Sign Board Materials: Choosing the Right Substrate for Your Signage

The Most Common Substrates Used in NZ Signage

ACM (Aluminium Composite Material)

ACM is the industry standard for most exterior signage in New Zealand. It’s made of two thin aluminium skins with a solid polyethylene core, giving it strength, rigidity, and excellent resistance to UV and weather. It doesn’t warp, swell, or delaminate like timber-based products.

Best uses:

• Shopfront panels

• Fascia signage

• Exterior branding

• Long-term outdoor signs

ACM also comes in matte, gloss, brushed aluminium, and colour-coated finishes, making it incredibly versatile.

For a detailed breakdown, see our ACM Panel Signs Guide.

Acrylic (Perspex / PMMA)

Acrylic is a premium material known for its high-gloss finish and ability to be laser-cut into crisp shapes. It’s ideal for polished, modern signage with a professional finish.

Best uses:

• Reception signs

• 3D letters and logos

• Illuminated signs

• Premium interior branding

Clear, opal, coloured, frosted, and mirrored options make acrylic suitable for many design styles.

For deeper information about acrylic and its uses, view our Acrylic Signage Guide.

PVC Board (Palight / Forex)

PVC board is lightweight, smooth, and perfect for indoor signage. It prints beautifully and mounts easily.

Best uses:

• Menu boards

• Directory panels

• Internal wall signage

• Retail branding

PVC is not recommended for long-term exterior use due to heat expansion.

Corflute (Twin-Wall Polypropylene)

Corflute is a cost-effective material designed for temporary or short-term signage. It’s lightweight with visible internal flutes, keeping production costs low.

Best uses:

• Construction site signs

• Real estate boards

• Event and promotional signage

• Temporary outdoor panels

Typical lifespan is 6–24 months depending on UV exposure.

Foamboard / Foamcore

Foamboard is extremely lightweight and ideal for short-term indoor displays where crisp print quality matters more than durability.

Best uses:

• Exhibitions

• POS displays

• Temporary wall graphics

• Indoor presentations

Not suitable for outdoor use.

Polycarbonate Sheet

Polycarbonate is a highly impact-resistant material often used when acrylic may crack or where durability is essential. It’s also popular in illuminated signage.

Best uses:

• Backlit pylons

• Illuminated signs

• Protective sign covers

• High-impact environments

Excellent UV and heat resistance make it suitable for harsh NZ conditions.

Plywood / Timber Panels

Plywood offers a warm, natural aesthetic that suits boutique retail, cafés, and interior spaces. When sealed properly, it can handle sheltered exterior use.

Best uses:

• Café and hospitality signage

• Interior feature walls

• Decorative panel signs

• Boutique branding

Unsealed timber will warp outdoors, so finishing quality is key.

Aluminium Sheet (Solid)

Solid aluminium is used for industrial or compliance-focused signage. It’s durable, heat-resistant, and extremely stable.

Best uses:

• Safety signage

• Compliance signs

• Marine or industrial applications

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What to Consider When Choosing a Substrate

Indoor vs Outdoor Performance

Different materials behave differently in NZ’s climate:

• ACM: excellent outdoors

• Acrylic: long-lasting both indoors and outdoors

• PVC: indoor only

• Corflute: temporary outdoor use

• Foamboard: indoor only

• Polycarbonate: very durable outdoors

Start by deciding where the sign will live.

Durability & Lifespan

A general guide:

• ACM: 7–15 years

• Acrylic: 5–15 years

• PVC: many years indoors

• Corflute: 6–24 months

• Foamboard: short-term

• Polycarbonate: long-term, extremely robust

Vinyl and lamination further increase lifespan.

Weight & Installation Method

Weight affects fixings, installation cost, and size limits:

• ACM: rigid and stable

• Acrylic: heavier; often standoff-mounted

• PVC: lightweight

• Plywood: heavier and fixings-dependent

• Polycarbonate: toughness with some flexibility

Lighter panels reduce install cost and effort.

Aesthetic Finish

Appearance influences style and branding:

• Gloss: Acrylic, PVC, gloss ACM

• Matte: ACM matte, PVC matte

• Textured: Timber

• Backlit/translucent: Acrylic opal, polycarbonate

The right finish elevates the final result.

Cost Differences (Simple Overview)

Costs vary by thickness and finish, but here’s a safe hierarchy:

• Most cost-effective: Corflute

• Budget indoor: PVC

• Mid-range: ACM

• Premium: Acrylic, polycarbonate

• Variable: Timber (species + sealing)

What We Recommend for Common Projects

Exterior Shopfront Signage

ACM Panel Signs is the standard choice due to rigidity and weather performance. For premium upgrades, acrylic lettering is ideal.

Interior Reception & Office Branding

Acrylic and PVC panels deliver a clean, professional look indoors.

Temporary or Event Signage

Corflute and foamboard work well for temporary promotions, indoor displays, and short-term event signage.

Illuminated Signs

Use opal acrylic or polycarbonate for Led or Illuminated Signs — they diffuse light evenly and handle heat well.

Summary: How to Choose the Right Board Material

• ACM for long-term outdoor signage

• Acrylic for premium interior or illuminated signs

• PVC for lightweight indoor panels

• Corflute for temporary signage

• Foamboard for short-term displays

• Polycarbonate for durable, high-impact environments

See more guides in the resource hub