Signage supplies substrate guide, Building materials advice, Property aluminium composite panel

Signage Supplies Advice – Choosing The Right Substrate

12 August 2024

When it comes to crafting effective and eye-catching signage, selecting the appropriate substrate is just as crucial as the design itself. As a signage supplies provider specialising in substrates, we understand that the diverse range of materials available can significantly impact the quality, durability, and overall success of your project. In this guide, we’ll provide some expert advice on choosing the right substrate for your signage needs, helping you make informed decisions that will ensure your signs not only look great but also stand the test of time.

To help you make the best decision for your project, we’ve put together a simple guide to choosing the appropriate substrate.

Substrate Types

PROBOND Aluminium Composite Panel

The PROBOND aluminium composite panel is rust-resistant, robust, non-combustible, and highly durable. It is also lightweight, making it perfect for exterior signage, pylons, and other sign construction applications.

The versatility of these panels is not just limited to outdoor use. They are suitable for long-term interior and exterior applications, including pylon signs, traffic and directional signage, long-term corporate branding, and interior fit-outs. The PROBOND range also features various ACP panels and solid aluminium panels, tailored for both short-term and long-term projects, with superior coatings and different aluminium grades, ensuring some products are especially well-suited for folding and routing.

SIGNCRYL Cast Acrylic Sheet

SIGNCRYL is a high-quality acrylic sheet known for its exceptional clarity, durability, and strength. It can be easily fabricated and is lightweight yet stronger than glass. It offers excellent weather resistance, break resistance, superior light dispersion, and resistance to most chemicals.

Cast acrylic sheets are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, making them an excellent option for corporate branding, general signage, and display applications. They are particularly well-suited for signage that includes vinyl lettering.

Thicknesses: Available in 3, 4.5, 6, 10, 20 and 25mm thicknesses across key colours (including clear acrylic sheets) with varying degrees of transparency.

ENDUREX Expanded Foam PVC Sheet

ENDUREX is a PVC sheet that is perfect for router-cut lettering, thanks to its stability and lightweight nature. While similar to PVC foam products, Endurex offers superior quality for more demanding applications.

Its manufacturing process creates a “skinning” or outer layer, resulting in a harder, smoother, and more scratch-resistant surface, as well as enhanced mechanical performance. Endurex PVC sheeting is resistant to rot, impact, and shattering, making it a durable choice. It is also non-toxic, chemical-resistant, fire-retardant, and self-extinguishing.

Suitable for both long-term interior and exterior use, Endurex is a versatile and reliable option for various signage needs.

Thicknesses: Available in White, 10mm, 15mm, 20mm and 25mm.

PROBOND, SIGNCRYL and ENDUREX are all ideal substrates for CNC Router Cut Lettering and Formwork. With 2 Over-sized Routers Onsite we can Process your 4000mm x 2000mm Sheets upon request.

PROFLUTE Fluted Sheet

PROFLUTE is a continuously extruded, fluted polypropylene co-polymer plastic sheet, designed for all-weather use. Lightweight and cost-effective, it’s perfect for short-term signage needs, such as portable event signage and quick-change promotions.

Its suitability for direct printing makes it an economical choice for these applications. However, it is not recommended for long-term exterior signage. PROFLUTE is available in white for direct UV printing, as well as in black and yellow. It is ideal for short-term interior and exterior uses where budget considerations are a priority.

Thicknesses: Available in Black and Yellow in 5mm, and White, 3mm and 5mm across a variety of sheet sizes.

MAXI-lite Digital PVC Sheet

MAXI-lite is a lightweight and rigid, non-rusting, all-weather plastic sheet substrate, ideal for areas where weight is a concern, particularly for interior signage.

This product is directly printable using UV digital and screen-printing methods, providing an economical option. It features an easy-peel protective liner and comes print-ready without the need for pre-treatment.

The matte finish reduces glare and improves legibility. MAXI-lite is available in black at 3mm thickness and in white, with various sizes available. It is suitable for long-term interior applications such as directional signage, POS displays, exhibits, and graphic mounting, as well as for short-term exterior promotional uses.

Thicknesses: Available in 3mm Black PVC sheet and 3mm White PVC sheet varieties. Also available in 1mm, 2mm, 3mm and 5mm thicknesses.

FOAMKOR Foam Board Sheet

FOAMKOR features white clay-coated printing grade paper faces on both sides, making it an excellent choice for direct printing using UV digital and screen-printing methods.

The surface allows for clean cuts and responds exceptionally well to embossing processes, ensuring high-quality finishes for various applications. This substrate is particularly suitable for indoor graphic applications, including poster mounting, photo mounting, display windows, and tabletop signage.

Its lightweight yet sturdy construction makes FOAMKOR an ideal option for creating visually appealing and professional displays. Whether you’re setting up a retail space, creating event signage, or crafting promotional materials, FOAMKOR provides the versatility and quality needed for standout results.

This foam board sheet is suitable for shorter-term indoor graphic applications.

Thicknesses: Available in White, 5mm, 10mm and 20mm.

Next Steps

Using materials designed for short-term use on long-term promotions can diminish the quality of the brand’s presentation. Conversely, opting for permanent materials for short-term campaigns isn’t a cost-effective choice.

So whether you’re working on indoor displays or outdoor advertisements, the advice provided here will equip you with the knowledge to better choose the best substrate for every sign. If however you’re still not sure which substrate is best for your particular application, contact our technical team or call 1800 555 060 and we’ll be able to direct you to the most suitable material.

Comments on this guide to Signage supplies substrate article are welcome.