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Selecting the appropriate material for safety signs is a crucial decision, influenced by various factors such as the time of day, temperature, and intended usage. The choice of material significantly impacts the sign's visibility, durability, and overall effectiveness. To assist in making informed decisions, the table below serves as a valuable guide, providing insights into the characteristics and suitability of different materials for specific applications. Whether it's ensuring visibility in low-light conditions, withstanding extreme temperatures, or meeting the demands of particular environments, this guide aids in the thoughtful selection of materials to enhance the overall efficacy of safety signage in diverse settings.

AccuformNMC's liquid-based, scientifically strong, UV-protective coating resists harsh chemicals, abuse, graffiti, and more.


Key materials for signs, tags & labels

Signs

Adhesive Vinyl

Ideal for indoor and sheltered outdoor marking needs. Flexible vinyl with a printed matte surface. Permanent adhesive back with peel-off liner.

Plastic

Impact-resistant and pliable, plastic is durable for indoor and sheltered outdoor use. Print is protected by Sign Muscle® to guard against harsh abuse and even graffiti. Rounded corners with mounting holes.

Aluminum

Ideal for tough indoor and harsh outdoor locations. Rigid aluminum provides metal strength without rust. Print is protected by Sign Muscle® to guard against harsh abuse and even graffiti. Withstands wash-downs, abrasion, and chemical splashes—rounded corners with mounting holes.

Reflective Aluminum

Engineer-grade prismatic (EGP), reflective, .080" thick aluminum provides added visibility in low light conditions. Print is protected by Sign Muscle® to guard against harsh abuse and even graffiti. Rounded corners with center postmount holes. Durable for outdoor locations.

Lumi-Glow™ Plastic & Lumi Glow Flex

A long-lasting, glow-in-the-dark, semi-rigid sign material that charges rapidly under any light source. It exceeds the safety standards, features, and benefits of safety grade photo-luminescent markings. The Flex material option is a 10-mil photo-luminescent vinyl with a permanent acrylic adhesive-coated back with peel-off liner.


Labels

Adhesive Vinyl

Flexible vinyl with the printed surface. Mount with permanent acrylic adhesive back with peel-off liner—ideal for indoor and protected outdoor placement.

Magnetic Vinyl

Flexible magnetic vinyl can place, lift, and replace on most steel or ferrous metal. The print has a clear overlaminate to resist chipping and cracking.


Tags

PF-Cardstock

Pulp-free tags have no wood pulp or paper content, unlike standard cardstock tags, and are available at an economical price. Poly-based tags will not crack, distort, or shrink and can be used for applications indoor and short-term outdoor. Available in self-laminating.

RP-Plastic w/Grommet (unrippable vinyl)

High-strength rigid plastic tag is ideal for use in industrial environments – resists chemicals, tears, and abrasions. The surface is easy to write on with a pen or marker, resist scuffs, and can be used indoors or temporally outdoors.

Information provided by AccuformNMC.


Safety sign material selection guide

 

Plastic

Metal

Composite

Fiberglass

Adhesives & non-adhesives

SKU suffix legend

Signs

VS: Adhesive Vinyl
VP: Plastic
VA: Aluminum
RA: EGP Reflective Aluminum
GF: Lumi-Glow™ Flex
GP: Lumi-Glow™ Plastic

Labels

VSP: Adhesive Vinyl, packs of 5 or 10
EVP: Adhesive Poly, packs of 5 or 10
EV: Adhesive Vinyl

Tags

CTP: PF-Cardstock, packs of 25
PTP: Plastic w/Grommet, packs of 25
LCP: Self-Laminating PF-Cardstock, packs of 25