Choosing the right sign materials can be a real head-scratcher: What kind of materials are available? What are the relative advantages of each? What will give you the most “bang for your buck” in terms of being cost-effective?

At Sign Art Etc., we offer a wide range of sign options to choose from, specializing in creating signage that will meet the unique needs of your business, brand, message or event. With that in mind, here is a guide to the three major materials most commonly used:

Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the premier sign materials available, offering a high degree of aesthetic flexibility at a low cost. With digital printing, there are virtually no limits to what you can print. As long as your image or text is the proper resolution, you can create vivid signs using thousands of possible colors. Other advantages of vinyl include:

• Water and weather-resistant. Vinyl typically comes in a few different varieties, including matte, scrim, gloss and mesh. While all varieties are water-resistant, mesh and scrim are known to stand up to the elements very effectively and are less likely to rip or tear than fabric.
• Natural sheen and gloss. Vinyl signs and backdrops are naturally eye-catching since the printing process results in a glossy finish. Matte finishes are also possible.
• Low cost. An 8×8 vinyl backdrop from Sign Art Etc. can cost less than $100, while the fabric equivalent can cost nearly three times that amount.
• No wrinkling. The stiffness of vinyl signs allows them to be rolled and unrolled without creases and wrinkles forming. They also resist damage from the wind.
• Easy storage. Vinyl will roll up for easy tube storage and stacking.
• Versatility. Of course, the best thing about vinyl is that it is supremely versatile: These signs are used to great effect both indoors and outdoors and for nearly every type of business or enterprise. Whether you are looking for a red carpet backdrop, banner for a convention or trade show, or a celebratory sign for an office party, vinyl is a great choice.

Vinyl banners are durable, easy to transport and effectively catch the eye

Fabric 
For years, fabric wasn’t only the traditional choice for flexible signs and banners, it was the only choice. Yet even in a more limited field, fabric could be a very pleasing and cost-effective option. Typical choices for fabrics include polyester or a poly blend. Organic materials like cotton or wool are less common since they attract mildew and can degrade over time when exposed to the elements. Here are a few advantages to fabric signs:

• Long-term durability. Fabrics are quite resilient, due in part to to the ink being permanently bonded to the fibers. This means the ink is less likely to chip, smudge, get pulled off by tape or fade over time.
• Less glare. While vinyl can be given a matte coating, fabric tends to be naturally matte, making them better for photographing and giving them a more pleasing look.
• More realistic imagery. Images printed on fabric look sharper and brighter, due to the fact that the printing process isn’t built on the “individual dot” printing process of vinyl.
• Washable. If your sign gets dirty, simply treat it like you would any cloth material and wash it. Take care to observe any suggestions to keep colors bright, but otherwise washing allows you to use your signs over and over again.
• Luxury. A fabric sign is a true signal that your organization means business. The luxury and confidence that you exude with a premium fabric sign simply can’t be beat!

Corrugated plastic signs are often used in personal applications.

Corrugated Plastic Yard Signs
While less commonly used, corrugated plastic does have some distinct advantages in specific sign applications. Yard signs – designed for high-volume production at a low cost, particularly when associated with a local political campaign – are ideal candidates for corrugated plastic. They are flexible and can be read clearly from a great distance at many different angles. However, in larger applications, they are difficult to store and prone to chipping.

Having trouble deciding which material is right for you? Sign Art Etc. has you covered! We provide full-service custom sign, graphics and marketing solutions ready to fit your unique needs, including vinyl banners, vinyl and fabric backdrops, retractable banner stands, yard signs and more. It would be a pleasure to assist you.