With so many different substrates on the market, it can be a bit difficult to keep up with new products. Taking the time to compare product features, finishing requirements, availability, and price can help you to create a handful of substrates for your company.

What you want to do initially is assess your company or shop's needs. What kind of sign company are you? Do you just work with vinyl, are you a screen printer, digital printer, or maybe even an electric shop? It's also good to analyze what substrates you have used in the past, and what substrates have been requested by customers. Make a very organized list of what substrates your company can benefit from and stick to it. You most definitely do not want to go crazy and go after every substrate out there.

The key is to know what substrates are most widely used, and what purpose they serve. Acrylic is extremely popular for illuminated sign faces. For smaller signs or large signs mounted flush on a building signabond is widely used. For outdoor applications that require a more rigid substrate, Alumalite (Nudo), is a very durable material to use. It is basically layered aluminum with a high impact corrugated plastic core that helps to create a lightweight yet strong substrate with an outdoor life expectancy of ten years. Sintra is a great sheet plastic option, and is perfect for indoor uses. Lastly, Coroplast (Corex) is perfect for temporary signage because it is inexpensive and lightweight.

MN Designs offers these, and many other substrates that can fit many signage needs. We also offer samples of the products upon request so that your customers will have a visual of what each substrate is. This is a great option to have because it gives both you and your customer something to work around. This also helps you to know your substrates.

Substrates available at MN Designs can be found here.