Substrates for your Signs, Banners and Posters

At PDQ, we are expert in printing your signs, banners, and posters for a variety of applications. The first choice you will face is the substrate upon which your image will be printed. We understand that there are many choices available to you, so we present this reference guide to some of our commonly used materials.

Photo-Quality Signs and Posters

Photo Paper

Available in gloss, satin, or matte, photo paper can provide a brilliant surface to print photo-quality artwork.

Features include:

  • 8 mil or 11 mil weight
  • Superior imaging qualities
  • Mountable
  • Laminates well

Common uses:

  • Posters
  • Convention displays
  • Photo reproductions
  • Fine art

Vinyl

This grouping of substrates comes in varying weights and can possess adhesive qualities; permanent, semi-permanent, or no adhesive.

Features include:

  • Durable
  • Water resistant
  • Scratch resistant
  • Fade resistant

Common uses:

  • Indoor/outdoor banners
  • Indoor/outdoor signs
  • Vehicle graphics

Point-of-purchase Display Film

This product is a polyester film with a block out layer that provides 100% opacity. The opacity of this product prevents any display hardware from being seen through the material.

Features include:

  • Durable
  • Rollable
  • High gloss
  • Water resistant

Common uses:

  • Pop-up and retractable display frames
  • Convention displays
  • Point-of-purchase displays

Canvas

Matte canvas offers a high-quality, water-resistant poly cotton-blend canvas with an unsurpassed white point. This pH neutral, acid-free inkjet coating allows for greater consistency from print to print.

Features include:

  • 21 mil poly-cotton blend
  • Acid free
  • Bright white
  • Water resistant

Common uses:

  • Artist's reproductions
  • Fine art photography
  • Stretch or mount

 

Roll-Fed Substrates

Vinyl Banner

This 13 oz material is manufactured with high-tenacity polyester yarn giving it superior strength and print quality.

Features include:

  • Tear resistant
  • Fade resistant
  • Resists curling

Common uses:

  • Banners
  • Scrim
  • Table skirts
  • Billboards
  • Political road signs

Perforated (Mesh) Vinyl

These types of vinyl come in varying weights and scrim patter (the size and distribution of the perforation).

Features include:

  • Polyester scrim base impregnated with PVC
  • Tear and fade resistant
  • Resists curling
  • Wind resistant

Common uses:

  • Exterior mounted window advertising
  • Vehicle window graphics
  • Fence and scaffolding banners
  • Theater scrim

 

Rigid Substrates

Coroplast ™

Coroplast is a polypropylene twin-wall profile plastic sheet. This indoor/outdoor material is excellent for medium-term application life.

Features include:

  • Durable, flexible, and lightweight
  • Weather resistant
  • 3/16" or 1/2" thickness

Common uses:

  • Interior and exterior signs
  • Political and real estate signs
  • Event signs

Foam Core

Foam core is lightweight polystyrene foam with outer facing of clay coated paper. This indoor material is suited for short-term application life.

Features include:

  • 3/16" or 1/2" thickness
  • White or black finish available
  • Indoor use

Common uses:

  • Interior signs
  • Exhibits and displays
  • Point of purchase displays

Gatorfoam ®

Gatorfoam is polystyrene foam bonded between two layers of wood fiber veneer. This indoor material is excellent for medium-term application life.

Features include:

  • Extremely rigid and lightweight
  • Hard, smooth surface
  • Dent and scratch resistant
  • Medium-term application life

Common uses:

  • Interior signs
  • Exhibits and kiosks
  • Point of purchase displays

Sintra ®

Sintra is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that is lightweight and rigid. This indoor/outdoor material is suited for medium-term application life

Features include:

  • Lightweight, rigid, and durable
  • Dent and scratch resistant
  • 1mm-6mm thickness
  • Medium-term application life

Common uses:

  • Interior and exterior signs
  • Exhibits and kiosks
  • Point of purchase displays

Dibond ®

Dibond is a 3mm polyethylene core with .012" finished aluminum surfaces. The excellent durability of Dibond makes it an ideal choice for long-term outdoor applications.

Features include:

  • Scratch and dent resistant
  • Lightweight and rust proof
  • Won't bow or oil can

Common uses:

  • Long-term signs
  • Exhibits and displays
  • Point of purchase displays

 

We cordially invite you to discover the unlimited possibilities with PDQ Printing. See for yourself what so many others have known for years...

The PDQ Advantage