When purchasing outdoor signage, there are many different options to choose from. Let’s walk you through a few of the different options and discuss how they compare.
Foam Core
Foam Core, also known as foam board, is a lightweight material that is rigid as well as durable. Consisting of a foam core sandwiched between two poster board faces, it’s great for the framing and printing of large works of art or posters since it does not add much weight to the overall piece.
The most common thickness of foam core is 3/16″ but ½” is also available. 3/16″ thick sheet sizes are available in lengths up to 120″ and widths up to 60″. ½” thick sheet sizes are available up to 96″ in length and 48″.*
Shop Foam Core here: https://customprintproducts.com/foam-core/
Gator Board
Gator Board, also called Gator Foam, is a lightweight rigid material that is stronger and more durable than foam core. While it looks similar, the foam and face materials are more durable, making it suitable for applications where the piece may be handled. It is also ideal for the framing and printing of large works of art or posters, but also signage that may be reused.
The most common thickness of the Gator Board is 3/16″ but ½” is also available. 3/16″ thick sheet sizes are available in lengths up to 120″ and widths up to 60″. ½” thick sheet sizes are available up to 96″ in length and 48″ are needing to widen these to be shipped.*
Shop Gator Board here: https://customprintproducts.com/gator-board/
PVC
PVC is a very lightweight plastic-based material that is stronger and more durable than gator board or foam core. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) can be found in all sorts of household items, most notably water and drainage pipes.
PVC sheet is solid, so no risk of delamination, yet large, thin sheets can be rolled for storage or transport. It is ideal for outdoor signage because it is waterproof and withstands the harsh elements of mother nature.
The most common thickness of PVC is 3mm (1/8″) but is also available in 6mm (¼”) and 12mm (½”) thicknesses. 3mm and 6mm thick sheet sizes are available in lengths up to 120″ and widths up to 60″. 12mm thick sheet sizes are available up to 96″ in length and 48″ in width.*
Shop PVC here: https://customprintproducts.com/pvc-signs/
Corex
Corex is perfect for outdoor short-term signage. Corex is short for “corrugated extrusion,” and looks like a plastic version of the corrugated cardboard we all know. Since it is a plastic product, Corex withstands the weather like cardboard only wishes it could. Easy to print on, easy to cut and available in several thicknesses, it makes a nice, rigid, lightweight substrate for signage.
We keep Corex in stock and produce full-color custom-printed yard signs in several standard sizes, such as 36″ x 24″, 24″ x 18″, and 18″ x 24″, as well as any custom size or shape you can dream of, up to 8′ x 4′. Give us a call for details at 877-793-7746. *
Shop Corex here: https://customprintproducts.com/corex-signs/
We use the latest UV technology to direct full-color print onto PVC substrates, Gator Board, Foam Core, and Corex. This keeps the cost down while still producing a clean finished print.
An amazing thing to know about our signs is that if you live in Indianapolis, Indiana, you can come pick them up at our office.
*If you need these shipped, please keep your final product dimensions in mind and the size restrictions shipping carriers have because there will be additional costs associated with oversized shipments.
