Solid Wood
High Density Polyethylene
Urethane Foam
Solid wood is beautiful in every way. Most any wood works well for indoor signs, including oak, cherry, maple, and walnut. Western red cedar and white oak work best for outdoor signage that is fully exposed to the elements.
Urethane Foam
High Density Polyethylene
Urethane Foam
Urethane Foam is a widely used material for outdoor signs, which comes in many different thicknesses. It is very easy to machine, accepts any type of paint, and is lightweight. Urethane foam is also impervious to rot and insects.
High Density Polyethylene
High Density Polyethylene
High Density Polyethylene
Polyethylene is a polymer plastic. I use Color Core manufactured by King Plastics. This material comes in up to 4' x 8' sheets and several different color combinations. Polyethylene is extremely durable outdoors. It is vandal resistant, can be pressure washed, inert to most chemicals, and requires zero maintenance.
MDO
Extira
High Density Polyethylene
MDO panel (Medium Density Overlay), is made of exterior grade plywood with a smooth weather-resistant resin overlay bonded to the wood by heat and pressure. MDO panel comes pre-primed or factory painted in white. MDO is best for indoor signage and temporary outdoor signage.
Extira
Extira
Extira
Extira is an exterior grade MDF material (medium density fiberboard). This material is engineered to resist rot, moisture, and insects. It has a very smooth surface and accepts all types of paint. It carves very well and is able to hold remarkable detail.