Materials 

The latest sign materials are designed for maximum flexibility and durability. We can help you select the best material for your sign based on the sign's intended location, look, and length of use.

Vinyl

Cast Vinyl

Cast vinyl is our highest grade vinyl due to the quality of materials used and the manufacturing process. It consists of high quality vinyl resin, organic pigments, solvents and stabilizers (the same ingredients in paint). These materials are mixed to form a paint-like liquid which is then poured onto steel rollers that drop the correct amount of liquid onto a continuous roll of nonporous, thick paper. The paper carries the liquid vinyl through a series of low temperature ovens so that it dries. After drying in the ovens, the vinyl is rolled up off the paper and taken to a laminating line where it is carefully unrolled and coated with a clear acrylic adhesive. Cast vinyl typically has a higher gloss surface and is better for vehicles and applications for outdoor use. Because of the materials and manufacturing process, cast vinyl is much less likely to shrink in outdoor usage and has a warrantied life of 5 to 7 years depending on the application.

Calendered

Pellets of vinyl, together with colors and modifiers, are ground in the calendering machines. The resulting hot, molten plastic is extruded onto a series of steel rollers which flatten it to the correct thickness. It then receives a gloss or matte finish and is stretched to the correct width. Finally, rollers cool the vinyl before it is wound up. Then adhesive and backing is applied. Heat, pressure, huge volume, and stretching are the key words in this process. There is a great deal of internal stress built into the vinyl as a result. Calendared vinyl offers a slightly shorter life span than cast vinyl with a warrantied life of 3 to 5 years depending on the application. However, it is typically more cost effective due to huge production volumes and the ease of removal from signs that are resurfaced on a regular basis.

Translucent

Translucent vinyl is a cast vinyl. It is typically used in backlit signs such as light boxes. Translucent vinyl offers color consistency, a non-glare surface, and color brightness not found in other vinyl. The benefit of translucent vinyl is that when it is not illuminated it appears to be normal in color but when it is backlit it allows part of the light to shine through for added visibility at night.

Reflective

Reflective vinyl is best known for its 24-hour advertising capabilities. These films are generally cast vinyl. It is more difficult to cut, weed, and apply due to its thickness, but it typically has a higher impact due to its unique appearance. During the manufacturing process, glass beads are added to the paint-like liquid and spread across the entire surface during production. These glass beads reflect light therefore making the vinyl reflective. The more common applications include  fleet graphics, highway signs and locations where night viewing and long distance visibility are required.

Metallic

Metallic vinyl is a mirror finished film consisting of polyester and various finishing products. Its surface creates the look of an actual metal such as a silver, gold, or bronze. This vinyl is typically used for signs that offer a richer look, often times presenting the appearance of a higher end sign such as gold leaf, but for a far more cost effective price.

Substrates

Aluminum

Aluminum is without a doubt the longest lasting material for outdoor signage. It has a factory baked enamel finish, and is coated with a plastic sheet to prevent damage during shipping. It will not rust and is available in a range of sizes and colors, based on the manufacturer. Typical applications include real estate signs, directional signs and any area where durability is a major factor.

Banners

These are probably one of the most popular types of signs used. They come in many different colors for maximum impact. They are resistant to tearing and ripping, and are also highly flame retardant, and very easy to maintain!

Coroplast

Coroplast is an inexpensive, lightweight corrugated plastic material used mostly for small, indoor signs, or outdoor signs that are temporary. It comes in many different colors, and is easy to cut into different sizes.

Magnetics

Magnetics can be cut into all shapes and sizes, and can be used in both outdoor and indoor applications. They are weather resistant and color stable. One of the most popular uses for magnetics is on vehicles. 

PVC (Sintra/Trovicel)

PVC is a rigid plastic board available in many different colors. This material is easy to cut into different sizes and shapes. It has a textured surface for a matte appearance and is flame retardant. Great for retail store directional signs and interior identification signs.