Four questions to ask first
- Indoors or outdoors? Sun, rain and wind are the toughest test of a sign. Outdoor signs need weather-resistant materials and inks.
- How long must it last? A weekend show day and a ten-year shopfront need very different materials.
- How close will people be? Signs read up close, like reception signs, show every detail, so finish matters more. Signs read from the road need size and contrast more than fine finish.
- What is your budget? There is usually a cheaper material that will do the job for a shorter time, and a more expensive one that lasts longer and looks better.
Rigid materials compared
ACP (aluminium composite panel)
Two thin aluminium skins with a plastic core. Flat, light, rigid and weather resistant with a premium look. A common choice for shopfronts, building signs and backing panels for 3D letters. See ACP signs.
Chromadek
Pre-painted steel. Tough and economical outdoors; heavier than ACP. Widely used for site boards, boundary signs, farm and estate signs and safety signs. See chromadek signs.
Correx
Fluted plastic board. Very light and cheap, ideal for short-term signs such as property boards and event arrows, but it fades and becomes brittle in long-term sun. See correx boards.
Perspex (acrylic)
Glossy and glass-like, clear, frosted or coloured. Excellent indoors for reception and door signs and as a face on light boxes; more brittle and scratch-prone outside. See perspex signs.
Foam board and PVC board
Light boards for indoor displays, mounted prints and short-term signage. Not designed for outdoor use.
ABS and aluminium
Common for safety signs: ABS is a tough, light plastic for indoor walls and doors; aluminium is rigid and weather resistant for outdoor use. Photoluminescent material glows after the lights go out and is offered on many exit and fire equipment signs.
Flexible materials
- Self-adhesive vinyl – applied to boards, windows, walls and vehicles; printed or cut into letters.
- PVC banner material – the everyday outdoor banner.
- Mesh – perforated banner material that lets wind through, for fences and scaffolding.
- Fabric – a soft, premium look for indoor displays and some flags.
- Perforated window film – one-way vision graphics.
Read the banner materials guide and window film guide for more.
Quick recommendations
- Main shopfront sign: ACP, or 3D letters on ACP; lit options for evening trade.
- Boundary wall or gate sign: chromadek or ACP.
- Show day arrows or event directions: correx.
- Reception logo: perspex panel or 3D acrylic letters.
- Workplace safety signs: ABS indoors, chromadek or aluminium outdoors, photoluminescent for exit routes where offered.
- Short promotion on a fence: PVC or mesh banner.
Compare the three most common outdoor boards in ACP vs chromadek vs correx, and read indoor vs outdoor durability. Still unsure? Ask for a quote and we will recommend a material.
