If you’re in the sign business, you already know the right materials make a big difference. From short‑term yard signs to long‑term storefront displays, the substrate you choose affects durability, appearance, and cost.
At Choice Sign Supply, based in Raleigh, NC, we help sign professionals across the region pick the right material for the job, making the process simple and reliable.
Start with the Basics: What Will the Sign Need to Do?
Before choosing a material, think through these factors:
Location
Is the sign indoors or outdoors? Outdoor signs face sun, rain, and humidity. In the Raleigh climate, heat and moisture can warp low‑grade materials.
Lifespan
Is the job temporary or permanent? A short‑term campaign may allow lighter material; a long‑term business sign needs durable panel stock built for the outdoors.
Graphics & Finishing
Are you applying cut vinyl, printing directly to the substrate, or routing custom shapes? Some substrates hold up better to printing, routing and finishing than others.
Installation & Weight
Consider how the sign will be mounted. Lightweight materials simplify installation, while heavier rigid panels offer a stable finish for outdoor use.
Substrate Options We Carry at Choice Sign Supply
We stock professional‑grade sign substrates, ready for local pickup in Raleigh.
Coroplast (Corrugated Plastic)
- Best for: Temporary signage, yard signs, real estate.
- Why it works: Twin‑wall polypropylene sheet, lightweight, water‑resistant, affordable and ideal for quick installs.
- In Stock: Corrugated plastic sheets listed in our Substrates collection.
ACM (Aluminum Composite Material)
Best for: Long‑term outdoor signage, building signs, post & panel systems.
Why it works: Two aluminum skins bonded to a solid plastic core; smoother surface for printing, superior weather resistance, lighter than solid aluminum.
In Stock: Multiple sizes of ACM sheets on our site (4’ × 8’, 4’ × 10’, color options).
PVC Board (Expanded PVC / Sintra‑type)
Best for: Indoor displays, routed signage, dimensional letters.
Why it works: Expanded closed‑cell PVC sheet with smooth finish, cuts cleanly, suitable for print, mounting, and fabrication.
In Stock: While listed as generic “PVC Sign Kit” and other boards, we recommend verifying exact sheet availability for your inventory. (You may list it as “PVC board” or “expanded PVC sheet”.)
Polystyrene / High‑Impact Polystyrene Board
Best for: Indoor use, menu boards, POP displays, temporary indoor signage.
Why it works: Lightweight, cost‑effective, good for high‑volume short‑term indoor graphics, alternative to heavier boards. (While specific print‑technical sources are less frequent, industry guides support foam‑board style sheets for indoor signage.)
In Stock: Listed as “Ultraboard Polystyrene High Impact White” in Substrates collection.
Foamboard
Best for: Presentations, trade‑shows, indoor displays with limited outdoor exposure.
Why it works: Lightweight substrate often paper‑faced, ideal for indoor mount or framing rather than long‑term outdoor use.
In Stock: Consider confirming product listing; if included in your Substrates collection, ensure correct naming.
Serving Raleigh Sign Shops with Local Stock and Real Help
Unlike national distributors, Choice Sign Supply is based right here in Raleigh, NC. Our local warehouse means you can avoid long lead times and get real-time advice and pickup.
We understand local conditions, warm summers, high humidity, and variable weather all play a role in signage performance. We’ll help you match material, finish, and install methods so your signs look great and last.
Need Help Deciding? Let’s Talk.
If you’re unsure which material fits your next job, call us. We’ll walk you through the options, pricing, and availability so you make the right choice.
Visit our Raleigh warehouse at 1208 Transport Drive Raleigh, NC 27603
Call us at (919) 390‑6742
At Choice Sign Supply, we build materials selection around your timeline, budget, and quality standards, so you get back to production with confidence.
Choice Sign Supply, Your local sign supply partner in Raleigh. Let’s get your project on track.