At American Color Labs, we have the ability to print directly to rigid surfaces or print to an adhesive and mount onto a rigid surface. Whichever method you choose to create your sign, it is important to select the right rigid material for your sign. We put this table together to help you choose the right material. You can follow the links in this table to other blog posts learn more about each material in greater detail. We hope this helps you make an informed decision and, as always, if you have any questions you can contact us.
| Substrate | Most common thickness | Other thicknesses | Largest size (without a seam) | Weight | Price | Suitable for outdoor use? | Common applications | Key materials | Self standing |
| Flatstock paper | 12pt, 16pt, 18pt, 20pt, 24pt | Several options available, contact us for more info
|
28″ x 40″ | W | $ | No | Window signage, wall decorations | Paper | No |
| Foamboard Foamcore |
3/16″ | 1/2″, 1″ | 4′ x 8′ | W | $ | No | Temporary signs, event signs, self standing displays | Foam and paper | Yes, but can curl/bow over 24″ x 36″
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| Gator Gatorboard |
3/16″, 1/2″ | 4′ x 8′ | WW | $$ | No | Temporary signs, permanent signs, event signs, self-standing displays | Foam and wood fiber | Yes, less likely to bow than foam at larger sizes
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| Aluminum | .040″ .063″ | .080″ | 4′ x 8′ | WWWW | $$$ | Yes | Outdoor signs in rugged applications | Aluminum | Yes
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| Dibond; E-panel Aluminum composites |
3mm | 6mm | 4′ x 8′ | WW | $$$ | Yes | Indoor and outdoor signage, wall decordations, self standing signs
|
Aluminum and plastic | Yes |
| Coroplast Corex |
4mm | 6mm, 10mm | 4′ x 8′ | W | $ | Yes | Indoor and outdoor signs and displays, yard signs
|
PVC | Yes |
| Falconboard Recycled cardboard |
3/16″ | 4′ x 8′ | WW | $$ | No | Self standing displays and signs, wall decorations
|
Cardboard | Yes | |
| Cardboard | 1/8″ (b-flute); 1/16″ (e-flute) | 5/32″ (c-flute); 1/32 (f-flute) | 4′ x 8′ | W | $ | Usually no, but ok for shipping in packaging applications | Packaging, self standing displays
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Cardboard | Yes, but can bow at any size |
| Styrene | .040″ .080″ | .020″, .030″, .060″ | 4′ x 8′ | W | $$ | Yes | Display units, durable wall signage
|
PVC | No |
| PVC Sintra |
3mm, 6mm | 10mm | 4′ x 8′ | WW | $$ | Yes | Self standing displays, wall decorations, reusable signs
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PVC | Yes |
| Acylic | 3/16″, 1/4″, 1/2″ | 4′ x 8′ | WWW | $$$$ | Yes | Wall decorations
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Plastic | Yes |