When you're looking to create an outdoor sign, one of the most important decisions you'll make is the substrate. The substrate is the material that your sign will be made of, and it will affect everything from the sign's durability to its appearance.
In this blog post, we'll take a look at four of the most common substrates for outdoor signs: foam, metal, wood, and plastic. We'll discuss the pros and cons of each material so you can choose the best substrate for your needs.
Foam board is generally delicate and not very sturdy, making it best suited for indoor use, framing, POP displays (pop-up displays), exhibits, and kiosks. However, some foam boards are tougher and come with wood fiber layers for increased resistance against dents and scratches, although still recommended for indoor use.
Most foam boards can be customized via printing, cutting, routing, and painting. There are variations of foam board that are moisture-resistant and have smooth textures instead of rough textures.
High-Density Urethane Board (HDU) is a subtype that's perfect for outdoor signs and displays. HDU foam board is specifically designed for creating three-dimensional signs and displays, as well as for hand-carving.
This type of board can be painted with almost any type of paint after properly priming it. Its fine, grain-free surface reduces the need for sanding, which saves time during the priming, painting, and finishing process. Additionally, HDU is moisture-resistant and durable, which means it won't crack, rot, or peel, guaranteeing longevity for the signage.
The suitability of foam substrate for indoor or outdoor use depends on its specific properties. Generally, foam substrates are water-resistant and mold-resistant. With a variety of options for painting and printing, foam substrates can be a viable solution for signage needs.
Foam Products we offer:
Foam Board (Gatorfoam, UltraBoard, Fome-Cor)
Aluminum is the most commonly used metal substrate for signs, with three primary types: Alumalite, Aluminum and Steel Composites, and Plain Aluminum. These substrates are strong, lightweight, and great for outdoor use.
Metal substrates are traditionally favored for outdoor use due to their strength and durability, though they are also commonly used indoors. With its versatility in color, shape, and printing options, this rigid material offers endless possibilities for designing your sign and adding that extra touch of creativity.
Metal Sheets we offer:
Aluminum and Steel Composite Sheets (ACM Panel, ALPHA Panel, DiBond)
Wood substrates offer a handmade, organic feel that other substrates lack. Available in plain or primed styles and in both simple planks and complex composites, it adds warmth to any sign. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, it requires extra care and maintenance, including finishes, protective coatings, and sealed edges to prevent warping and deterioration over time. Some types are treated to resist moisture, rot, and termites. With good weather resistance and minimal cracking and warping, wood substrates are durable, requiring infrequent upkeep. This versatile substrate can be sandblasted, routed, laser engraved, painted, or carved to achieve your desired design.
Wood Substrates we offer:
Wood Composites (Extira, Lusterboard, MDO, OMEGA, PSP, Scooter Board)
Plastic substrates offer exceptional flexibility to meet your specific needs. Types include acrylic, corrugated plastic, polycarbonate, PVC, Styrene, and Flexface, each with varying levels of durability. All of these materials are strong enough to be used in indoor and outdoor displays, with the exception of Styrene which is recommended for indoor use only.
The longevity of plastic substrates is determined by their specific type, and the choices of printing and painting techniques may be restricted based on the desired design. Therefore, if a particular plastic substrate is not compatible with your creative sign design needs, seeking an alternative option may prove beneficial. However, it's critical to be mindful of the recommended indoor and outdoor usage requirements.
Plastic Substrates we offer:
Acrylic (Acrylite, ALPHA, Chemcast, Plaskolite)
PVC Sheets (EX-Cel, Free Foam, Komatex, Sintra, Sintra-Vers)
Knowing facts like which substrates are naturally water resistant, and which need extra coating can make your substrate choices not only easier but smarter. When you build your sign or set up your next display, you know what to do! The knowledge of what can and can’t be printed on what substrates and their uses can mean the difference between fulfilling your creative ideas and settling for less.
We carry a wide selection of substrates and accessories, and you can check them out here.