Sign Materials 101

I saw the siggggn. I opened up my eyes I saw the sign.

Signs are everywhere. They are a critical part of navigation and wayfinding in this complex world – especially in the U.S., where every McDonalds and Starbucks is competing for our field of vision.

Have you ever pulled into a strip mall, looking for that one specific place you need to get to and there’s a peeling sign from the 90s? It’s frustrating!

Signs are one of those things that you don’t know how important they are when done well, but it’s glaringly obvious when done poorly. With everything reopening post-COVID, now’s the time to revamp your signage and let the people find you!

Picking the Right Sign Material

All signs more or less do the same thing: inform onlookers. But despite their singular function, there are huge variations in sign materials.

These differences depend just as much on intention as they do on environmental factors. Is the sign going to be displayed in doors or outside? Is it a permanent fixture, or does it need to be portable? Is this a temporary or long term display? How much exposure will this sign have to the elements?

If you are on the market for a custom sign, undoubtedly you have already asked yourself some of these questions, among others. Based on the common questions we receive from customers about sign materials, we have evaluated and compared six of the most common sign materials for your reference.

Comparison of Sign Materials at a Glance

There is no “best” sign material for every project. Finding the perfect sign board material will always depend upon your needs, budget, and intention.

The following table will give you a quick overview the central differences between six of the most common signboard materials. Here is a brief evaluation of sign materials according to cost, weight, durability, core, exterior, finish, and appropriateness for outdoor use.

Still have questions about these different sign materials?

Maybe you are wondering, what exactly is Foamcore? Or Dibond, Sintra, Coroplast, or Gator Board for that matter?

If you need a more in-depth explanation of the composition and benefits of each material, read on! Here we will profile these six sign materials, their common uses, and how they compare against the others.

Best Materials for Indoor Signs

If you need a sign for indoor use, you luckily won’t have to consider many environmental factors. However, different sign materials offer different advantages. Read the following information to understand how to pick the best indoor sign material for your space:

Gator Board Singage

Common uses of Gator Board:

• Permanent indoor signs
• Backing for wet materials like stucco or paper clay
• Long term poster and photo mounting
• Event or conference displays, like for a job or craft fair
• Promotional, kiosk, or trade show displays
• Custom board game printing

What is Gator Board?

Gator board is a rigid and lightweight display material that has a dense inner foam core and a wood-fiber veneer exterior. Gator board is resistant to water, scratches, and dents. Thanks to its portability and durability, gator board is ideal for signs that will need to be be frequently transported.

This combination of impact-absorbent interior and rigid exterior gives gator board a great deal of structural integrity, so it will not easily break or warp under pressure. The largest suggested dimensions for gator board are 48” x 96”.

Gator board’s wood veneer makes for highly attractive and vivid full-color prints that are long-lasting and durable to boot.

Gator board is not meant to be an outdoor sign material. Although it is water resistant, too much exposure to water will eat away at the wood veneer and eventually the foam core. Gator board is not recommended for outdoor use unless displayed in a cover that shields the sign from the elements.

Gator board is not an acid-free material. That means gator board should not be used in contact with artifacts in permanent storage conditions, such as in a museum or archive.

Gator Board vs Ultra Board

Gator board and ultra board can look very similar, but ultra board tends to have a bit more of a plastic-y sheen to it. Both materials have a foam core, but the exterior paneling on these sign boards is different. Both materials are intended for permanent indoor use and have similar price points, so your decision comes down to what kind of finish you prefer.

One foolproof way to tell the difference between the gator board and ultra board is to apply pressure at both ends of a sheet: ultra board will bend slightly, but gator board will remain rigid. This warp and bend-resistance makes gator board better suited for projects that require a rigid structural foundation. But because ultra board bends, it is actually the stronger of the two materials, as gator board will reach its breaking point sooner than ultra board.

Gator Board vs Foam Core

Gator board vs foam core is one of the most common questions we get about sign board materials. Both materials offer their own unique advantages and disadvantages, depending on your intended use.

A foam core sign and a gator board sign both have a dense foam core. Gator board will have a glossier finish than the matte finish of foam board signs, which may or may not be desirable depending on the lighting in your intended place of display. Foam core signs do not resist denting like gator board, and could easily be punctured with a fingernail.

Foam core prints are typically sold at a lower price point compared with gator board, which can be a convincing advantage if you need many prints. In general, foam board signs are ideal for temporary use, but they can be preserved if framed. We recommend foam core signs for single use projects, like a class presentation, or for temporary displays that will not need to be moved after set-up.

Gator board works for these sorts of projects as well, but has extra durability. Gator board is the ideal choice for frequent use and transportation such as for trade shows, promotional displays, conferences, or event displays. If you plan on using this sign or print to present more than once, gator board is the longer-lasting choice.

Gator Board vs Sintra Board

While both gator board and sintra board materials can be painted, the smooth wooden veneer of gator board makes for a better canvas. Sintra material has a bit of a texture to it (think PVC piping), which makes it less ideal for painting. However sintra sheets are by far the tougher of the two materials, and you would be hard pressed to dent or break the sintra material with your bare hands. This makes sintra board a great outdoor sign board.

Gator board should not be used for permanent outdoor displays as it will quickly degrade with exposure to the elements, but sintra sheets can weather rain, snow, and sun. There is just no beating PVC signs for their durability. However, sintra board tends to both weigh and cost a bit more than gator board.

Gator Board vs Coroplast

Coroplast is the trademarked name for corrugated plastic sheeting. Coroplast board is super cheap, lightweight, and weather resistant, making it the best outdoor sign material for displays or projects that require mass distribution (like campaign signage). Gator board is a more attractive, long-term option than Coroplast for indoor displays. While it is also lightweight, Gator board will warp with exposure to the elements, and is the only dent- and scratch-resistant for light usage. Gator board is also more rigid than Coroplast, which can bend and fold when pressure is applied.

Foam Core Signage

Common uses of Foam Core:

• Project and research displays, like for meetings or class presentations
• Temporary poster or photo mounting
• Aisle markers
• Framed displays

What is Foam Core?

If you’ve attended a school science fair any time in the last few decades, you’ve probably seen foam board before. Foam core is a rigid, inexpensive, and super lightweight display material. As per its name, it has a dense foam core sandwiched between two layers of thick matte paper.

Because it is so low-cost, foam core signs are a great option for temporary displays and presentations. Being so lightweight, it is very easy to transport. The matte finish also makes it ideal for presentations or photo mounting as the surface will not cause glare. If you plan on framing your display, foam core signage is a good option due to its attractive matte surface, light weight, and inexpensiveness.

Foam core is not a suggested outdoor sign material, as water will cause the paper to disintegrate. Foam boards signs are, however, a great option for retailers or restaurant owners who have constantly changing menus, specials, deals, or promotions. They give your display a seek and professional look without much cost.

Foam Core vs Coroplast

Both foam core and Coroplast materials make for great short-term signage and displays because they are both lightweight and inexpensive. The difference depends on where the signs will be displayed and what look you are going for.

Coroplast is the best choice for outdoor displays as it can hold up well against the elements. Foam core signs, on the other hand, have a paper coating that will quickly disintegrate when exposed to rain or strong sunlight.

Thanks to the matte paper finish, foam signage tends to be more visually attractive and thus works better than Coroplast boards when it comes to presentations or as a photo backing.

Foam signage and Coroplast boards are used in two very different situations. Simply put, foam core signage is your best bet for an inexpensive indoor display or photo mounting projects, while Coroplast board is your best option for a temporary inexpensive outdoor display.

Foam Core vs Ultra Board

A foam core sign is the cheaper, short-term option between these two indoor signage materials. Ultra board costs a bit more, but it will hold up against basic wear and tear better.

Ultra board can also bend when pressure is applied, making it much sturdier than foam signage, which could easily be snapped over your thigh. If you intend for your project to travel and withstand many uses, ultra board will last longer.

Ultra board also works well for freestanding or hanging signage. Foam core signs are better suited for a one time use and generally requires mounting or an easel.

Ultra Board Signage

Common uses of Ultra Board:

• Permanent aisle markers
• Indoor retail ads and signage
• Celebrity cut-outs
• Trade show displays

What is Ultra Board?

Ultra board is a heavy-duty, all-plastic panel used for vivid prints and high-use displays.

Like foam core and gator board, ultra board also has a rigid and dense foam interior. The difference is that the surfaces of ultra board are made from moisture resistant sheets of polystyrene plastic. This plastic coating makes ultra board incredibly resistant to scratches, dents, and other wear and tear. The surface material is also a flexible plastic, which allows ultra board to bend ever so slightly. This flexibility makes it some of the strongest material available for indoor signs.

Ultra board is a great choice for signs that need to be freestanding or hung from the ceiling. Ultra board is also is a versatile and customizable material. It can be used for screen printing, digital printing, silk screening, and even painting.

Ultra Board vs Sintra Board

Both ultra board and sintra board are coated in tough plastic, but sintra board has a plastic interior as well. For this reason, sintra board is a lot stronger and slightly heavier.

Ultra board will last for a long time indoors, but the materials will degrade with prolonged exposure to the elements. Sintra board, however, could withstand even severe weather conditions.

If attractiveness is your main worry, we recommend ultra board over sintra board. While both can be printed with vibrant colors, the base color of the sintra board material tends to be a bit gray, which can dull your print ever so slightly in comparison to ultra board.

Ultra Board vs Coroplast

Ultra board is significantly more expensive than Coroplast, but its appearance is much more refined and better suited for indoor display than Coroplast is. Coroplast board is great for temporary outdoor displays, but it doesn’t have the same polished look that makes ultra board great for permanent indoor signage. Ultra board is also more rigid than Coroplast, which can be folded and creased with enough pressure. But although Coroplast looks a lot flimsier than ultra board, Coroplast is meant for the outdoors. Ultra board, on the other hand, will show wear and tear quickly if displayed outdoors.

Best Materials for Outdoor Signs

Outdoor signage needs to be able to withstand the heat, rays from the sun, wind, rain, and other elements. Outdoor signs materials vary from the lightweight and sturdy, to the downright impenetrable.

Of course, no sign material is one-size-fits-all: you’ll need to pick the right product for your projects. But we’ve put together some pointers here to make the decision between different outdoor sign materials easier.

Sintra Board PVC Signs

Common uses of Sintra Board:

• Permanent outdoor signage
• Display construction
• Long term real estate and yard signs
• Pop up displays – medium-term application life
• Exhibits & kiosks in retail stores, businesses, or museums
• Framing art or graphics – long-term application life
• Channel lettering signage

What is Sintra Board?

Sintra board is a rigid paneling made from polyvinyl chloride, commonly referred to as PVC. Sintra board PVC signs are super durable, making them the perfect outdoor signage material for permanent use.

Sintra PVC sign board can be dyed and printed with any color, but the default Sintra material is generally an off-white color with a low-gloss matte finish. With a PVC interior and exterior, Sintra board is one of the sturdiest materials you can choose for a sign. Its exterior is weatherproof, making Sintra board  the best material for outdoor signs that need to endure heavy exposure to the elements. Sintra sheets withstand bending, warping, and breakage better than other sign materials detailed here.

Is there a difference between Sintra and PVC? Not really. Sintra is the patented product name for this specific formulation of PVC signage material. While there are many different brands and variations of PVC, Sintra has a unique manufacturing process that makes them the gold standard for PVC sign materials.

Sintra Board vs Gator Board

Gator board is perhaps the more attractive option, with its wood veener. But Sintra is unquestionably the better material for outdoor signs.

Sintra Board vs Coroplast

Coroplast is often a bit translucent, where Sintra sheets are completely opaque. Due to its corrugated plastic interior, Coroplast is incredibly lightweight. However Coroplast will fade and show its age after too long outdoors, and can bend and warp under pressure. Sintra board is heavier, but being completely solid, it is a tough material that will not degrade with outdoor exposure. It can also endure heavy pressure without warping.

Sintra Board vs Dibond

Both sintra board and dibond are made of durable sign board materials. If you are interested in a neutral-colored plastic sign board, sintra board is an excellent and durable choice. Equally durable is dibond, but the appearance is completely different. The aluminum coating of dibond has an unmistakable metallic sheen. Dibond is also much easier to cut, where sintra board is a bit tougher to make intricate shapes out of. While sintra is often used for channel letter signage, the most intricate shapes and stencils are better off with dibond as a material.

Coroplast

Common uses of Coroplast:

• Real estate & yard signs
• Campaign signage
• Temporary outdoor signage
• Packaging
• Mail carriers
• A-Frame signs

What is Coroplast?

Coroplast is the brand name of the most popular manufacturer of corrugated plastic sheets. Corrugated plastic is essentially plastic cardboard.

The zig-zagged plastic interior is sandwiched between two smooth sheets of plastic that serves as the exterior making it a good outdoor signage material for temporary use. This sign structure makes for a durable plastic sign board.

The manufacturer describes Coroplast as:

Ideal for indoor and outdoor graphic applications. Tougher than corrugated fiberboard, lighter than solid extruded plastic, waterproof, weather resistant and stain resistant, Coroplast is the material of choice for the screen printing industry.

Coroplast is inexpensive, ultra lightweight, and is also resistant to the elements. This combination makes this plastic sign board a popular choice for temporary outdoor signs, mail carriers, and other creations that need to be both durable and cheap.

Coroplast will not look its best forever when displayed outdoors, but it can certainly endure several months of rain and sunshine. If you need to distribute your signs far and wide, lightweight, inexpensive Coroplast is a versatile choice.

Coroplast vs Foam Core

Coroplast will degrade with heavy usage, but it is far more durable than foam core. A foam board sign could easily be snapped over your knee and is prone to dents and scratches. None of these issues are a concern with Coroplast, but the translucent plastic material does not always look great for presentations or displays that require a higher degree of polish. For gentle indoor use, foam core signage is the more attractive choice for about the same price.

Coroplast vs Dibond

While both materials can be used outdoors, they are vastly different in appearance and effect. Dibond material will last for years and is best suited for shop signs and mounted company logos, though it is often used for high-end real estate signage. Coroplast does best as a short term sign solution, like for construction sites, election signs, or for sale signs. Dibond material can be cut precisely and easily, but Coroplast doesn’t retain its structural integrity when cut with intricate detail.

Dibond Signs

Common uses of Dibond:

• Mounted retail or office signage
• Typographic signage
• Stenciled signs
• Custom parking lot signs
• Lobby signage
• Stylistic photo prints

What is Dibond?

Dibond is a brand name of an aluminum composite material. From the manufacturer:

Dibond® is the industry’s leading aluminum composite material (ACM) for more than 15 years. It is comprised of two pre-painted sheets of .012″ aluminum with a solid polyethylene core. Made In USA.

Dibond signs consist of two sheets of aluminum composite encasing a solid polyethylene core. Polyethylene is the world’s most common plastic, used in a wide array of household packaging and products. This combination of metal and plastic makes Dibond material at once incredibly durable and pleasing to the eyes.

Because both the interior and exterior of the material are solid, Dibond signs can be cut to any number of intricate shapes without losing structural integrity. This makes Dibond great for mounted typographic signs or signs that require stencil cutouts. Dibond differs from other aluminum signage in that it has a plastic core, making it lighter-weight and more shock absorbent than regular aluminum.

Top reasons to use Dibond for sign printing include:

• Great for digital photo printing and mounting
• Flattest panel on the market
• High quality surface protects expensive digital and screen printed graphics
• Extremely durable, which makes it great for use in outdoor applications
• Won’t bow or oil can
• Approximately one half the weight of aluminum, since it’s an aluminum composite, and not fully aluminum

Dibond is a great advanced material to use for long-lasting products that can stand the test of time.

Still have questions about which sign material is best for your project?

Give us a call at (858) 866-6560 or send us an e-mail. Our team of sign printing and graphic design experts are happy to answer all of your questions about material specs, use cases, and the design and printing process.

See our product pages for more details about the printing and ordering process for each specific sign material:

• Dibond Signs
• Coroplast Signs
• Sintra Board PVC Signs
• Foam Board Printing
• Gator Board Signs
• Ultra Board Prints

Browse our blog for more helpful resources about sign printing and the materials detailed in this post:

• The Buyer’s Guide to Foam Core Printing
• The Buyer’s Guide to Dibond Printing
• All About Coroplast: The Versatility of Corrugated Plastic Board
• What is Foam Core Mounting? How is it Done?
• Digital Photo Printing Materials 101
• The Ultimate Guide to Church Signs
• Shipping Policy
• Frequently Asked Questions