Sign Materials
Learn all about the sign materials commonly used at FASTSIGNS®. From care and installation to ideas and applications, we’ll give you all the information you need about materials like acrylic, aluminum, banner material, plastic and PVC.

Acrylic
An extremely versatile plastic sheet with a glossy finish, acrylic, also known as Porspex®, is the perfect choice when you want signs with a sophisticated, high-tech look. Highly durable and available in a variety of colours, acrylic is often used for illuminated, architectural, exhibition and point-of-purchase signs.
Sign Applications
This plastic product can be heated to form many shapes. Use it to create:
- Boxes
- Brochure holders
- Signs and easels, all-in-one
- Point-of-purchase products
- Menu boards
- Exhibitions and Displays
- Retail signs
- Restaurant signs
- Nameplates and name badges
- Directional and informational signs
- Showroom signs
- Office building signs
Sign Ideas
Increase the visual effectiveness of your acrylic signs by:
- Adding stripes and borders
- Applying multiple lettering colors
- Incorporating a logo or graphic symbol
- Using multiple layers of acrylic to enhance the image
- Creating a three-dimensional effect—giving the perception of depth to the finished product—using clear acrylic and applying a background colour to the reverse side
- Designing custom applications
- Using bent easels
- Using non-glare acrylic to reduce glare problems
Installation
Acrylic signs may be displayed in several ways:
- Self-supporting (bent easel)
- Hanging
- Using Velcro®
- Gluing
- Using double-sided tape
- Applying suction cups
Care
- Do not leave acrylic in direct sun or in a hot car; it may bow or bend if not laying flat
- Handle acrylic signs with care because acrylic scratches easily and can shatter or chip upon impact
- Use acrylic signs for long-term indoor use or for short-term outdoor use in areas protected by overhangs or awnings. (This does not apply to acrylic used in light box signs)
Sign products and materials may vary by location. Contact your local FASTSIGNS® centre for more information on product availability.

Aluminium
Lightweight, yet sturdy, aluminium is a great choice for outdoor signs. It comes in a variety of colours, and with a baked enamel finish, is highly durable, weathering the elements without rusting.
Sign Applications
- Pool and spa rules
- Land and property signs
- Garage signs
- Service signs
- Directional and informational signs
- Building signs
- Traffic and regulatory signs
Sign Ideas
Increase the effectiveness of your aluminium signs by:
- Adding stripes and borders
- Using additional lettering colours
- Adding a logo or graphic symbol
- Designing custom applications
- Using frames or stakes
Installation
Aluminium signs may be displayed in several ways:
- On stakes or posts
- On walls
- Hanging
- On fencing
Care
Be careful when installing your aluminium sign (or have FASTSIGNS® install it for you). While the baked enamel finish is resistant to weather, it is brittle and scratches easily.
Sign products and materials may vary by location. Contact your local FASTSIGNS® centre for more information on product availability.

Banner Material
Rely on FASTSIGNS® durable, nylon-reinforced vinyl banners for your promotions, special events, grand openings and sporting events. Highly weather resistant, our banner material works well indoors for short- and long-term installations and outdoors for temporary purposes. Because of the material's strength, it can be cut into almost any length or dimension. Banner material is available in many colours to meet your needs.
Banner Tips
- Choose the vinyl and nylon woven banner material stocked by most FASTSIGNS® centres for durable, long-lasting banners. Although there are other banner materials, such as Tyvek and polyethylene, few last as long as vinyl and nylon woven material
- Consider using a heavier weight material when your banner will be suspended between poles or buildings
Banner Applications
- Grand Opening and Coming Soon announcements
- Sales and promotions
- Special events
- Sporting events
- Exhibitions
Banner Ideas
Increase the effectiveness of your banners by:
- Making them larger
- Adding stripes and borders
- Using additional lettering colours
- Adding a photo, logo or graphic symbol
- Utilizing unusual shapes or designs
Sizes
The maximum banner size is virtually unlimited, and we can create customized banners in any size you want or need.
Finishing & Mounting
FASTSIGNS® offers many options for finishing and mounting your banners:
- Grommets—Attach banners at regular points to distribute their weight evenly and prevent sagging
- Pole Pockets—Insert rigid poles into pockets along your banners’ edges for a more even weight distribution. This can prevent sagging and make your banners more rigid
- Hemmed Edges—Reinforce the sides of your vinyl banners to maintain their shape and prevent stretching
- Banner-Ups—Attach plastic tabs with eyelets to each corner of your banners to create convenient hanging points
- D-rings with Nylon Webbing*—Secure large banners that will hang on buildings with D-rings and ratchet straps
- Nylon Webbing*—Reinforce the tops and bottoms of your banners to extend their lives—especially if you’re in an area that is prone to high winds
* Extra time required.
Installation
- In production, grommets will be placed in all four corners and every 600-900 mm between, across the top and bottom. These are used to hang and secure the banner while minimizing stress. The two-ply corners ensure strength for intermediate to long-term outdoor life
- Special care needs to be given to the installation of large banners. If you are unsure of the best application method, call your local FASTSIGNS® centre
Care
- When storing your banner, roll the banner with the graphics or letters to the outside to prevent letter separation and air bubbles. Never fold your banner because it will cause it to have creases
- Proper care and handling will improve the longevity of your banner
Banner Installation and Care (PDF)
Sign products and materials may vary by location. Contact your local FASTSIGNS® centre for more information on product availability.

Plastic
Corrugated plastic, also known by the brand name Correx®, is a versatile, extruded twin-wall plastic sheet that comes in a variety of colours. Lightweight and cost-effective, it is ideal for a wide variety of indoor and short-term outdoor uses.
Sign Tips
- Use corrugated plastic as a substitute for poster board or card stock for interior applications. Its surface is not affected by most oils, solvents or water, and cleans easily
- Cut through the first corrugation to create A-frame signs or table tents. The cut will also enable you to fold the sign and carry it in a briefcase or suitcase
- You may notice faint horizontal lines when you look at corrugated plastic. It is aligned with flutes that generally run horizontally across the width of the sign
Sign Applications
- Menu boards
- Special event signage
- Directional and informational signs
- Indoor point-of-purchase signs
- Temporary and promotional signage
- Exhibitions
Sign Ideas
Increase the effectiveness of your corrugated plastic signs by:
- Using stripes, borders and additional lettering colours
- Adding a logo or graphic symbol
- Using frames or stakes, or displaying on an easel
Installation
Corrugated plastic signs may be displayed in several ways:
- Hanging
- Self-supporting (with an easel)
- Applying suction cups
- Using double-sided tape or Velcro®
- Framing and staking
Sign products and materials may vary by location. Contact your local FASTSIGNS® centre for more information on product availability.

PVC
Expanded PVC (polyvinyl chloride), also known as foam PVC, Trovicel® and Sintra®, helps you project a high-quality, professional image. Medium-weight and durable, expanded PVC can be installed and transported easily and is great for long-term indoor or short-term outdoor use. It is available in a variety of colours, and its matte finish reduces glare, hides fingerprints and can be cut easily into shapes, so you can create custom applications.
Sign Applications
- Point-of-purchase displays
- Menu boards
- Directional and informational signs
- Name plates and name tags
- Exhibition signage
Sign Ideas
Increase the effectiveness of your PVC signs by:
- Adding striping and/or borders
- Using bent easels
- Adding lettering colours
- Using a logo
- Incorporating a graphic symbol
- Cutting into unusual shapes or designs
Installation
PVC signs may be displayed in several ways:
- Self-supporting (bent easel)
- Hanging
- Applying suction cups
- Using double-sided tape or Velcro®
- Framing
Care
- Do not leave PVC signs inside your car. Expanded PVC tends to warp when exposed to heat or sunlight for extended periods of time
- Install PVC in sheltered, low-humidity areas when possible. It may absorb moisture and mildew when left in exposed outdoor locations
- Without proper handling, PVC can be scratched
Sign products and materials may vary by location. Contact your local FASTSIGNS® centre for more information on product availability.