Choosing the Right Substrate for Your Sign
Beginning this week, we will be posting blog articles about the many different sign

materials we use. There are so many substrate options for interior signs, exterior signs

and even banners. In an effort to help our customers with determining the right material

for their sign project, we’ll explore a new product each week. This week we will discuss

using PVC for Signs.
Using PVC For Making Signs
This week we’ll begin by talking about PVC or, Polyvinyl chloride. Wikipedia has a

detailed description of PVC, specifically they mention that it is “cheap, durable, and

easily worked”. Unlike the PVC used in pipes and even clothing, sheet PVC used for sign

making is a very durable formed flat sheet. PVC boards are available in a variety of

thicknesses including 1/8″, 1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″ and 1″. Most commonly PVC is available

in 4′ x 8′ sheets, but some thicknesses can also be available in 4′ x 10′ for larger

projects.
Can You Cut and Shape PVC?
We can cut and shape PVC signs using a saw or router. PVC can be cut into sign shapes, sign

letters, or logos and it can even be carved like wood or High Density Urethane (HDU).

Unlike wood or HDU. With PVC, you do see the pores of the material when it is V-Grooved.

However, priming and painting often fills these pores so they are not really visible on

the finished sign product.
PVC is a very durable material for carved signs. It will never delaminate, rot or

split like wood. Because PVC is porous you can make a thicker material without the

additional weight and cost of thicker wood or HDU.
Vinyl is another form of PVC that is a plasticized PVC that is very thin and can be

cut using a plotter…but that’s for another week!
PVC offers an exceptionally smooth surface which is ideal for applying digital

graphics. This is why we use it for many of our Site or Project signs. It allows us to

create up to a 4′ x 8′ sign with full color graphics that is durable and fast to

manufacture. It requires no painting unlike MDO or wood and makes turning around a quick

job easy for us.
PVC Signage:
Let’s be clear and as non-technical as possible in the description of PVC signs. The

chemicals and the molecular makeup are the same as the pipe referred to in the opening of

this article. The best way to help in differentiating the two as that the signs are more

lightweight and porous, meaning full of pores. How does this translate to what you want to

know? With all those tiny little pores in a PVC sign, it means it will accept liquids. In

your case, it means they can accept ink, and thus we can create graphics on the sign you

want for your company.
PVC signs have a matte finish, which means it eliminates glare or reflection. It makes

your graphics easier to read. If you really feel you want a shinier gloss finish, we can

do a decal print and affix it to your sign.
Sign Comparisons:
Because of its composition, these signs don’t tend to crack, split, or rot like most

traditional wood signs. PVC signs are similar to acrylic ones, but don’t have the glare

and aren’t as expensive. They’re also a bit more durable than acrylic, as well. On the

note of durability, PVC is a bit more expensive than coroplast signs, but much more long-

lasting. It is more affordable and easier to handle than aluminum. In all, PVC comes with

a greater flexibility than many other sign materials, which makes it a well-round choice

for indoor sign usage.
Indoor vs Outdoor:
PVC signs are ideal for extended messaging inside. They should only be put into play

outside for a very temporary length of time. While they are better at handling

precipitation than their traditional foam board sign cousin, they are still susceptible to

water if exposed for any real amount of time. If the sun is left to beat down on PVC

signs, they will end up warping. Having to replace a product because of that can certainly

get frustrating for you, and we don’t want that to happen. Being vigilant in your efforts

will help maintain and extend the longevity of your sign. Overall, like foam signs, PVC is

not produced to have to deal with outdoor elements. If you require something like PVC for

outdoor use, call us to go over some details. We have many government agencies who use an

alternative version of the PVC Palight product we generally use. There are a few different

ways for displaying your sign inside. It can be at ground level resting against a flat

surface. It can be hung, but common sense says that the thicker, heavier a sign is, it

should be anchored by mounting it on a wall. This can be done easily and in a few

different ways. You can use screws, double-sided tape, an adhesive, or our handy blind

fastener system, which adds a bit of class to the display.
Here are the 5 reasons aluminium outshines the competition:
It's one of the strongest materials in the sign industry
Aluminium is known for its strength and rigidity. Even though it is thin and

incredibly lightweight, it's strong, and the thicker it is, the greater the panel

strength. It comes in primarily 5 thicknesses, but three of them are most common. Thin,

small signs (like real estate signage) are typically made with the .040 gauge thickness.

Sturdier street signs, (like your neighborhood stop signs) are made with the .080 gauge

aluminium. The thickest and strongest gauge, .125, is reserved for heavy-duty signs (like

the hazardous materials or evacuation signs at construction sites). When you need a sign

material that is rock solid – one that won't split, warp, bow, or shatter –

aluminium is an excellent choice.
It's remarkably affordable
For the level of sturdiness and longevity, you would expect this sign material to be

one of the most expensive. It's not. In fact, it's one of the least expensive.

When compared to substrates like redwood and even some plastics, aluminium continues to

beat out the competition with respect to pricing. It's strong, durable and affordable!
It gives a very professional finish
And, in this case, affordable doesn't mean cheap! Aluminium signage might not cost

you a fortune, but it certainly can look like it did. Metal finishes typically give a very

classy, professional look. Whether it's a brushed, polished or mirrored finish,

aluminium signs

stand out! For that reason, it's often seen in professional offices – i.e.

attorneys' offices, courtrooms, higher education facilities, etc. Its shiny finish is

super attractive!
It's very versatile
Whereas acrylic and PVC are not recommended for outdoor signage, aluminium is. And,

although most types of wood can be mounted both indoor and outdoor, not all of them can

hold up to extreme weather without treatment and edge-capping. Aluminum is perfect for

both indoor and outdoor signage! Outdoors, it's rustproof and waterproof, and

therefore weather-resistant. That's why it is the ideal substrate for street signs –

aluminium will last many years without the material breaking down or failing, which

can't be said for plastic or wood. And, indoors, where there's no concern about

the effects of sunlight or inclement weather, aluminum will last for decades. It's

extremely versatile!
It's super easy to customize
Need to screen print on top of aluminium? No problem. Need to apply colored vinyl

lettering or decals to it? No problem. Want to custom cut it into a unique shape or do

specialized cutouts? Again, no problem. Aluminium is super easy to customize! You can give

your signage great personality by adding just a little creativity. Aluminium is the ideal

canvas for all of your great ideas!
There are numerous benefits of choosing aluminium for your signage. The strength,

weather resistance, and affordability make it ideal for you. And, that shiny, professional

exterior with custom design makes it appealing to your customers. It's a win-win

situation with aluminium! When compared to other substrates, it steals the limelight.
Stainless Steel Signs


Stainless steel signs are not only strong, durable and scratch resistant but also

offer an unsurpassed detailed appearance that stands out in any application. As a single-

source manufacturer, Roemer Industries, Inc. is

able to fabricate precision quality stainless steel signs to meet your exact

specifications.
Stainless steel signs are a popular option due to its excellent outdoor rating and

performance in demanding corrosive, harsh and industrial environments. Other

characteristics for a stainless steel sign from Roemer Industries include:
Heat resistance
Chemical resistance
Abrasion, dent and scratch resistance
Excellent strength and durability
ACRYLIC SIGNS – 5 REASONS YOU NEED ONE
There are many different types of signage for different uses. From banners to neon

signs, window graphics and vinyl letters.

Acrylic signs

are ideal for those who are looking to give a first impression of professionality

and formality. (Acrylic signs are also known as perspex or plexiglass signs.)
The following article features our top five reasons why you need an acrylic sign for

your work premises.
AESTHETIC
Acrylic signs are eye-catching yet subtle and tasteful. They are ideal for companies

who are looking to add signage to their office which is both practical and aesthetically

pleasing. It’s even possible to “float” the letters of the sign to create an attractive

3D effect.
DURABILITY
One practical reason why many people use acrylic signs is that they are very durable

and need little maintenance. They can withstand any weather condition including snow,

rain, hail high winds and temperatures.
CUSTOMIZABLE
Although an acrylic sign includes a relatively simple and straightforward design,

there is still room for a high level of customization. The plate itself can be frosted,

clear or even a solid colour. The design can include a simple name in a wide range of

colours, or even logo designs.
BRANDING
Acrylic signs offer an excellent opportunity to improve the branding and brand

visibility of your company. Acrylic signs allow for simplicity, which means you are free

to use whichever typography or imagery necessary to communicate your brand.
PROFESSIONAL
We offer a variety of different signage solutions, but when it comes to combining

visibility and professionalism, acrylic signs are the best solution and reflect the class

of your company. Most signage is appropriate for B2C, but acrylic signage is primarily for

B2B companies.
Glass Stone
The glass

stones are plaster finishings that is mixed with a high-quality silica sand and gold

glass chips, which adds luxury to a building when the sun shines.
Glass chips are safely made of waste glass, and their glittering effect makes a building

even more beautiful.