Choosing the Right Materials for Your Signage: A Complete Guide

Design is no afterthought, far from it, but it comes in a deserved second. Anyway, you still use Lorem Ipsum and rightly so, as it will always have a place in the web workers toolbox, as things happen, not always the way you like it, not always in the preferred order.

You begin with a text, you sculpt information, you chisel away what’s not needed, you come to the point, make things clear, add value, you’re a content person, you like words.

Plant Details

Fiddle Leaf Figs are a popular plant with interior designers and often appear in the pages of trendy magazines as a staple of fashion brand photography. Standing at over 6 feet tall the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree is the perfect balance of volume and grace. This plant is truly a must-have for all who appreciate style and greenery.

Even if your less into design and more into content strategy you may find some redeeming value with, wait for it, dummy copy, no less. Consider this: You made all the required mock ups for commissioned layout, got all the approvals.

Note: this plant is hyper-sensitive to environmental changes. The plant might shed leaves in the first weeks as it adapts to new light, humidity, and temperature conditions.

Sized to fit 14″ or 7g grower pots with extra room for drainage
Glazed inside and out, completely waterproof
No drainage hole, plant should be staged, ideal for indoor or outdoor use
Elevated by a sleek wood stand – teak wood for the light and dark stained options, mahogany wood for the black stained option
Finished with non-toxic, non-VOC oil

When it comes to creating impactful signage, the design and message are crucial — but just as important is the choice of material. The materials used in your signage can affect its durability, visibility, and overall appeal. Whether you're designing exterior signs to withstand harsh weather conditions or interior signs that complement your brand's aesthetic, selecting the right materials is key to ensuring your signs make a lasting impression.

At Signage Kraft, we offer a variety of signage materials tailored to fit different business needs. This guide will help you understand the most popular signage materials and how to choose the best option for your project.

1. Acrylic

Acrylic is one of the most popular materials used for signage due to its sleek, modern appearance. It provides a glass-like finish without the fragility of glass, making it both durable and visually appealing.

Best For: Indoor and outdoor signage, illuminated signs, wall-mounted signs, and logo displays.
Benefits: Lightweight, weather-resistant, versatile, and available in various colors and finishes. Acrylic can also be illuminated with LEDs, making it ideal for signs that need to stand out at night.

Tip: Acrylic signs are perfect for businesses looking to create a polished, high-end look while ensuring durability in high-traffic areas.

2. Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant material that is often used for outdoor signs. Its versatility allows for a variety of finishes, including brushed, polished, and painted, making it suitable for many different branding styles.

Best For: Outdoor signs, corporate signage, directional signs, and plaques.
Benefits: Durable, rust-proof, weather-resistant, and highly customizable. Aluminum signs can withstand extreme weather conditions, making them ideal for long-term use.

Tip: For businesses that require long-lasting outdoor signage, aluminum is an excellent choice due to its strength and ability to maintain a polished appearance over time.

3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is a cost-effective and lightweight material commonly used for both indoor and temporary outdoor signage. It offers a smooth, professional finish and can be easily customized with printed graphics.

Best For: Indoor signs, promotional displays, event signage, and trade show booths.
Benefits: Affordable, versatile, and easy to print on. PVC signs are ideal for short-term promotional displays or indoor branding solutions.

Tip: Use PVC for temporary or seasonal signage, such as event promotions or special offers, where cost-effectiveness is a priority.

4. Foamboard

Foamboard is an ultra-lightweight material that’s perfect for temporary signage, especially for events, trade shows, and exhibitions. While it is not as durable as other materials, its affordability and ease of customization make it an attractive option for short-term use.

Best For: Event signage, temporary indoor signs, and point-of-purchase displays.
Benefits: Lightweight, easy to cut into custom shapes, and cost-effective. Foamboard is often used for promotional purposes due to its quick turnaround and low cost.

Tip: Foamboard is a great option for businesses looking to create vibrant, temporary signage for product launches or trade show displays.

5. Wood

Wood signage offers a rustic, natural look that is perfect for businesses looking to add a touch of authenticity to their branding. With the ability to be carved, painted, or stained, wooden signs offer endless customization possibilities.

Best For: Boutique businesses, cafes, rustic-themed locations, and signage for outdoor settings like gardens or farms.
Benefits: Unique, natural appearance that enhances brand personality. Wood signs are long-lasting when properly treated for outdoor use.

Tip: Use wood for signage if your brand focuses on sustainability, nature, or a vintage aesthetic. It's perfect for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

6. Vinyl

Vinyl is a flexible and cost-effective material widely used for both indoor and outdoor signs. It is commonly used in banners, window decals, and vehicle wraps due to its ability to conform to various surfaces.

Best For: Window graphics, vehicle wraps, promotional banners, and temporary signs.
Benefits: Versatile, durable, and easy to print on. Vinyl is weather-resistant and can be used for temporary or semi-permanent signage.

Tip: Vinyl is an excellent choice for promotional signage and vehicle graphics, allowing businesses to advertise on the go or during short-term events.

7. LED

LED signage has gained popularity for its high visibility, energy efficiency, and modern aesthetic. These illuminated signs are perfect for businesses that operate during the evening or want their brand to stand out both day and night.

Best For: Outdoor business signs, illuminated logo displays, and indoor branding elements that require backlighting.
Benefits: Highly visible, energy-efficient, and customizable in terms of brightness, color, and size. LED signs are long-lasting and provide a dynamic way to display your brand.

Tip: LED signs are perfect for businesses that want to make a strong, glowing impression, especially in high-traffic or urban areas.

Choosing the right signage material is essential for ensuring your signage is not only visually appealing but also durable and functional. Whether you need a sleek acrylic sign for your office, a durable aluminum sign for outdoor branding, or a cost-effective PVC sign for temporary promotions, the material you choose should align with your brand’s image and the sign's intended use.

At Signage Kraft, we specialize in providing high-quality, custom signage solutions using a wide range of materials to meet your specific needs. Whether you're looking for permanent, long-lasting signs or temporary, eye-catching displays, our team will guide you in selecting the right material to maximize your brand's impact.