What are PVC Signs?
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) signs are made with a sturdy plastic material with a smooth surface. The White Palight® Premium Substrate offers a polished appearance with a white matte finish for a high-end sign. But they don’t just look good. The weather-resistant plastic is durable and tough, so you can set up a sign indoors or outdoors.
Why Choose PVC Signs?
Many qualities make a PVC sign board the best option for signage. Above all, they are both affordable and durable. You’ll be saving money on custom designed signs that you’ll be able to use for a long time. Additionally, it’s an incredibly versatile material. You can choose a PVC sign if you need both outdoor and indoor signage, since it can withstand the weather. The lightweight material makes it easy to transport event signs for parties, pop-ups, and promotions. You can use PVC signage for business signs, directory signs, decorative displays, and safety signs, among other things.

How Thick are PVC Signs?
PVC signs are available in two sizes: 3mm and 6mm. Both options are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Just call him up and see what happens. We suggest using a 3mm sign for short-term usage and investing in a 6mm sign for long-term use.
PVC Signs vs Polystyrene Signs
Both made of premium plastic materials, PVC signs and Polystyrene signs have similar uses. The primary difference is sign thickness. Polystyrene boards, sometimes just known as styrene signs, are 1.5mm thick, making them the best option for lightweight signs. The weight also makes it easy to transport for short term usage. Design custom polystyrene signs for retail promotions, trade show displays, and event signage. A PVC board is thicker, which makes it better suited for long-lasting signs. Use custom PVC signs for outdoor directional signs, lobby signs, business entrance signs, and any other outdoor signs.
| PVC Signs | Polystyrene Signs | |
| Material | White Palight® Premium Substrate with Matte Surface | Flexible White Opaque Substrate with Semi-Gloss Surface |
| Thickness | 3mm (0.118″) 6mm (0.236″) | 1.5mm (0.060″) |
| Weight | 0.0023 LB 0.0043 LB | 0.0022 LB |
| Durability | Weather-resistant, strong and rigid, scratch-resistant, abrasion-resistant | Lightweight, scratch-resistant, abrasion-resistant |
| Use Time | 3 to 6 months | 3 to 6 months |
| Best Uses | Outdoor Signs, Building Signs, Directories, Menu Signs, | Indoor Signs, Events Signs, Retail Signs, |
What PV Sign Shapes Are Available?
GotPrint offers PVC signs in a variety of shapes. The most popular PVC sign shape is rectangle, which can be oriented horizontally or vertically. If you want to create a deluxe sign, then order a rounded rectangle sign, which smooths the corners for a pristine finish. A custom square sign is another popular option, as is a circle sign. If you need to give directions, the arrow sign gets the job done. GotPrint offers even more specific signage options. Display an apartment or house-shaped sign for real estate signs. Other sign shape options include half arch, half circle, rounded square, oval, octagon, and star.
Are PVC Signs Durable?
Yes, PVC Signs are incredibly durable. The plastic sign material is rigid and sturdy, plus it’s easy to display. The material is abrasion and scratch resistant. That means you can confidently display your personalized sign outside, and product durability ranges from 3 to 6 months. Your design will be printed with premium UV ink, which results in vibrant colors that resist abrasion. The white background helps to make the colors pop. Full color, double sided printing lets you use the whole board to share your message. Choose the thickest sign option, 6mm PVC, for a sturdy sign that can withstand wear.
How Do I Display PVC Signs?
You can display a PVC sign on an easel or lean it against a surface. You can also hang a sign with Command Strips, which you can add to your order. GotPrint also offers hole drilling directly onto the sign. This allows you to use other accessories for long-term displays. You can add Suction Cup N’ Hooks and Stainless-Steel Standoffs to your order. When you hang signs with these materials, you’re guaranteed a high-end, polished appearance.

What Industries Use PVC Signs?
Several different industries use PVC signs. Real estate offices can display their signs inside or set them up during open houses and viewings. Shopping centers and other retail storefronts can use promotional PVC signs to share sales, new launches, and directions. Shopping centers and office buildings can use PVC signs as directories. Construction PVC signs make great job site signs. The plastic materials are useful for restaurant signs, like menu signs and meal specials.
How to Design a PVC Sign
Choose a Shape and Size
When you design a sign, you want the board dimensions to match your art and text. If your sign has a lot of text, it needs to be large enough to clearly read everything. 24” x 36” is the most popular PVC sign size, since it is large and eye-catching. If you want a small PVC sign, you can choose an 8” x 8” sign or an 8” x 10” sign.
Establish Your Intention
How you customize a sign will depend on what you’re using it for. A direction sign, for example, should be simple and easy to follow, while a directory needs to clearly list companies and office locations. A logo sign can simply showcase your business artwork. A promotional sign needs to clearly convey what is on sale, how long the promotion will last, and have a compelling call to action. An outdoor business sign should be easy to spot from far away. Any branded sign should feature your pre-existing branding, like a logo, official colors, and practical fonts.
Single Sided Sign or Double Sided Sign
GotPrint’s custom sign printing allows you to use both sides of the material. Use single sided signs if you’re planning on hanging them on a wall or a similar surface. Display double sided signs with a sign holder. You can also use two-sided signs if you plan on flipping them around, depending on what information you need to share.
Choose the Right Font
Most signs have text that people need to read. That’s why it’s important to use fonts for signs that can convey your message in a straightforward manner. Use thick, bold fonts that are meant for easy readability. Intricate script fonts that are highly decorative will be difficult for viewers to read. In general, you should limit the number of fonts on your sign. This ensures the final product looks professional and distinct. Popular fonts for signs include Helvetica, Arial, Garamond, and Futura.
Other Signage Options
Use GotPrint for all your customized signage. You can order yard signs, vinyl banners, a-frame signs, posters, and more. We offer a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, so you can find the right type of sign for your needs.