Materials & simple signs

The right sign starts underneath.

A great layout can still fail on the wrong background. Material choice depends on the mounting surface, weather, lifespan, size, handling, and finish the project needs.

Background materials

Rigid, flexible, permanent, or portable.

These are the material families documented in the original Signs 2 U catalog. Current stock, exact thicknesses, and availability are confirmed during quoting.

OB
Rigid panel

Omega Bond

Composite sign-panel option listed in the legacy material catalog.

AL
Rigid metal

Aluminum

Legacy options included .040, .060, and .080 thicknesses.

MDO
Rigid wood panel

½-inch MDO

A substantial flat panel listed for framed and structural applications.

PVC
Rigid plastic

PVC plastic

Multiple thicknesses were offered; current gauges should be confirmed when quoting.

PL
Rigid plastic

Plastic

A general plastic-panel option in the original selection chart.

LX
Flexible plastic

Lexan

Listed for uses including electric sign panels and exterior applications.

VB
Flexible

Vinyl banners

Portable sign material for promotions, events, campaigns, and temporary messages.

MS
Rigid panel

⅛-inch white Masonite

A white panel option from the original production catalog.

CP
Lightweight panel

Coro-Plast

Economical, lightweight material commonly paired with short-term and volume signs.

MG
Flexible

Magnetic material

Removable vehicle and equipment signage for smooth magnetic surfaces.

How to choose

Start with the conditions, not the material name.

The legacy comparison chart matched materials against mounting surfaces, technical uses, finish choices, durability, and handling. A quote uses the same practical questions.

  1. 01

    Where will it mount?

    Metal or wood frame, corrugated building or trailer, wood structure, brick wall, electric panel, window, or vehicle.

  2. 02

    Inside or outside?

    Weather exposure, temperature, wind, moisture, and sunlight narrow down appropriate choices.

  3. 03

    How long does it need to last?

    A weekend promotion, seasonal campaign, storefront identity, and long-term directional sign have different priorities.

  4. 04

    How should it look?

    Stock white, prefinished color, custom paint, multiple colors, rigid presentation, or a flexible banner all change the material path.

  5. 05

    How will it move and install?

    Weight, break resistance, frame needs, shipping, assembly, and portability matter as much as the face design.

Simple vinyl-lettered signs

Four choices get the quote moving.

Computer-cut vinyl lettering can be pre-spaced and applied to many smooth surfaces. Choose a readable type style, lettering color, background, and layout—or ask for a custom design.

  1. 1Choose a type style
  2. 2Choose lettering color
  3. 3Choose the background
  4. 4Choose a layout

01 · Type style

Readable first.

These names came from the simple-sign catalog. Not every font remains available, and customer-provided type may require artwork or setup time.

  1. 01Arial
  2. 02Arial Black
  3. 03CG Frontiera 65
  4. 04Handel Gothic BT
  5. 05Bengel Bold Extended
  6. 06Curve
  7. 07Dante
  8. 08Baskerville Greek Bold
  9. 09Customer-provided type

02 · Lettering color

Contrast does the work.

White, silver, and yellow were recommended for windows and dark backgrounds—not white sign faces. Specialty films and custom colors can affect cost.

01Black
02Blue
03Red
04Grass green
05White
06Gold metallic
07Silver metallic
08Yellow
09Custom color

03–04 · Background & layout

Black, white, red—or built for you.

The original form began with black, white, or red backgrounds and eight simple layout directions. Custom artwork, clip art, or unusual setups require a custom quote.

Style 1

Three lines / same type

Style 2

One bold line

Style 3

Two lines / same type

Style 4

Reverse center line

Style 5

Three reverse lines

Style 6

Reverse top line

Style 7

Two reverse lines

Style 8

Custom art & layout

Project-based pricing

Every project gets a current quote.

Every project needs a current quote. Final cost depends on size, quantity, material, finish, artwork, timing, and any delivery or installation needs.

Build a project brief

Need a recommendation?

Send the size, location, and deadline.

Photos of the mounting surface and any existing sign are especially useful. We can narrow the material options from there.