This, of course, is way too non-specific that the question cannot be answered with anything more than, “it depends.”
At Kona Impact, we love to work with clients to determine the optimal material for their sign needs. For some short-term interior use, we might recommend a heavy poster material, and for a long-term exterior sign, we’ll focus on aluminum or PVC.
Here are some good guidelines when trying to figure out the best sign material for a particular use.
The best sign material depends on several factors, such as the intended use of the sign, the location of the sign, and the budget available. Here are some popular sign materials and their characteristics:
- Aluminum – Aluminum is a popular sign material because it is durable, lightweight, and weather-resistant. It is also easy to install, maintain, and transport. Aluminum signs are often used for outdoor signage, such as directional signs, parking signs, and real estate signs.
- Acrylic – Acrylic is a versatile sign material that can be used for both indoor and outdoor signs. It is lightweight, shatter-resistant, and can be printed with high-quality graphics. Acrylic signs are often used for business signs, retail displays, and wayfinding signs.
- PVC – PVC is a cost-effective sign material that is easy to work with and can be used for both indoor and outdoor signs. It is lightweight, durable, and can be printed with high-quality graphics. PVC signs are often used for trade show displays, retail displays, and directional signs.
- Corrugated Plastic – Corrugated plastic is a lightweight and durable sign material that is ideal for temporary signage. It is affordable and can be printed with high-quality graphics. Corrugated plastic signs are often used for political signs, event signs, and directional signs.
- Dibond – Dibond is a durable sign material that is made of two thin aluminum sheets with a plastic core. It is lightweight, weather-resistant, and can be printed with high-quality graphics. Dibond signs are often used for outdoor signage, such as building signs and directional signs.
Ultimately, the best sign material depends on your specific needs and requirements. Consider factors such as durability, cost, and appearance when choosing the best sign material for your project.
The one type of sign material we avoid is wood. The problem with wood is that it’s porous and, therefore, rain and humidity can deteriorate the sign quickly. In Hawaii, we also have termites, which love wood and can destroy a beautiful sign quickly. We do work with wood for indoor signs, but avoid it for exterior signs.