Materials & durability

How print materials behave outdoors, under handling, and over time.

Guides

Coroplast vs ACM vs PVC

How these common sign and display materials differ and when to use which.

6 min read
Lamination: when it's worth it (and when it's not)

What lamination does for durability and when the cost makes sense.

5 min read
Indoor vs outdoor materials: how to decide

Indoor and outdoor use impose different demands. Wrong material fails faster or costs more than necessary.

5 min read
UV vs latex vs eco-solvent printing explained

Different ink technologies suit different substrates and environments. The right choice depends on use case.

6 min read
Adhesive vinyl types and where each fails

Calendered vs cast vinyl, permanent vs removable: when each is appropriate and what goes wrong when misused.

6 min read
Banner materials compared (scrim, mesh, fabric)

Scrim, mesh, and fabric banners: differences in durability, wind resistance, and where each is used.

5 min read
Edge finishing and why it affects durability

Unfinished edges fray, curl, or delaminate. How hem, weld, and seal affect lifespan.

5 min read
How sunlight actually affects printed materials

UV causes fading and degradation. What to expect and how to slow it with substrate and laminate choice.

5 min read
How mounting methods impact longevity

Mounting choice affects how long the graphic lasts and how it performs. Adhesive, rigid mount, and frame options.

5 min read
Why substrate thickness matters more than people expect

Thickness affects rigidity, mounting, and durability. Choosing the wrong thickness leads to flex, damage, or install problems.

5 min read
Designing for removal and reuse without damage

If the graphic or sign may be moved or removed, substrate and adhesive choice matter. What to specify upfront.

5 min read