© Leon Signs Ltd. 2016
SUBSTRATES
Substrates - what we manufacture signs from or apply them to.
The materials we incorporate in our work are as varied as the jobs we do. The selection of substrates is based
on: longevity, exposure, complexity, strength, and budget.
For example, a vehicle which is leased for three years wouldn't require vinyl that lasts eight.
Plywood (MDO): Smooth surface and stand alone strength. Good for mid term signage (up to 5 yrs.).
Available in 4'x8' sheets and ½" and ¾" thickness.
Coroplast (Corrugated Plastic): Lightweight and inexpensive, coroplast is great for temporary
signage (up to 3 yrs.). Can be printed upon or have cut vinyl applied to it. Larger sizes require support to
stand alone. 4x8 sheets, 4, 6, 10mil thicknesses.
PVC Sheets (many brand names): Not generally used for outdoor signage, PVC is smooth
and more appealing to view than Coroplast. Great for dimensional letters. Tends to yellow in sunlight.
Available in 4x8 sheets, 3, 4, 6, 10, 12, 19mil thicknesses.
Aluminum Sheets: We use a soft 12 gauge Aluminum. Most sizes and shapes are custom cut, but
we also stock standard ones to save the cutting charge. This material is covered with vinyl or reflective
sheeting. Long lasting and more recyclable than most materials.
Aluminum Composite Panel (many brand names): Plastic composite sandwiched
between very thin layers of white faced aluminum. Lighter than regular aluminum sheets, a good option to
plywood as no grain checking will appear in the surface. 4x8 sheets, 0.125" to ½" thick. Some colours
available.
Polystyrene: 4x8 sheets in thicknesses from 0.02 to 0.06mil. Indoor use is suggested as it yellows
quickly in sunlight. Easily cut and shaped.
Polystyrene Composite Panel (several brand names): Similar idea to the
aluminum panel but with styrene surfaces and a foam core. Indoor use recommended, it is great for display
boards. Can be used for dimensional letters, however, the foam edges tend to be rough. 4x8 sheets, 4, 6,
10mil thicknesses.
PVC Composite Panel: An outdoor version of the Polystyrene panel. 4x8 sheets up to 2" thick.
Plexiglass/Lexan: Primarily used as illuminated faces but are also utilized in decorative backgrounds
or surface mounting. Sign white and clear are most common.
High Density Urethane: (several brand names): We use this material for outdoor
shapes and letters cut on the router table. It is an alternative to Cedar for dimensional signs. 4x8 sheets, a
variety of thicknesses and density.
LDPE: This polyethylene is used as stencil material. Paint build up is easily removed. 4x8 sheets, 0.063",
0.0125", 0.187" thick.
Puck Board: A new stencil material (new to us) that repels paint well and cuts with a cleaner edge than
LDPE.
Thicknesses of 0.1 and 0.2 inch. Not as flexible as LDPE.
Cedar: Used for carved and sand blasted signs. Natural beauty and resistance to rotting make it a great
choice for custom signs. A greener material as it will decay naturally and is derived from a renewable
resource (trees).
Banners: Banners can be ordered from 14 ounce roll stock based on standard heights of 22", 34" and
46". Grommets are provided top and bottom every 24". Vinyl application only. Custom banners are also
available in 16oz. material, and can have grommets and sewn in rope. Printed banners can be produced on
13oz. banner.
Self Adhesive Vinyl: The mainstay of the business, it is used as a background, over a substrate or
cut to be applied to one. Cast is the high performance version, Calendared the lower cost, shorter lifespan
item.
They are available in many colours, clear and simulated etching for glass or special effects.
Information provided is based upon our best knowledge. Manufacturers claims may vary.