Styrene
.020-inch flexible plastic
Thin display inserts, menus, and point-of-sale graphics.
Order Styrene signsSign Material Comparison
Styrene, PVC, Foam Board, and Coroplast can all carry full-color printed graphics, but they are not interchangeable. The right choice depends on your sign holder, indoor or outdoor conditions, mounting method, and how the print will be handled.
Which sign material fits your project?
PVC Board
1/8-inch solid expanded PVC
Wall signs, sign frames, and short-term outdoor displays.
Order PVC signs
Foam Board
3/16-inch white foamcore
Dry indoor presentations, event easels, and framed prints.
Order Foam Board
Coroplast
4mm corrugated plastic
Yard signs, fence signs, and temporary outdoor promotions.
Order CoroplastStyrene vs. PVC vs. Foam Board vs. Coroplast
| Property | Styrene | PVC Board | Foam Board | Coroplast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | .020 inch | 1/8 inch | 3/16 inch | 4mm |
| Construction | Thin white polystyrene film | Solid white expanded PVC | White faces with a foam core | White plastic with internal flute channels |
| Feel | Lightweight and flexible | Solid board; slightly pliable | Very light and rigid, but delicate | Lightweight, fluted board |
| Typical use | Menus, retail inserts, display holders | Wall signs, frames, retail panels | Presentations, easels, indoor posters | Yard, fence, event, and promotional signs |
| Location | Indoor displays; confirm any outdoor application | Indoor and short-term outdoor; confirm exposure and mounting | Dry indoor only; not waterproof | Indoor and temporary outdoor; confirm exposure and mounting |
| Print sides | Single-sided | Single or double | Single or double | Single or double |
| Mounting notes | Check holder thickness; optional grommets | Check frame depth; optional grommets or hole punch | Protect edges; use a suitable easel or frame | Optional grommets or compatible H-stakes; flute direction matters |
All four materials are available with direct UV printing and custom sizing up to 48 inches x 96 inches. Check the individual product's finishing and delivery limits before ordering.
Business orders, display sets, and multiple designs
Ordering one artwork file in quantity is different from ordering a set of unique signs. For a retail rollout, menu set, exhibit, or business project, send us:
- The finished width and height of each sign, plus the quantity for each design.
- Your preferred material, print sides, and mounting or finishing needs.
- Artwork files or a list of the versions that need to be printed.
- The delivery ZIP code or preferred San Diego pickup option.
- Your required date and any packing or handling requirements.
The product calculators show pricing for the configuration you select. For mixed sizes, artwork versions, or unusual display requirements, we will confirm the scope, pricing, and timing before you place the order.
Shipping, pickup, and artwork
Shipping and La Mesa or Pine Valley pickup are available in the product order forms. PVC Board, Foam Board, and Coroplast boards larger than 48 inches x 38 inches are pickup only. Contact us before ordering oversized boards to confirm dimensions and pickup arrangements. Pickup instructions are sent when your order is ready.
Prepare artwork at the finished size, preferably as a print-ready PDF. The upload accepts PDF, AI, EPS, PSD, JPG, JPEG, or PNG, up to 100 MB per file. Use CMYK color, outline vector fonts, and prepare raster images at 150 dpi at final size. Do not add crop marks or bleeds. For different front and back designs, confirm the file handoff with us first.
If your order requires a proof, we will email it for approval before production. Production time depends on the project and current workload; confirm a firm deadline before ordering.
Common material questions
Is Styrene the same as Foam Board?
No. Our Styrene is .020-inch flexible polystyrene film for thin display inserts. Foam Board is a 3/16-inch board with a foam core for rigid, lightweight indoor displays. Measure your holder or frame before ordering either one.
Should I choose PVC or Coroplast?
PVC is a solid, slightly pliable panel for wall signs, frames, and displays. Coroplast has internal flute channels and is commonly used for temporary yard and fence signage. Your mounting method and outdoor exposure are more useful deciding factors than thickness alone.
Are H-stakes included with Coroplast?
Not with every configuration. Hardware is optional, and stakes need compatible flute direction. Signs wider than 48 inches have horizontal flutes. Confirm your size, orientation, and hardware requirements before ordering.
Which material is suitable for long-term outdoor use?
These materials do not have one universal outdoor lifespan. Foam Board is for dry indoor use; PVC and Coroplast require the right exposure and mounting for the project. For a permanent or demanding outdoor sign, contact us about the application and compare the other sign materials we offer.
Can I order different graphics in one larger project?
Yes, contact us with the sizes, quantities per design, print sides, and delivery requirements. We will confirm how to submit the artwork versions and place the order. Do not assume a single-file quantity order includes multiple unique designs.
Recognition Direct is family-run since 1984. Explore custom signs for San Diego businesses or ask us about your next project.