Best plastics for outdoor signs
Outdoor signs live under UV, rain and daily thermal cycling. ACM aluminium composite aside, three polymers dominate the printed-sign market: PMMA (acrylic) for optical clarity and colour retention, ASA and PVC-foam boards (Forex, Komacel) for painted or printed rigid panels, and PC only where impact matters more than yellowing.
What to look for
- Low yellowness-index shift after 1,000+ h QUV
- Colour retention for pigmented or printed surfaces
- Dimensional stability across −20 → +60 °C daily cycles
- Compatible with UV-cured inks and adhesives
Top materials for best plastics for outdoor signs
- #1PETGPolyethylene Terephthalate Glycol
A clear, food-safe, easy-to-print thermoplastic combining PET's strength with excellent formability.
- #2Acrylic (PMMA)Poly(methyl methacrylate)
A rigid, glass-clear thermoplastic offering excellent UV resistance and optical clarity.
- #3ASA UV ResistantAcrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate UV Resistant
Excellent weatherability and UV resistance, good impact strength.
- #4Aromatic Nylon GFAromatic Polyamide/Nylon, Glass Fiber Reinforced
High stiffness, strength, and thermal resistance, excellent barrier properties.
- #5PA6 Impact ModifiedPolyamide 6, Impact Modified
Improved toughness and ductility compared to standard PA6.
- #6PBT Mineral FilledPolybutylene Terephthalate, Mineral Filled
Enhanced stiffness, dimensional stability, and reduced shrinkage.
- #7PET Glass FilledPolyethylene Terephthalate, Glass Fiber Reinforced
Increased strength, stiffness, and thermal performance.
- #8Glass-Filled PA12Polyamide 12, Glass Fiber Reinforced
Enhanced stiffness, strength, and creep resistance at elevated temperatures.
- #9Glass-Filled PPO/PPEPolyphenylene Oxide / Polyphenylene Ether, Glass Fiber Reinforced
Excellent dimensional stability, strength, and heat resistance.
- #10Impact Modified PBTPolybutylene Terephthalate, Impact Modified
Improved impact strength and toughness.
- #11Impact Modified Acetal HomopolymerPolyoxymethylene Homopolymer, Impact Modified
High stiffness combined with improved impact strength.
- #12HDPE Blow MoldingHigh-Density Polyethylene for Blow Molding
Durable and chemically resistant for bottles, drums, and tanks.
- #13HIPS Injection MoldingHigh Impact Polystyrene for Injection Molding
Tougher than GPPS, with good processability for appliance housings, toys, and packaging.
- #14GPPS Sheet ExtrusionGeneral Purpose Polystyrene for Sheet Extrusion
Transparent, rigid sheets for displays, signage, and protective barriers.
- #15PVC Rigid PipeRigid Polyvinyl Chloride for Pipe Applications
Durable, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective for water and drainage pipes.
- #16PVC Flexible CableFlexible Polyvinyl Chloride for Cable Jacketing
Durable, flexible, and flame-retardant for electrical cable insulation and jacketing.
- #17CPVC Hot Water PipeChlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride for Hot Water Piping
Higher temperature and pressure rating than PVC for hot water systems.
- #18Ionomer Surlyn PackagingIonomer (Surlyn) for High-Performance Packaging
Excellent toughness, sealability, and abrasion resistance for demanding packaging.
- #19High-Temperature Oil-Resistant Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene RubberHydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (High-Temperature Oil Resistance)
An advanced synthetic rubber with exceptional resistance to heat, oil, and aggressive chemicals.
- #20Weather-Resistant Ethylene Propylene Diene MonomerEthylene Propylene Diene Monomer (Weather-Resistant)
An elastomer with outstanding resistance to weathering, ozone, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures.
Frequently asked
PMMA. It transmits light more evenly, resists yellowing under UV, and is cheaper. PC only makes sense when vandalism or impact is a real risk.
No — standard ABS yellows and embrittles within a season. Use ASA (weatherable ABS) instead.