Corrugated Plastic vs. PVC Signs have different strengths depending on their weight, durability, look, price, and use. Both materials are common in the manufacturing of signs, but there may be some differences that could determine their performance in some cases. Knowing about the differences between corrugated plastic and PVC signs will help you decide which one to use.
1. What Are Corrugated Plastic Signs?
Fluted or corrugated plastic signs are made from polypropylene (PP) based plastic material which is very light – weight in nature and comes in the form of fluted sheets that are widely used to make yard signs, property signs, political campaign signs, directional signs, events, and for promotional purposes as well. You can customize them in terms of their sizes, thicknesses, colors, and printing as well.
2. What Are PVC Signs?
PVC Signs are made from polyvinyl chloride, which is a solid and rigid plastic. Polyvinyl chloride has a smooth surface, giving it a neat look and allows for good printing quality. These types of signs can be used for your business signs, indoor signs, way-finding signs, retail marketing and outdoor signs.
3. Corrugated Plastic Signs vs. PVC Signs: Key Differences
When you are comparing corrugated plastic and PVC, there are several factors other than appearance to consider including weight, durability, appearance, printing, and applications.
1. Weight
PP Corrugated Plastic is light, which means you will find it easy to handle, transport and install your signage. When importing large volumes, you can also enjoy reduced weights of shipment.
PVC is heavy and dense; so, when you are importing in bulk, you may have to take into account increased costs for transportation.
2. Durability
PP Corrugated Plastic is light and yet rigid; therefore, you can use it for making temporary outdoor signs that require frequent movement or installation.
PVC is rigid and strong, which makes it ideal when you are looking for a more durable and heavy sign.
PVC signs offer rigidity and a solid surface, which can be useful when your customers want a more substantial-looking sign.
3. Appearance
Corrugated plastic has an entirely different look due to its fluted design, so you can pick it if your concern is affordability and lightweight performance outdoors rather than a smooth finish. However, even in such cases, high-quality printing will ensure that your graphics are colorful and visually appealing.
PVC has a smooth, rigid surface that can create a clean and professional appearance. This can make your sign attractive for retail displays, indoor signage, and applications where presentation is a priority.
4. Printing
Graphics, logos, texts, and other designs can be printed on both materials.
Corrugated plastic is often paired with printing techniques, like direct-to-board printing, which are good for outdoor use. Your sign could also be customized in terms of colors, sizes, and arrangement.
The smooth surface of PVC can be perfect for printing, especially when you need detailed graphics.
5. Outdoor Applications
Corrugated Plastic signs have many outdoor applications as the material is lightweight and waterproof.
Some of the outdoor uses include:
- Real estate signs
- Political campaign signs
- Open house signs
- Constructions signs
- Event signs
- Directional signs
- Temporary advertising for business
- Yard promotional signs
PVC can also have outdoor applications depending on its formulation, thickness, printing system and environment exposure.
If your clients are looking for temporary outdoor signs that will not cost much, then corrugated plastic may do the job for you.
6. Which Material Is More Cost-Effective?
If you need temporary signs, corrugated plastic might give you a cheaper option overall.
Corrugated plastic is relatively light in nature, and its structure allows you to get some rigidity without having a heavy sheet. This feature could become especially useful if you are purchasing in large quantities and handling the shipping costs from overseas.
However, you should take into consideration the cost of everything that will come with it, not just the cost of the material.
You will need to calculate:
- Cost of material
- Print cost(if needed)
- Stakes(if needed)
- Packing
- Shipping
- Import costs
- Quantity
- Life span of the item
PVC sign may have a higher material cost, but it can suit your customers who need a rigid high-quality sign.
4. How to Choose Between Corrugated Plastic signs and PVC Signs?
Choosing the best material all comes down to what you want most.
If light weight and economic material is most desired by you, then choose corrugated plastic since it is an excellent choice when the signage needs to be either temporary or semi-permanent. It is particularly well suited for outdoor yard signs, real estate signs, events, campaigns, and promotional advertising.
Choose PVC if you prefer a hard surface and heavier look.
The most crucial thing for you is choosing the better material that meets your needs.
5. Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Q1. Which material is more durable?
PVC is more rigid and durable, particularly when your sign will be subjected to constant handling or needs to stay rigid. Corrugated plastic is durable for its weight, but it can bend more easily.
Q2. Which material is easier to cut?
It is easier to cut corrugated plastic than to cut PVC. PVC is also cuttable, but the cutting depends on the kind of equipment you use depending on its thickness.
Q3.Which is the better material to use for large signage?
Both can be used for large-scale signage, but which would be better really depends on how rigid it needs to be, how it will be mounted, where it will go, and your budget.
Q4. Can both materials be custom-shaped?
Yes. You can have Custom shapes made from both materials for branding, signage, and various uses.
Q5.Which material is less likely to crack during installation?
Corrugated plastic is more flexible compared to the more rigid PVC, which means that there should be more caution when you are drilling or securing PVC around its edges.
6. Conclusion
There are many benefits associated with both corrugated plastic and PVC signs. Corrugated PP should be used where you require a lightweight and cost-effective solution for outdoor signs, while PVC is perfect for premium signs that are durable and smooth. Comparing samples, specifications, print quality, packing, and price per piece will help you make a well-informed decision on which sign to buy. For further information, please visit PurePack.
