High-quality and eye-catching signage is vital for effectively communicating business, organizational, and event information to your target audience – so why leave it up to chance? While selecting the correct sign material might seem overwhelming, taking the time to make an educated choice can mean the difference between making a statement and sending your message off into the wind (literally). Whether creating an indoor sign to provide information to your customers or making a banner to get your message out into the world, there’s a sign material out there that will get the job done right.

Choosing the Right Type of Sign

Before diving into the various sign materials, you’ll need to decide which type of sign is the best fit for the purpose you have in mind. We’ve outlined some of the most popular signage options below, but remember that signage doesn’t have to be permanent. Experiment with what works best by trying out a few different options, and don’t be afraid to go in a different direction if your current signage just isn’t cutting it.

Banners: Usually flexible and lightweight, banners are versatile and are a great way to communicate information to the general public. Potential uses include getting the word out about a sale or event, showcasing your business name and logo at a tradeshow or farmers’ market, and even displaying motivational quotes to elevate your space.

Yard Signs: Yard signs are generally less flexible than banners when holding up in the wind, but they’re smaller, lightweight, and easy to move around. You’ve likely seen these signs during election time, but you can also use them for farmers’ markets, local events, advertising, and more.

Window Signs: Capitalize on available space and catch the eye of passersby by creating a unique window sign. Since these signs are typically affixed from the inside, they can be made out of a range of materials that match your budget while helping to communicate key information about your business or organization.

Pole Signs: An optimal and cost-effective option for getting the word out throughout a neighborhood or even a town, pole signs offer a flexible signage option that can easily be placed out by a road or in front of your business. They’re often made out of material that’s flexible but strong enough to withstand outdoor weather and last for years to come. They can also be attached to existing poles, like lampposts, or connected to a standalone pole.

A-Frame Sidewalk Signs: A-frame sidewalk signs are a budget-friendly sign option that’s versatile, allowing you to change both the location of the sign and the contents. They leave much room for creativity and can be used to communicate information like store hours, deals, directions to your business, or even jokes that will stop customers in their tracks or create a buzz on social media.

Wait, there’s more! For a complete list of all of the signs that AlphaGraphics can help you create, make sure to check out our website.

Choosing the Right Material

After choosing the right type of sign, narrowing down the material choices is easy. Factors such as how you intend to use the sign, how long you plan to use it, and your budget can help you select the perfect sign material. Here’s an overview of the most popular materials used for signs to help you get the results you’re looking for:

Vinyl & Vinyl Mesh Signs

Vinyl is one of the most popular materials for signs today because it’s cost-effective, easy to clean, long-lasting, and weather-resistant without sacrificing quality. Plus, vinyl signs can be printed on both sides, making it great for outdoor signs where people walk in two different directions or dual-purpose signs like “Open” and “Closed.” Wind can be an issue, but it’s possible to add wind slits to your vinyl signs to help them hold up better during lousy weather.

Another option if you’re looking for vinyl but need to be more flexible in the wind is vinyl mesh, which provides a low-cost, low-maintenance, long-lasting signage solution. Similar to regular vinyl, vinyl mesh is excellent for indoor and outdoor use and is most often used for banners. One consideration is that vinyl mesh can only be printed on one side, and the colors are usually less vibrant than signs printed on other materials.

Aluminum Signs

If it’s durability you’re after, look no further. Aluminum is one of the most durable and long-lasting sign materials out there. If you plan to expose your signage to the sun, aluminum is quite fade-resistant. It’s also scratch-proof, easily customizable, and, like vinyl, offers the possibility for two-sided printing. When you’re ready to move on to something new, aluminum is more eco-friendly than plastic or other materials because it can easily be recycled. The downside to aluminum is that it’s one of the more expensive sign materials, which can prevent it from being a realistic option for organizations with lower budgets.

Acrylic

An acrylic sign sends a professional and sophisticated message. Its durable and weather, shatter, and UV-resistant characteristics make it an excellent option for displaying your business name and logo on both the exterior of a building or in a reception area. It can also be lit up, helping you highlight your business name and ensuring visibility at night. On the other hand, acrylic can be expensive, especially regarding repairs. Given the cost, acrylic signs are best as a long-term feature in your office rather than for marketing or events.

Dibond

Dibond is a material with a plastic core and an aluminum exterior, making it long-lasting, an excellent outdoor signage option, and lightweight all at the same time. It also allows for double-sided printing. Although it’s less durable than a purely aluminum sign, it compares well. While more expensive than options like vinyl, it can still be cost-effective for your business, organization, or event.

Foamcore

Because of foam core’s lightweight feel, it’s often used for temporary signs or signs that need to be moved around frequently, such as those used for tradeshows or other indoor events. Foamcore is also affordable, which makes it a solid option for getting information about your business across while you’re on the move without breaking the bank.

Coroplast

Also often used for temporary signage, coroplast signs bring all the flexibility of a lightweight and transportable sign while still being weather-resistant due to being made of polypropylene plastic. It can be used as outdoor signage and is easily customizable, meaning you can tailor your business or event messaging with various shapes and sizes. However, coroplast is not ideal for long-term use outdoors, as it’s not as long-lasting as materials like vinyl and aluminum.

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