Durability and adaptability are the main attributes of rigid signs, which make them appropriate for a variety of indoor and outdoor uses. They are frequently used for information display, branding, and advertising and are made of durable materials that can resist inclement weather. These important features have made these print products important marketing materials for every business in Canada.
Different sizes, colours, and printing options are available to suit particular demands and branding specifications. However, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the various kinds of rigid signs and their uses before ordering them. To help you in selecting the best rigid sign type for your company’s marketing objectives, we will present you with some of the most common varieties in this blog post.
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What Are Different Rigid Sign Types?
You are frequently presented with a wide range of material options when working with a signage print company. Without understanding the characteristics of each material, it could be difficult to decide which choice is best for your circumstances. Since each type of rigid sign has different printing features and levels of robustness, you might find that one is better suited for your marketing campaign than another. Let’s review the important features of some of the most common rigid signs:
Foam Board Signs
Lightweight and rigid, foam board signs are made of a polystyrene core, which is a synthetic polymer, surrounded by outer layers, usually cardstock or paper. They can be used for a variety of indoor applications, such as making eye-catching displays to advertise goods or services in temporary settings like offices, retail establishments, and trade shows.
They can also be utilized as informational or educational boards at conferences, weddings, lectures, presentations, and other events. They are perfect for creating decorative or architectural presentations, as well as for artistic displays, due to their lightweight yet rigid material.
Read More: Top Trade Show Printing Materials to Order in Bulk
Coroplast Signs
The lightweight, strong, and weather-resistant material used to make Coroplast signs is corrugated plastic. Polypropylene copolymer is used to make corrugated plastic, which is marketed under the Coroplast brand. It is suitable for outdoor use because it is waterproof and resistant to different types of weather, especially Canadian weather conditions.
Because of their ability to withstand severe weather conditions, they are a suitable choice for yard signs such as those used for political campaigns, directional signs, “For Sale,” “Open House,” and advertising local businesses. Additionally, they can be used as promotional signs at retail establishments or as warning signs at construction sites.
PVC Signs
The plastic used to make PVC signs is called Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and it is renowned for being weather-resistant, lightweight, and strong. They are therefore appropriate for a variety of applications, such as outdoor and indoor signage. They are especially well-liked in situations requiring a sign that is rigid, smooth, and reasonably priced.
Typically, PVC signs are used for property signage, retail, wayfinding signage, product displays, promotions, and events. This type of rigid sign is proper for indoor signage for parking or building maps, or information boards for short-term promotions or private messages. They are also ideal for showing menu specials at restaurants and cafes, both indoors and outdoors.
Acrylic Signs
Acrylic signs are composed of a material named polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), sometimes referred to as Plexiglass, which is a transparent, long-lasting plastic. Their strength and clarity make them ideal for a wide range of contexts and indoor and outdoor signage applications.
On storefronts and windows, acrylic signs are commonly used to display company names, logos, and other information. For better visibility, these signs are frequently combined with LED lighting. This type of rigid sign provides a polished and elegant appearance to be hung from standoffs or mounted on walls. Especially in showrooms or auction settings, acrylic is used to draw attention to goods or items for sale.
Crezon Board Signs
Crezon board signs, also known as MDO (Medium Density Overlay) plywood, are a type of exterior-grade plywood specifically treated and prepared for the sign industry. It is a reasonably priced substitute for other materials like Coroplast and is a strong, weather-resistant material that is perfect for outdoor signage. Large-format signs like billboards, real estate signs, and signs for construction sites are frequently made of crezon paper.
These signs are used to post safety rules and project information at construction sites. Its smooth surface and longevity make it appropriate for sidewalk promotions and advertising as well as large-scale advertising like billboards. Temporary signage is another application for it due to its affordability.
Ultra Board Signs
The material used for Ultra Board signs is strong, lightweight, and adaptable. Usually made up of a polystyrene foam core, which gives it stiffness and lightness. The polystyrene sheets that surround this core provide a smooth, dent-resistant outer layer and a good surface for mounting and printing.
They are useful for mounting and showcasing photographs, artwork, and other visual works at art exhibitions, museums, and trade shows. In retail settings, they can also be utilized for visually striking displays. Additionally, cutting and shaping them to create unique logos for companies and organizations is simple.
Falconboard Signs
Made mostly from renewable forest products, Falconboard is a sturdy, lightweight, and rigid material with two sturdy cardstock paper faces sandwiching a honeycomb core. Because of its printability, sustainability, and shape-forming capabilities, it is frequently used for a variety of purposes, such as retail displays, exhibits, signage, and custom fabrications.
For indoor decorative displays and informational signs, falconboard signs are ideal. They were appropriate for custom designs and installations that were to be mounted on walls or other surfaces because of their ease of cutting and shaping. Additionally, you can just use them as a backing for pictures or framed artworks.
Alupanel Signs
Aluminum Composite Material (ACM), which is used to make Alupanel signs, is composed of two thin aluminum sheets encasing a polyethylene core. Because of their reputation for being strong, lightweight, and weatherproof, they can be used both indoors and outdoors. Because of its smooth surface, Alupanel is frequently used for printing at high resolutions and producing vivid graphics.
This kind of rigid sign is ideal for long-term outdoor commercial signage and advertising boards. Alupanel signs are frequently utilized for modular sign systems, wall displays, decorative panels, information boards, and warnings on construction sites.
Translucent Styrene Signs
The plastic used to create translucent styrene signs is styrene, which is semi-transparent, flexible, and rigid. This type of plastic is well known for being strong, lightweight, and printable. The translucent nature of styrene makes it ideal for creating illuminated signs like menu boards, informational displays in restaurants, and retail displays.
At conferences and conventions, translucent styrene signs can be utilized for informational displays, sponsor banners, and directional signs. They are a popular option for making POP (Point of Purchase) displays that promote sales, promotions, or new products because of their affordability and printability.
Cardstock Signs
Compared to ordinary printer paper, cardstock is a thicker and more resilient kind of paper. It is more flexible than paperboard or cardboard, but it is also more rigid than regular paper. Cardstock is frequently used for professional-looking document creation, cardmaking, and crafting.
For business cards, flyers, brochures, and posters, cardstock offers a more substantial feel. It makes them look and feel more high-end, which increases their impact in situations where a thicker, more opulent feel is preferred. Especially for indoor use, cardstock can also be used for announcements, hanging signs, and school events.
Styrene Signs
Styrene signs are made of styrene plastic and are lightweight, strong, and adaptable. Because of their smooth surface, affordability, and printability, they are frequently used for both indoor and outdoor applications. They’re especially well-liked for point-of-sale promotions, trade exhibitions, and retail displays.
Because styrene comes in different thicknesses, signage can be made to be either rigid or flexible as needed. They can be utilized for in-store signage, VIP passes, and event signage. Since styrene can become brittle in cold weather and yellow over time in sunlight, it is advised to usually use it indoors.
How to Choose the Right Rigid Sign Material for Your Application?
At ButterflyGP.com, with over 20 years of experience as a wholesale printer, the first crucial step in figuring out your sign needs is figuring out where you plan to use the sign, indoors or outdoors. Then the duration and objective of the rigid sign would affect the final decision. Using this information, we can decide which sign material is best for your application.
You should consider how the required sign will be applied; will it be hung, mounted, or set down on a level surface? What is the duration of the sign’s exposure to sunlight? The environment is one of the most crucial factors to take into account because outdoor signs need to be more rigid and durable.
Foam board, polystyrene, or Coroplast are more affordable and lighter alternatives for indoor signs. PVC, acrylic, and aluminum are good choices for providing weather resistance.
Read More: Choosing the Right Outdoor Sign Materials: An Expert’s Guide
Conclusion
When you choose the best option for your marketing campaigns, there is a long list of rigid signs to select from. The above-mentioned types are the most common items Canadian businesses use for indoor and outdoor situations. You should choose their type according to their usage, durability, location, environment, and the texture you need. As a simple solution, you can consult with ButterflyGP experts to help you find the most appropriate type of rigid signs for your event, office, or store. We are here to make the wholesale printing process simple for you!