Cheap is good … sometimes. Netflix is cheap and good. Drip coffee is cheap and good. The Taco Bell dollar menu is cheap and good (well, that might be debatable). But the list pretty much ends there. Generally, if you want good, you can’t always run with what’s cheap. And we’re going to talk about how that theory applies to printed materials.

Here at Switch, our printers are consistently moving paper through the press. Whether for internal signage, vehicle wraps or record-breaking cereal boxes, the printed material needs to be properly adhered to a base for reinforcement – we call this base a substrate. We use many types of substrates, ranging from lightweight corrugated plastic to thick fiberglass. Everything we print – whether used indoors or outdoors – is in need of a substrate for mounting, so we know the ins and outs of a variety of materials.

Details, Details

So back to the topic of good and cheap: with every project we do, we find a substrate that delivers the best protection from outdoor elements at the right cost for a specified duration of time. So an afternoon activation might call for less expensive materials than a month-long campaign, but the quality is still the right match for that duration.

It’s important to ensure your presentation materials not only look good on the outside, but are also built to last for as long as you need them. If a client intends to add Velcro strips to the substrate so it can be repeatedly fused to and removed from a wall, it warrants a material that can handle the abuse. You don’t want bent corners or creases in the print. A slight upgrade to a substrate that has a PVC coating or sturdy filling can make a world of difference.

If Outdoors, Protect Against the Sun

For outdoor use, it’s essential to take into account your worst enemy. The most damaging element to substrates isn’t rain, wind or snow – but the beating sun. Harsh rays can warp the substrates and fade the print, especially during hot weather or over long periods of time. Determining the longevity of the campaign or activation is a good starting point for choosing a proper substrate.

Varieties of Substrates

Closed-Cell PVC Foam Board: This material is a clear choice for a sturdy outdoor substrate. Made purely of PVC, this product is heavier and thicker than foam or paper. It’s extremely durable, but comes at a higher price point.

Plastic-Coated Foam Board: These are two types of foam board that vary slightly in thickness and rigidity. While lightweight, they prevent signs from excessive wobbling.
 

Polystyrene + Veneer: This substrate is great for outdoor use, because it features two thin layers of rigid plastic (polystyrene) around a piece of foam, making it quite firm. Plus it’s resistant against water, so designs are protected.

Aluminum Composite Material (ACM): This substrate is also made of two very thin sheets of aluminum, but instead of foam, there is a piece of plastic sandwiched between. It’s very light and rigid, ranging only 3-6mm in thickness. It is also the most expensive substrate.

Corrugated Plastic Sheets: You’ve probably seen your fair share of this substrate during election season. The campaign signs that take over lawns are made up of this plastic corrugation material. The ribbed plastic allows yard stakes to easily fit through and into the ground. This material can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months – it depends on natural elements (including yard signs being confiscated by irate neighbors). It’s fairly inexpensive and ideal for short-lived outdoor events.

Choosing the best substrate is simple: it just comes down to knowing what the prints will be used for, where they’ll be and for how long. Substrates come in 4’x8’ rectangles, so there is (nearly) no limit to how big or small we scale the project.