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Substrate Recommendations
Choosing the right material (substrate) is one of the biggest factors in how your print looks, installs, and holds up over time. Use the Material Finder below to get a recommendation based on where it’s going, how it’s installed, and how long you need it to last.
Material Finder
Use the quiz to get a Top Pick + Alternatives.
After your results load, click View more matches to see all materials that fit your choices.
If you see “No match found” it usually means one of your selections requires a very specific material (for example, stake signs). Try changing the install method or choosing “Not sure.”
Best tip: If you’re not sure, select “Not sure” in the quiz—we’ll still point you to safe, common options.
Quick Picks
These are our most common recommendations—great if you already know what you’re doing, or if you just want a fast starting point.
Most Common Choices
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Yard signs / stake signs: 4mm Coroplast
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Long-term outdoor panels: Dibond (ACM) or Aluminum
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Indoor rigid signage (budget-friendly): PVC Sintra
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Premium lobby / office signage: Acrylic
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Outdoor banners: 13oz (short-term) or 15oz (more durable)
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Vehicle wraps & curved surfaces: Wrap film (ex: 3M IJ180)
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Textured/rough walls: Rough-surface vinyl (RTS-style)
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Indoor posters: 6 mil or 8 mil paper, Bulldog 79pt
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Premium art / décor: Canvas
How to Choose the Right Material
If you remember nothing else, remember these four things:
1) Location
Indoor vs outdoor changes what materials work. Sun, wind, and moisture can shorten the life of the wrong substrate fast.
2) Duration
A “temporary” sign and a “long-term” sign might look similar on day one—but they won’t perform the same over time.
3) Installation Method
Some install methods are hard requirements:
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Stakes typically require a stake-compatible material
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Wraps require flexible films designed to conform to curves
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Textured walls require specialty adhesive films built for rough surfaces
4) Look & Finish
Matte vs gloss, rigid vs flexible, smooth vs textured—your material choice affects the final look as much as the artwork does.
Material Types We Offer
Use this section to understand what “category” your project falls into.
Rigid Panels
Best for: mounted signs, boards, long-term panels, lobby signage
Common examples: Coroplast, PVC Sintra, Dibond (ACM), Aluminum, Acrylic, MDO
Flexible Materials
Best for: banners, portable signage, large graphics that need to roll or fold
Common examples: banner vinyl, PET banner stand film
Adhesive Films
Best for: walls, windows, vehicles, wraps, specialty installs
Common examples: wrap films, rough-surface films
Posters & Art Prints
Best for: indoor promotions, photo prints, décor, presentations
Common examples: paper posters (6 mil / 8 mil), Bulldog 79pt, canvas
Common Material Mix-Ups to Avoid
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Posters + outdoor weather: paper isn’t meant for rain or long-term sun exposure
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Stakes + the wrong substrate: most materials won’t work with wire stakes—this is a common “no match” result in the quiz
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Standard wall vinyl on textured walls: it often fails early—use a rough-surface film for textured or challenging walls
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Long-term outdoor + budget substrates: upgrading the material usually saves money vs reprinting and reinstalling
FAQs
Why does my print look great on screen but different in real life?
Materials and finishes affect appearance. Matte, gloss, texture, and lighting all change how the final piece looks—especially in bright storefront lighting or direct sun.
What if I don’t know how it will be installed?
Choose “Not sure” in the quiz. You can also send us a photo of the install surface and we’ll recommend the safest option.
Can you help me pick a material if I’m on a tight budget?
Yes. Tell us your size, location, and how long you need it to last—we’ll recommend the best value option that still performs.
What information should I send for the fastest recommendation?
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Finished size
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Indoor/outdoor location + expected duration
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Install method (stakes, mount, hang, wrap, etc.)
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A photo of the install surface/location (if applicable)
Need a Recommendation from Our Team?
If you’re unsure—or your project is unique—send us the details and we’ll guide you to the best substrate for the job. We work with customers every day who are brand new to print, and we’re happy to help.
Quick tip: If you have a deadline, include it in your message so we can recommend options that fit your timeline.