What is a rigid sign?
A rigid sign is artwork printed straight onto a hard substrate — expanded PVC, aluminum composite (ACM), or cast acrylic — then routed to size or to a custom contour. There is no vinyl layer to bubble, peel, or lift at the corners.
For event work this is what you use when a sign has to look expensive on camera or live outdoors for months: bar menus, donor walls, welcome panels, sponsor plaques, valet and directional signage that gets reused season after season.
Common event use cases
1/8" acrylic panels on easels or standoffs — the finish reads premium under event lighting and wipes clean between services.
White acrylic or PVC welcome signs sized for an easel, with contour-cut monograms when the design calls for it.
3mm ACM aluminum panels for parking, wayfinding, and building signs that stay up through weather and sun.
Standoff-mounted panels that install flat on a wall and stay in place long after the event.
Materials
3mm PVC is the everyday choice: rigid, light, indoor or short-term outdoor, and the cheapest way into a hard panel. 3mm ACM aluminum is the outdoor and long-term option — a solid aluminum skin on both faces, flat and rigid at large sizes. 1/8" white acrylic gives the cleanest premium indoor finish, and 1/8" clear acrylic gives the floating-glass look, with an optional spot-white underbase so colors stay opaque instead of washing out against the background.
- 4mm Coroplast (weatherproof, budget)
- 3/16" Foamboard (indoor)
- 3mm PVC (indoor/outdoor, standard)
- 3mm ACM Aluminum (premium outdoor)
- 1/8" White Acrylic (premium indoor)
- 1/8" Clear Acrylic (premium indoor)
Sizes
We print rigid signs from 6"×6" up to 46"×94" on a single panel. Common event sizes are 18"×24" for easel signs, 24"×36" for welcome panels, and 12"×18" for table and bar signage. Need something larger than a single sheet? Contact us and we will quote a multi-panel layout.
Standard range: 6×6" to 46×94". Larger sizes seamed on request.
Finishing options
Choose rectangle trim or a custom contour routed to your artwork path. Grommets are available on the top two corners or all four for hanging. Standoff hardware sets of four mount a panel off a wall with a clean shadow gap. On clear acrylic, add the spot-white underbase whenever the art needs to stay solid rather than translucent.
- Cut shape — Rectangle
- Cut shape — Custom contour
- Spot white underbase (clear acrylic)
- Grommets — top 2 corners (per piece)
- Grommets — all 4 corners (per piece)
- Standoff mounting hardware — set of 4 (per piece)
Turnaround & delivery
Standard turnaround is 3–5 business days from proof approval. Rush production is available when capacity allows — we confirm before charging rush.
Frequently asked questions
PVC, ACM, or acrylic?+
PVC for most indoor and short-term outdoor signs. ACM aluminum when the sign lives outside or has to stay flat at a large size. Acrylic when the finish matters more than the price, such as bar menus, welcome panels, and donor walls.
What does the spot-white underbase do?+
On clear acrylic the substrate shows through the ink, so colors look washed out against whatever is behind the panel. A spot-white pass lays white ink behind the artwork first, so the colors stay opaque while the unprinted areas remain clear.
Can rigid signs be cut to a custom shape?+
Yes. Pick the custom contour option and we route the panel to your artwork cut path. Include the cut path in your file as a separate vector layer or tell us where to trace.
How do these mount?+
Grommets for hanging or zip-tying, standoff hardware for wall mounting, or nothing at all if the sign sits on an easel. Acrylic panels look best on standoffs or an easel.
Are rigid signs weatherproof?+
ACM aluminum is fully outdoor-rated. PVC handles short outdoor runs but can bow in sustained heat. Acrylic is an indoor product for event use.
Can you print both sides?+
Yes, double-sided printing is available on request. Contact us for a quote since it is outside the standard configurator.