CHOOSING YOUR MATERIAL/SUBSTRATE
SUBSTRATES
Now that your design work is done and your artwork is print ready, it’s time to
choose a substrate! So what is a substrate and which one is right for you and your project?
A substrate is the base material onto which your text or images will be printed. There are a wide range of materials to choose from, so many in fact, that finding the right one be difficult. That’s why we’re here to help. Since printing is our business, we’ve taken the time to compile this list of some of the best and most cost effective substrates available. We will work with you to find the proper substrate for your project, one that not only fist your needs, but your budget as well!
Vinyl – From vehicle wraps to outdoor banners and everything in between, vinyl is the industry standard for large format printing. Here at Sign Hippo we are capable of printing almost any type of sign you can think of on vinyl. Do you need an outdoor banner for a graduation party that measures 56 inches by 23 inches? No problem. Do you need a custom cut door decal for your new company vehicle? Easy. How about reflective vinyl for outdoor night-time advertising? We’ve got you covered. If you can think it up, we can most likely find a vinyl solution that’s right for you!
• Standard Thickness:
13 oz.
• Standard Sizes:
3 feet (91.44 cm) x 4 feet (121.92 cm)
3 feet (91.44 cm) x 5 feet (152.4 cm)
3 feet (91.44 cm) x 8 feet (243.84 cm)
4 feet (121.92 cm) x 8 feet (243.84 cm)
(Larger sizes available upon request)
• Extras:
Hemming and grommets
Reinforced Corners
Full Pocket (for flyers, info sheets, etc.)
Window Cling Vinyl – Want to get the word out about your business or product
without having to tack up a paper poster or fuss with yard signs? Window clings can be placed on any glass surface and will stay in place without having to any sort of adhesive. Removing and relocating window clings is quick and easy and will not leave behind a residue. Made from durable scrim vinyl, this product is a great way to swap out advertising whenever or wherever your business takes you.
• Standard Thickness:
13 oz.
• Standard Sizes:
3 feet (91.44 cm) x 4 feet (121.92 cm)
3 feet (91.44 cm) x 5 feet (152.4 cm)
3 feet (91.44 cm) x 8 feet (243.84 cm)
4 feet (121.92 cm) x 8 feet (243.84 cm)
(Larger sizes available upon request)
Perforated Vinyl – One of our top vinyl variants is our perforated adhesive vinyl. It’s ideal for semi-permanent window advertising that won’t block the light from your windows. Perforated vinyl is direct printed and easy to install. Durable and UV resistant, it will last for years without needing to be replaced. If you and your business are in the market for an attractive solution to help attract customers then perforated vinyl will fit the bill perfectly!
• Standard Thickness:
13 oz.
• Standard Sizes:
3 feet (91.44 cm) x 4 feet (121.92 cm)
3 feet (91.44 cm) x 5 feet (152.4 cm)
3 feet (91.44 cm) x 8 feet (243.84 cm)
4 feet (121.92 cm) x 8 feet (243.84 cm)
(Larger sizes available upon request)
Corrugated Plastic – This corrugated polypropylene material is the industry leader when it comes to lawn signs, political advertising, and real estate related signage. Corrugated Plastic is available in a variety of thicknesses and colors including red, white, blue, yellow, and black. It’s ideal for direct flat-bed printing or adhesive vinyl. Not only is Corrugated Plastic lightweight, it is highly durable and can withstand almost any weather conditions.
Custom sizes are easy to accommodate. Corrugated Plastic can also be used for custom die cutting. Ask us for details!
• Standard Thickness:
0.157 in (4 mm)
0.393 in (10 mm).
• Standard Sizes:
9 in (228.6 mm) x 6 in (152.4 mm)
12 in (304.8 mm) x 9 in (228.6 mm)
18 in (457.2 mm) x 12 in (304.8 mm)
24 in (609.6 mm) x 18 in (457.2 mm)
36 in (914.4 mm) x 24 in (609.6 mm)
48 in (1219.2 mm) x 36 in (914.4 mm)
96 in (2438.4 mm) x 48 in (1219.2 mm)
**Learn more from an Industry Manufacturer: https://www.coroplast.com/products/coroplast-print/
Aluminum – For permanent outdoor signage that will last for years, we recommend using our pre-cut aluminum blanks. These come with pre-drilled holes for easy attachment to sign posts as well as rounded corners for the sake of aesthetics as well as safety. We can produce both direct-printed aluminum signs as well as vinyl wrapped signs. Our standard in-shop stock includes both ceramic coated and standard brushed aluminum. Upon request we can also provide reflective aluminum suitable for personal or industrial use.
• Standard Thickness:
0.040 in (1 mm)
0.080 in (2 mm)
• Standard Sizes:
9 in (228.6 mm) x 6 in (152.4 mm)
18 in (457.2 mm) x 12 in (304.8 mm)
24 in (609.6 mm) x 18 in (457.2 mm)
(Larger sizes available upon request)
Aluminum Composite Panels – If you’re looking for a substrate that is both durable and a lightweight, Aluminum Composite Panels may be the ideal choice for you. This composite material is made from a 0.15 mm aluminum outer shell with a polyethylene core. It’s ideal for both indoor and outdoor signage solutions and can be drilled for easy attachment to sign posts.
• Standard Thickness:
0.118 in (3 mm)
• Standard Sizes:
9 in (228.6 mm) x 6 in (152.4 mm)
12 in (304.8 mm) x 9 in (228.6 mm)
18 in (457.2 mm) x 12 in (304.8 mm)
24 in (609.6 mm) x 18 in (457.2 mm)
36 in (914.4 mm) x 24 in (609.6 mm)
48 in (1219.2 mm) x 36 in (914.4 mm)
**Learn more about ACM: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandwich_panel
PVC – With its smooth and consistent surface, PVC is an excellent choice for direct printing. There are several different verities to choose from, the top of the line being the Palight Specialty Outdoor PVC and Palight Foamed PVC. Both materials are resistant to fading and yellowing, making them a reliable substrate for both indoor and outdoor signage.
• Standard Thickness:
0.040 in (1 mm)
0.080 in (2 mm)
0.118 in (3 mm)
0.236 in (6 mm)
0.393 in (10 mm)
• Standard Sizes:
9 in (228.6 mm) x 6 in (152.4 mm)
12 in (304.8 mm) x 9 in (228.6 mm)
18 in (457.2 mm) x 12 in (304.8 mm)
24 in (609.6 mm) x 18 in (457.2 mm)
36 in (914.4 mm) x 24 in (609.6 mm)
48 in (1219.2 mm) x 36 in (914.4 mm)
96 in (2438.4 mm) x 48 inc (1219.2 mm)
Acrylic – Also known as plexiglass, acrylic can be used for semi-permanent indoor and outdoor instillations. This cost effective material is durable, shatter resistant, and can be direct printed or wrapped in vinyl. Available in both transparent and semitransparent variants, acrylic can be cut to your individual specifications.
• Standard Thickness:
0.040 in (1 mm)
0.080 in (2 mm)
0.118 in (3 mm)
0.236 in (6 mm)
0.393 in (10 mm)
• Standard Rectangular Sizes:
9 in (228.6 mm) x 6 in (152.4 mm)
9 in (228.6 mm) x 9 in (228.6 mm)
18 in (457.2 mm) x 12 in (304.8 mm)
24 in (609.6 mm) x 18 in (457.2 mm)
36 in (914.4 mm) x 24 in (609.6 mm)
48 in (1219.2 mm) x 36 in (914.4 mm)
96 in (2438.4 mm) x 48 in (1219.2 mm)
• Standard Circular Sizes:
9 in (228.6 mm)
12 in (304.8 mm)
18 in (457.2 mm)
24 in (609.6 mm)
36 in (914.4 mm)
48 in (1219.2 mm)
**Learn more from an Industry Leader in Acrylic Sheeting: https://plaskolite.com/products-services/materials/acrylic-pmma
Polycarbonate – The top of the line substrate in the industry, polycarbonate is a
highly durable shatter resistant material that is ideal for booth indoor and outdoor signage. Throughout the electronics world, polycarbonate is used to create cell-phone cases and laptop shells as well as CDs and DVDs. Capable of withstanding heavy impacts, this thermoplastic can also withstand temperatures up to 290º Fahrenheit. Polycarbonate is available in both transparent and semi-transparent sheets that can be cut to nearly any size.
• Standard Thickness:
0.040 in (1 mm)
0.080 in (2 mm)
0.118 in (3 mm)
0.236 in (6 mm)
0.393 in (10 mm)
• Standard Rectangular Sizes:
9 in (228.6 mm) x 6 in (152.4 mm)
9 in (228.6 mm) x 9 in (228.6 mm)
18 in (457.2 mm) x 12 in (304.8 mm)
24 in (609.6 mm) x 18 in (457.2 mm)
36 in (914.4 mm) x 24 in (609.6 mm)
48 in (1219.2 mm) x 36 in (914.4 mm)
96 in (2438.4 mm) x 48 inc (1219.2 mm)
• Standard Circular Sizes:
9 in (228.6 mm)
12 in (304.8 mm)
18 in (457.2 mm)
24 in (609.6 mm)
36 in (914.4 mm)