Corflute is the usual choice for temporary outdoor signs on a stake or fence. ACM (aluminium composite) is the choice for a sign that stays up for years. Foam PVC suits indoor and sheltered signs, polypropylene is a thin waterproof sheet, and KAPAplast is a light, flat board for indoor displays. The right board depends on where the sign goes and how long it stays.
The boards at a glance
| Board | Thickness | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Corflute | 3mm (5mm also available) | Outdoor, temporary to medium term |
| ACM | 3mm | Outdoor, long term |
| Foam PVC | 3mm or 5mm | Indoor and sheltered outdoor walls |
| Polypropylene | 0.8mm or 1.4mm | Light, waterproof signs and displays |
| KAPAplast | 5mm, 10mm or 19mm | Premium indoor displays |
Corflute
Corflute (corrugated plastic) is light, waterproof and tough, which is why it is used for real estate, election and site signs. It has a ribbed surface you can sometimes see through the print. Printed colours fade slowly in strong sun, so expect several months to a year or so outdoors, depending on exposure. Our single signs start at $62 for 1 (450 x 600mm, 3mm corflute, single sided).
ACM
ACM is two thin aluminium skins around a plastic core. It is flat, rigid and weatherproof, and it is the board to pick for a permanent outdoor sign on a wall, fence or post. It is heavier than the plastic boards and costs more per sign, and we offer it with or without a gloss laminate. Sizes run from 300 x 450mm up to 1200 x 2400mm. See pricing from $137 for 1 (600 x 900mm, 3mm ACM aluminium composite, single sided). Expect a long life outdoors, depending on exposure and how well it is fixed.
Foam PVC
Foam PVC is a smooth white board with a clean finish. It is waterproof, stiffer than foamboard and suits office, reception and shopfront signs, plus sheltered outdoor spots such as under an awning. Choose 3mm for most wall signs and 5mm for larger or freestanding signs. Prices start at $92 for 1 (A2 420 x 594mm, 3mm foam PVC, single sided).
Polypropylene
Polypropylene sheet is thin (0.8mm or 1.4mm), light and waterproof. It suits lightweight displays and signs that need to be rolled or posted, and it can be taped at the edges. It is not as stiff as corflute, so large sizes need support. From $105 for 1 (300 x 450mm, 0.8mm polypropylene, single sided).
KAPAplast
KAPAplast is a light foam board with a very flat, smooth face, made for indoor displays, counter signs and exhibition panels. The 5mm board suits wall signs and the 10mm and 19mm boards are stiffer for bigger or freestanding pieces. It is for indoor use, and edges dent if knocked. From $199 for 1 (300 x 450mm, 5mm KAPAplast, single sided).
Choosing by situation
- Outdoors for a few weeks to months: corflute.
- Outdoors for years: ACM.
- Indoors on a wall or in a window: foam PVC or KAPAplast.
- Sheltered outdoor spot: foam PVC.
- Light, waterproof and portable: polypropylene.
- Very large sign: check the size list: several boards go to 1200 x 2400mm, and oversize boards are delivered as their own consignment.
Sizes, artwork and delivery
Every board is printed in full colour direct to the surface. Supply a PDF in CMYK at the finished size plus bleed; the product page gives the bleed for each board. Delivery on signs is priced by postcode and shown in your basket before you pay. The price shown is the total, and we are not registered for GST. If you are unsure which board suits your job, call or send a message and we will point you to the right one.
See corflute signs, ACM signs, PVC signs, polypropylene signs or KAPAplast signs.