When it comes to signage for your business, the material you choose for your board printing can make a significant difference. Whether you need temporary signage for a short-term event or long-lasting signage to represent your brand, the material you select impacts the durability, appearance, and overall performance of your boards. With so many options available, choosing the right one can be a challenge.

In this blog post, we’ll compare five of the most popular board printing materials: Heras fencing banners, acrylic, PVC, Correx, and aluminium composite. By understanding the unique benefits of each material, you’ll be able to select the one that best meets your needs.

Why Choosing the Right Board Printing Material Matters

The choice of material plays a crucial role in ensuring your signage performs as intended. Choosing the wrong material can lead to early wear, colour fading, and damage, especially when exposed to the elements.

Several factors influence the decision of which material to choose:

• Durability: The material should be able to withstand outdoor conditions, especially if the signage is exposed to harsh weather.
  
  
• Aesthetic Appeal: The material should reflect your brand’s image and message, especially if used for retail or office signage.
  
  
• Weather Resistance: For outdoor applications, the material must be able to withstand rain, wind, and UV exposure.
  
  
• Cost-effectiveness: For large print runs or temporary signage, the material should fit your budget without compromising on quality.
  
  

Types of Board Printing Materials

Now that we understand the factors involved, let’s look at some of the most commonly used board printing materials.

• Foamex

Foamex is a versatile and lightweight material that has been widely used for a variety of signage purposes. Made from a foam core with a smooth, solid surface, Foamex is affordable and easy to work with. It is commonly used for indoor signage or short-term displays.

Key Benefits:

• Lightweight and easy to handle
  
  
• Smooth, matte finish that works well for high-impact graphics
  
  
• Cost-effective for short-term use or large print runs
  
  
• Ideal for exhibitions, trade shows, and temporary retail displays
  
  

Common Uses:

• Point-of-sale displays
  
  
• Exhibition boards
  
  
• Retail signage
  
  

• Correx
  
  

Correx is a corrugated plastic material that offers exceptional durability and impact resistance. This material is lightweight, weather-resistant, and highly affordable, making it an excellent choice for outdoor signage, particularly for short-term or temporary applications. It’s frequently used in construction sites, real estate signage, and event promotions.

Key Benefits:

• Weather-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor signage
  
  
• Lightweight and easy to transport
  
  
• Affordable, perfect for short-term and budget-friendly projects
  
  
• Impact-resistant, which ensures durability in tough environments
  
  

Common Uses:

• Heras fencing banners
  
  
• Event signage
  
  
• Real estate boards
  
  
• Temporary outdoor signage
  
  

• Acrylic
  
  

Acrylic is a premium material that offers a sleek, high-end appearance. Known for its ability to produce vibrant, sharp graphics, acrylic provides a durable and weather-resistant solution for both indoor and outdoor signage. Although more expensive than other options, its professional finish makes it ideal for branding and long-term displays.

Key Benefits:

• Provides a high-quality, premium finish
  
  
• Highly durable and resistant to weather
  
  
• Available in a range of finishes, including transparent and frosted
  
  
• Can produce vibrant, high-definition prints
  
  

Common Uses:

• Office signage
  
  
• Retail displays
  
  
• Corporate branding
  
  
• Awards and trophies
  
  

• PVC
  
  

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a versatile, durable material used for both indoor and outdoor signage. It’s a solid, rigid material that is resistant to impact and weather, making it an excellent choice for long-term projects. PVC is affordable and can be printed in high quality, making it ideal for a variety of applications.

Key Benefits:

• Durable and impact-resistant
  
  
• Weather-resistant, ideal for both indoor and outdoor use
  
  
• Available in multiple thicknesses for various uses
  
  
• Cost-effective for long-term signage
  
  

Common Uses:

• Building signage
  
  
• Retail displays
  
  
• Outdoor billboards
  
  
• Directional signage
  
  

• Aluminium Composite
  
  

Aluminium composite material (ACM) consists of two thin sheets of aluminium with a solid polyethylene core. It’s an extremely durable, weather-resistant material that is often used for large-format signage, such as billboards, building signs, and wayfinding signs. Its combination of strength and lightness makes it perfect for large outdoor signage.

Key Benefits:

• Extremely durable and weather-resistant
  
  
• Lightweight yet strong, making it ideal for large signs
  
  
• Long-lasting, ideal for permanent outdoor signage
  
  
• Provides a premium, professional look
  
  

Common Uses:

• Billboards
  
  
• Building signage
  
  
• Large-format outdoor displays
  
  

Choosing the Right Material Based on Your Needs

When deciding on the right material, it’s essential to match the material’s properties with the intended application. Here’s a breakdown of which materials work best for different types of signage:

• For temporary outdoor signage: Correx and Heras fencing banners made from Correx are perfect choices. Their weather resistance, affordability, and lightness make them ideal for events, construction sites, and real estate signs. These materials are designed to withstand the outdoors without breaking the bank.
  
  
• For long-term outdoor signage: Materials like PVC and aluminium composite are ideal for long-term, permanent signage. They offer excellent weather resistance and durability, ensuring that your signage stands the test of time. Whether you need a building sign, billboard, or large outdoor advertising, these materials will ensure that your signage remains intact and effective for years.
  
  
• For indoor signage: Acrylic is the go-to material for high-end, professional signage. Its sleek appearance and vibrant prints make it perfect for retail displays, office signage, and awards. PVC is another option for indoor signage, offering durability and cost-effectiveness without sacrificing quality.
  
  
• For lightweight, temporary indoor displays: Foamex is ideal for exhibitions, retail promotions, and other temporary installations. It’s lightweight, easy to install, and highly affordable, making it perfect for short-term use.
  
  

Board Printing for Outdoor Use: Focusing on Durability and Weather Resistance

When selecting materials for outdoor signage, durability and weather resistance are critical factors. Correx and Heras fencing banners are the best options for outdoor use if you need something temporary and affordable. These materials can withstand exposure to the elements without losing their appearance or performance.

For long-term outdoor signage, PVC and aluminium composite are excellent choices. These materials are weather-resistant and provide a high level of durability, making them perfect for large-format signage or permanent displays that need to endure various weather conditions.

Board Printing for Indoor Use: Aesthetic Appeal and Versatility

Indoor signage doesn’t face the same weather challenges, so you can focus more on aesthetics. Acrylic is a premium option that provides a high-end finish, making it perfect for office branding, retail displays, and awards. It can be printed in full colour and even customised with various finishes, from clear to frosted.

PVC is also a good choice for indoor applications, providing a durable, professional look that’s suitable for retail signage, exhibitions, and more.

Board Printing vs. Traditional Signage Materials

When compared to traditional materials like paper, wood, or glass, board printing offers significant advantages. Paper signage is cheap but lacks the durability needed for long-term use, especially outdoors. Wood can be aesthetically pleasing but is often costly and can be affected by the elements. Glass, while elegant, is fragile and impractical for large-scale or outdoor projects.

Board printing materials, on the other hand, are designed for durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. PVC, acrylic, and Correx are all excellent options that provide better longevity and performance than traditional signage materials.

Conclusion

Selecting the right material for your board printing project is essential to achieving effective signage. Whether you need temporary outdoor signage or permanent indoor displays, the material you choose will directly impact the performance, aesthetics, and durability of your signage.

For temporary outdoor signs, Heras fencing banners and Correx are the best options, while PVC and aluminium composite offer long-lasting durability for outdoor projects. 

At Board Printing Company, we offer a wide range of board printing solutions to meet your needs, from outdoor banners to indoor displays. Contact us today to find the perfect material for your next project!