Custom signage has seen several innovations over the years, with plastic and aluminum becoming the best options for durable and versatile sign materials. Whether it’s for branding, road safety, wayfinding, or simple decor, you won’t go wrong with either option.
Often, choosing one over the other isn’t about which is better; your choice depends on where you’ll put the sign, the weather, how you’ll install it, and its purpose. In this guide, we explain the benefits of plastic and aluminum signs and help you decide which one fits your needs.
Choosing Your Plastic Sign Material
Many businesses choose plastic signs because they are cost-efficient and versatile enough to be used for different promotions. Depending on your needs, you can choose between two materials: corrugated plastic and PVC.
1. Corrugated Plastic Signs
Corrugated plastic signs are light and flexible because of their fluted design. They cost less, are simple to set up, and work well for short-term promotions when you need a lot of signs.
2. PVC Plastic Signs
PVC signs are sturdy and have a smooth surface, which makes printed colors look sharp and bright. They are rigid and tough, and they can be cut into custom shapes, so they are useful for custom sign designs.
Aluminum Sign Options
Aluminum signs are more commonly seen in outdoor venues and are used as traffic signs and road signs. Strong, durable, and more weather-resistant than plastic, they can also be quite expensive. The introduction of more affordable aluminum composite signs gives businesses another option. Now, you can choose which metallic signs to get for your venues.
1. Solid Aluminum Signs
Solid aluminum signs are made from thick aluminum alloy for maximum durability. They come in standard or reflective finishes and are great for long-term outdoor use, such as road and traffic signs.
2. Aluminum Composite Signs
Aluminum composite signs have two thin aluminum sheets with a plastic core. They are lighter than solid aluminum but are still sturdy, and their smooth surface is good for full-color printing. These signs are often used for name plaques, parking lot signs, and other outdoor displays.
Sign Comparisons: It’s All About How You Use the Signs
When you look at your options, you’ll notice there’s more to think about than just the material when choosing between aluminum and plastic signs. Each option has its own strengths for different situations. The right choice now depends on where, when, and how you plan to use your signs.
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Best Use Scenarios |
Coroplast Plastic |
PVC Plastic |
Aluminum Composite |
Solid Aluminum |
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Temporary outdoor signs for seasonal promotions and campaigns. |
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Affordable signs printed in bulk for widespread advertising. |
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Long-term outdoor signs exposed to changing weather conditions. |
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Lightweight signs that are easy to install, move, and remove. |
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Double-sided signs that display messages on the front and back. |
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Indoor promotional displays with colorful graphics and branding. |
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Permanent business signs for storefronts and building exteriors. |
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Portable signs that are frequently transported and repositioned. |
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Durable signs installed in busy public areas with frequent activity. |
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Signs requiring sharp images, detailed graphics, and vibrant colors. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Coroplast Plastic is a good choice for small signs ordered in bulk because it’s affordable, lightweight, and easy to make.
It depends on your location. Coroplast Plastic is an affordable option for temporary yard signs and can be set up with H-stakes. If you need a sign for a specific spot or season, PVC or Aluminum Composite signs are also good choices.
Yes. Aluminum Composite Signs usually cost less because the plastic core lowers material costs but still keeps them durable.
Yes. Coroplast Signs typically use H-stakes, but you can also install them with sign holders or grommets. PVC and Aluminum Signs may need mounting brackets, posts, or drilled holes.
Yes. At NextDayFlyers, all plastic and aluminum signage materials allow for full-color printing, but the final look may vary because of their different surface finishes.
Use mild soap, water, and a soft cloth to clean both sign materials. Avoid using harsh cleaners, since they can damage the printed graphics.
Expanding Your Sign Options Through Plastic and Aluminum Material
The versatility of plastic and aluminum signs gives businesses more ways to promote their brand and share their message. With two variations for each material, you have four options suited for different signage needs. These include road signs, streetside, near your storefront, or as decoration for your office interiors. For your next promotion, check out NextDayFlyers for quality full-color sign printing. You can then choose between plastic and aluminum sign materials, alongside installation accessories and helpful instructions to make the most of your signs.
