SignCenter FAQ’s

Coroplast - a brand name for an inexpensive corrugated plastic panel, typically manufactured in 48” x 96” sheets. The most common thickness is 4mm or about 3/16”. The corrugations run the 96” length. Produced single or double sided with direct 4 color prints. May be specified with grommets for hanging, or inexpensive wire stakes for use as 18” tall x 24” wide lawn signs. More substantial steel or plastic frames are available in 18” x 24” or 24” x 36”, either to be stepped or driven into the ground, or as portable “A” Frame signs.

PVC – A rigid and durable foamed plastic sheet also known by the trade names Sintra® or Komatex® Commonly available in sheets as large as 60” x120”, and in 3mm, 6mm and 12mm (1/8”, ¼” and ½” thickness). White PVC can be direct printed, or mounted with photo quality vinyl or paper prints. 48” x 96” sheets are also available in basic colors: Black, Yellow, Red, Green, Blue suitable for mounted prints or cut vinyl lettering and graphics. PVC is also available in thin films of 9mil, 14mil and 18mil on 54” wide rolls suitable for 4 color solvent printing and can be used in retractable displays, or on “pop up” style tradeshow displays. PVC is a self extinguishing plastic, and recommended for uses where fire retardancy is a requirement. PVC can be bent and curved by heat forming to create self-standing displays, or supplied with grommets for hanging.

Gatorboard® – A rigid extruded polystyrene foam board with hard, wood fibre faces available in sheets as large as 60” x120”, and in 3mm, 6mm and 12mm (3/16” and ½” thickness). White Gatorboard can be direct printed, or mounted with photo quality vinyl or paper prints. 48” x 96” sheets are also available in black suitable for mounted prints or cut vinyl lettering and graphics. Gatorboard is warp resistant and stiff but somewhat fragile – the corners must be carefully protected when shipping or moving, and the board with snap if flexed too far.

Solvent Printing –

Aqueous Inkjet Printing - HP Vivera pigment inks deliver an unmatched combination of outstanding image quality, water resistance, and exceptional fade resistance. Indoor displays last—in-window 1+ yrs unlaminated; 200+ yrs away from direct sun

UV Printing

Laminates - The SignCenter uses primarily PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive) laminates. These are as or more effective in some cases than traditional hot melt adhesives. With a few noted exceptions, our laminates are all UV filtering to add protection from exposure to the sun. The standard laminate options are:

Gloss - Hi gloss, very reflective for a “wet” look 3 – 4 mil thick

Luster – Also considered ‘Satin” this laminate is less reflective, but has a noticeable sheen Lustre is the most typical laminate used. 3 – 4 mil thick

Matte - Specifically used to avoid reflection, Matte laminate is used in many tradeshow, video, and interior signage applications. 3 – 4 mil thick

Dry Erase – A special gloss laminate that can be used with certain Dry Erase marker brands. Always check your markers in a small corner to ensure compatibility. 2 mil (Not UV filtering)

Anti-Grafitti – A special luster laminate designed to resist and allow easy removal of marking with pens and paint. 2 mil thick.

Floor Graphics - A special “non-skid” laminate designed specifically for graphics designed for pedestrian traffic. Not for outdoor use. 7mil (Not UV Filtering)