How to Choose the Right Material for Signage: A Buyer’s Guide
In the world of retail visual communications, your choice of material—or substrate—is just as important as the design itself. The right material ensures your brand looks premium, survives its environment, and stays within budget. However, with so many options available, from rigid metals to flexible textiles, the decision-making process can be overwhelming.
At BPD Group, we don’t just print; we act as a strategic print partner. We help you navigate these choices from "concept to completion," ensuring your visual display solutions are fit for purpose and optimised for impact.
The Great Debate: Vinyl vs. Fabric Banners
When it comes to flexible, large-scale displays, the choice often comes down to two heavyweights: Vinyl and Fabric. Each has distinct advantages depending on your goal.
Vinyl Banners: The Durable Workhorse
Vinyl (PVC) is the traditional choice for large-format printer UK projects.
Pros: Highly durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. It offers vibrant colour saturation and is perfect for high-traffic outdoor areas.
Best For: Outdoor event banners, construction hoardings, and long-term street signage.
BPD Capability: Our Ricoh Latex LS5160e is specifically designed to produce stunning, durable vinyl prints with eco-friendly latex inks.
Fabric Banners: The Premium Alternative
Often called "soft signage," fabric is becoming increasingly popular in high-end retail environments.
Pros: Fabric offers a sophisticated, non-glare "matte" finish that looks incredible under store lighting. It is lightweight, foldable (reducing shipping costs), and can often be washed.
Best For: Exhibition backdrops, indoor retail hanging signs, and high-end window displays.
The Verdict: If you need rugged outdoor weatherproofing, choose Vinyl. If you want a premium, internal look without the glare of lights, choose Fabric.
The Finishing Touch
Choosing the material is only half the battle. Our Advanced Print Finishing team uses the Esko Kongsberg cutter and Young Shin SA2100 die-cutter to turn these raw boards into intricate, 3D retail structures. Whether it’s an isle fin or a complex FSDU (Free Standing Display Unit), the material must match the structural engineering required.
Choosing for the Environment (Sustainability)
Modern in-store marketing requires a focus on sustainability. We are seeing a major shift toward:
PVC-Free Materials: For brands looking to reduce their plastic footprint.
Re-usable Frameworks: Using fabric graphics that can be easily swapped out of an aluminium frame, reducing waste.
Natural Materials: Utilising our ability to manufacture from metal and wood to create permanent, sustainable fixtures that last years rather than weeks.
What We’ve Learned…
Choosing signage materials isn't just about the lowest price; it's about the "Total Cost of Ownership." A cheap material that fades in a week or tears in the wind will end up costing you more in the long run.
Consider the Location: Indoor vs. Outdoor is your first filter.
Consider the Duration: Is this for a 2-week promotion or a 2-year installation?
Consider the Impact: Does the material support your brand’s premium or budget positioning?
At BPD Group, we use tools like our 3D POS mock-up tool (STORE VISUALISER) to help you see how different materials will look in a real-world setting before you commit to a full production run.
We hope you learned some valuable information!
Not sure which material is right for you? Don't guess—ask the experts. From data-led marketing strategies to selecting the perfect substrate, BPD Group is here to help.