with ease.
Advantages
Signage can’t be picked at.
Graffiti
easier to deal with
Disadvantages
Sign cannot be amended
These are more expensive than acrylic or dibond boards.
Not appropriate for large boards
Vinyl covered foamboard
Advantages over ordinary foamboards
Prevents fade in sunlight
Can be made in any colour
Disadvantages
Little cost advantage over acrylic
Not
practical for large signs
Laminated signs
Advantages over ordinary signs
Prevents interference
Gives a
quality impression
Disadvantages
Signs can't
be modified at a later date
Not
practical for large signs
Does add
marginally to cost
This information sheet has been produced for the benefit of sign
buyers, and our customers in particular. You are welcome to download it
for future reference. Any reproduction for trade use is unlawful, and if
apprehended will be dealt with accordingly.
