How do I choose the right material for my project?
The differences between PVC banner, mesh, foam board, aluminium composite, acrylic, canvas and vinyl, in plain language.
The material you choose shapes the way the finished project looks, how long it lasts and how much it costs. This guide explains the differences between the materials used most often in advertising production and when each one makes sense.
No single material suits every project. Some are made for outdoor use, others for indoor use, and each comes with its own strengths and limits.
The right choice depends on where the piece is installed, how long it needs to last, the weather it faces and your budget.
Below you will find the key characteristics of each material, along with the recommendations of the LOOP DESIGN ADVERTISING team.
How do I choose the right material?
Before you decide, answer a few simple questions:
- Will it be used indoors or outdoors?
- How long does it need to last?
- Will it be exposed to rain or direct sun?
- Is the project temporary or permanent?
- Do you need something rigid or something flexible?
- Does the weight of the material matter?
These answers usually narrow the list down to two or three materials, and from there the decision becomes straightforward.
Material comparison
| Material | Use | Durability | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC banner | Outdoor and indoor | Very good | promotional banners, mesh, events, fences, scaffolding |
| Mesh | Outdoor | Excellent | tall buildings, scaffolding, wind exposed facades |
| Foam board (Forex) | Indoor and outdoor | Very good | advertising panels, signage, exhibition stands |
| Aluminium composite (Dibond) | Premium outdoor | Excellent | facades, company headquarters, permanent projects |
| Acrylic (plexiglass) | Indoor and outdoor | Very good | logos, built-up letters, elegant panels |
| Canvas | Indoor | Good | decor, wall art and interior fit-outs |
| Adhesive vinyl | Indoor and outdoor | Very good | vehicle wraps, shop windows, walls, furniture and floors |
A closer look at each material
PVC banner
- What it is
- A flexible PVC sheet printed directly with your artwork, finished with hems and eyelets so it is easy to fix in place.
- Strengths
- Low cost, made to any size, easy to roll up and transport, and it copes well with rain and sun.
- Limits
- It is not rigid, so it needs a frame or fixing points. On very large wind exposed surfaces it can be put under strain.
- When we recommend it
- For campaigns, events, store openings, site hoardings and messages that change often.
Mesh
- What it is
- A banner-like material with small perforations that let air pass through.
- Strengths
- Excellent wind resistance, lighter than a standard banner and well suited to very large surfaces.
- Limits
- Colours read slightly lighter and very fine detail is lost, because of the perforations.
- When we recommend it
- For facades, scaffolding, tall buildings and any installation in a windy location.
Foam board (Forex)
- What it is
- A rigid, lightweight expanded PVC sheet, usually available between 3 and 10 mm thick.
- Strengths
- Easy to cut and install, affordable, with a smooth surface that takes print or vinyl nicely.
- Limits
- Thin sheets can bow over time, especially in strong sunlight, and it does not have the premium look of aluminium.
- When we recommend it
- For indoor signage, information panels, exhibition stands and projects on a controlled budget.
Aluminium composite (Dibond)
- What it is
- A composite panel made of two thin aluminium skins with a plastic core between them.
- Strengths
- Stays perfectly flat over time, handles weather extremely well and has a clean, high quality finish.
- Limits
- It costs more than foam board and it is heavier, so the fixings need to be sized accordingly.
- When we recommend it
- For facades, shop fascias, company headquarters and any project meant to last for years.
Acrylic (plexiglass)
- What it is
- A clear or coloured acrylic sheet that can be cut, engraved and polished along the edges.
- Strengths
- Modern, elegant appearance, works beautifully with LED lighting and can be shaped to custom designs.
- Limits
- It scratches more easily than metal and the cost rises noticeably on large surfaces.
- When we recommend it
- For logos, built-up letters, reception panels and decorative pieces with a premium feel.
Canvas
- What it is
- A textured fabric, similar to the one used for paintings, usually stretched over a wooden frame.
- Strengths
- Warm, decorative look, no glare and a very pleasant reproduction of photography.
- Limits
- Indoor use only, and it does not tolerate damp conditions or aggressive cleaning.
- When we recommend it
- For office decor, retail spaces, restaurants, hotels and interior fit-outs.
Adhesive vinyl
- What it is
- A printed or solid coloured adhesive film applied over an existing surface.
- Strengths
- Works on almost any smooth surface, allows cut-out shapes and can be removed later when the right adhesive is chosen.
- Limits
- It needs a clean surface in good condition, and without lamination the colours fade faster in the sun.
- When we recommend it
- For vehicle wraps, shop windows, walls, furniture, floors and quick rebrands.
What our specialists recommend
Long term outdoor use
Aluminium composite
Affordable signage
Foam board
Interior decor
Canvas
Wind exposed facades
Mesh
Wraps and windows
Premium vinyl
Elegant panels
Acrylic
Common mistakes
- ✔ Using an indoor material for an outdoor installation.
- ✔ Choosing a material on price alone.
- ✔ Ignoring the conditions at the installation site.
- ✔ Picking the wrong thickness.
- ✔ Skipping UV protection on outdoor projects.
- ✔ Deciding without asking a specialist first.
Frequently asked questions
For permanent projects we recommend aluminium composite panels. They stand up to weather extremely well and keep their appearance over the years.
Need help choosing the right material?
Not sure which material suits your project? The LOOP DESIGN ADVERTISING team will recommend the best option based on how the piece is used, your budget and the installation conditions.
Request a tailored quote