Focus on Sheet Materials
Boundless opportunities and avenues
When it comes to the topic of sheet materials, the options available to a sign maker are endless and really depends on where the sign will be placed and its function. In this article we will highlight just a few to get those creative juices flowing.
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n sign making, sheet materials, also known as substrates, are the foundational, flat panels to which graphics, text, or other design elements are applied to create a sign. These materials determine a sign’s rigidity, durability, appearance, and suitability for specific indoor or outdoor applications and are available in various compositions, thicknesses, and finishes.
What is what First up, let’s take a look at aluminium. This lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant material is ideal for long-term outdoor use. Think road, safety, and shopfront signs. This longevity ensures that your signs will remain vibrant and eye-catching for years to come, regardless of the weather conditions they face. Similar in its suitability for outdoor use to aluminium is aluminium composite material, or Dibond. This material consists of two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a solid polyethylene or plastic core. It is highly rigid, durable, and weather-resistant, making it perfect for large, flat outdoor signs and architectural applications. ACM does have its drawbacks. It can be quite pricey compared to cheaper materials such as plastic or metal, and it can be difficult to recycle given that it requires a special
process to separate the aluminium and plastic components. Next is acrylic, otherwise known as
plexiglass or perspex. This transparent, glass-like plastic is lightweight, shatter-resistant, and offers a sleek, modern, or high-gloss finish. It can most frequently be seen used for indoor signs, dimensional letters, and illuminated lightboxes due to its light-transmitting properties. Great for indoor displays, menu boards, and short-term outdoor use is expanded PVC. This rigid, lightweight, and economical foam plastic sheet has a smooth, matte surface. It is easy to cut and print on which makes it very versatile. Corrugated plastic is a hollow, fluted polypropylene material which resembles plastic cardboard. It is very lightweight, waterproof, and inexpensive. Choose this option if you’re looking to produce temporary outdoor signs such as estate agent boards or event signage. Following on from corrugated plastic is High-Density Urethane (HDU) board. This foam material can be carved to mimic the look of wood without experiencing maintenance issues such as rotting or warping. It is waterproof and durable,
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which makes it ideal for outdoor dimensional signs. And speaking of wood – who doesn’t love a classic, rustic or traditional looking sign? Most people appreciate the visual appeal of a wooden sign, but generally this type of product requires more maintenance, such as sealing or painting, to withstand outdoor elements than synthetic materials. And finally, there is foam core and ultra board. These materials are extremely lightweight boards with a polystyrene foam centre and paper or plastic faces. They are best suited for short-to-mid-term indoor use, such as presentations, trade shows, and point-of-purchase displays, as they are not typically weather-resistant.
Conclusion No matter the sign and its function, there will be a material out there suitable for its purpose. From lightweight foam boards or heavy-duty aluminium, each substrate has a unique use. Once you have developed a clear grasp of which material will do the job, the selection process will become simpler, faster and more effective. After all, sign making combines skill, creativity and artistry with material effectiveness.
www.signupdate.co.uk
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