Sign Panel Materials
.040 ALUMINUM
.040 Aluminum is a strong, straight-hanging material that resists rust even if scratched or chipped. It’s a favorite choice for many of our customers and works seamlessly with any sign frame or post. Featuring a glossy, powder-coated finish, it performs reliably in all weather conditions. Extra care is recommended to avoid bending corners. Optional 3M™ Reflective vinyl coating is available for improved visibility at night.
.040 ALUMINUM FACTS:
- Thickness: .040
- Lifespan: 3–5 years under normal conditions
- Rigid and straight-hanging
- Suitable for posts, frames, and year-round use
- High-gloss powder-coated finish
- Rust-resistant even when scratched
- Recyclable
- Optional 3M™ Reflective Vinyl
.063 ALUMINUM
Thicker than .040 aluminum, .063 Aluminum provides extra resistance to corner bending while maintaining a rigid, straight-hanging form. Recommended for use with any sign post or frame, it features a glossy, powder-coated finish suitable for all seasons. Optional 3M™ Reflective vinyl coating enhances nighttime visibility.
.063 ALUMINUM FACTS:
- Thickness: .063
- Lifespan: 3–5 years under typical conditions
- Rigid and straight-hanging
- Compatible with posts, frames, and all-season use
- Glossy powder-coated finish
- Rust-resistant if scratched or chipped
- Recyclable
- Optional 3M™ Reflective Vinyl
4mm CORRUGATED PLASTIC (COROPLAST)
4mm Cor-X is a lightweight, weather-resistant plastic that resists yellowing. Its corrugated design makes it ideal for directional signs using wire stakes. While it can serve as a main sign panel when framed, it is not recommended for hanging from posts. Optional 3M™ Reflective vinyl coating is available for nighttime visibility.
4mm COR-X FACTS:
- Thickness: 1/8"
- Lightweight, durable, weatherproof, and cost-effective
- Ideal for directional signs with wire stakes
- Can be framed for main sign panels
- May appear translucent in bright sunlight
- Optional 3M™ Reflective Vinyl
8mm CORRUGATED PLASTIC (COROROPLAST)
8mm Cor-X is twice as thick as the 4mm version, making it rigid, durable, and suitable for hanging signs, commercial signs, and heavy-duty directional signage. Optional 3M™ Reflective vinyl coating is available for enhanced nighttime visibility.
8mm COR-X FACTS:
- Thickness: 3/8"
- Lightweight, rigid, weatherproof, and durable
- Ideal for hanging and heavy-duty signs
- Not recommended for spring-clip frames due to thickness
- Optional 3M™ Reflective Vinyl
MaxMetal (3mm, 3mm Brushed, 6mm)
MaxMetal is a brushed aluminum composite material (ACM) with two pre-painted .012 aluminum sheets and a solid polyethylene core. It is lightweight, extremely flat, and perfect for post-mounted signs. Optional 3M™ Reflective vinyl coating is available for enhanced nighttime visibility.
MaxMetal FACTS:
- Thickness: 3mm / 6mm Elite
- Rigid and straight-hanging
- Lightweight yet durable
- Suitable for posts and all-season use
- Optional 3M™ Reflective Vinyl
POLYETHYLENE (POLY)
Polyethylene is an affordable, durable plastic material with a soft matte finish. It performs well in all seasons but has a natural tendency to bow, so it is not recommended for post-mounted hanging signs. Poly can be used with any of our sign frames and is also available with 3M™ Reflective vinyl coating for enhanced nighttime visibility.
POLY FACTS:
- Thickness: .100
- Durable and popular choice
- Soft matte finish
- Suitable for all seasons
- Not recommended for post-mounted hanging signs due to bowing
- Optional 3M™ Reflective Vinyl
PVC
PVC is the most rigid plastic option we offer, allowing it to hang straight like metal materials. Compatible with all posts and frames, PVC comes with a smooth matte finish and is recommended for year-round use. Optional 3M™ Reflective vinyl coating is available for improved nighttime visibility.
PVC FACTS:
- Thickness: .100
- Rigid and straight-hanging
- Works with posts and frames, suitable for all seasons
- Gloss matte finish
- Optional 3M™ Reflective Vinyl
STEEL
Steel is a rigid material that does not bend or bow. Compatible with posts or frames, it features a galvanized undercoating and polyester topcoat for rust and corrosion resistance. Areas that become scratched or chipped may still rust. Optional 3M™ Reflective vinyl coating is available for enhanced nighttime visibility.
STEEL FACTS:
- Thickness: 24 gauge
- Rigid, straight-hanging
- Suitable for posts, frames, and all-season use
- Galvanized and polyester coated
- Scratched or chipped areas may rust
- Optional 3M™ Reflective Vinyl
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:
3M™ REFLECTIVE VINYL
Standard Reflective
Our standard 3M™ Reflective vinyl improves nighttime visibility and protects the sign surface. Used in traffic signage, it ensures high reflectivity and durability.
ProGlow Reflective
ProGlow is an advanced reflective coating offering exceptional visibility and clarity in low-light conditions. Ideal for professional-grade applications, it enhances both the longevity and performance of your signs.
Reflective Vinyl Facts:
- Available for: .040 & .063 Aluminum, Poly, PVC, Steel, 4mm & 8mm Cor-X, 3mm & 6mm
- MaxMetal
- Enhances nighttime visibility
- Industrial-grade protective coating
ROLLED MAGNETIC MATERIALS
Our .030 vinyl magnetic material adheres to steel surfaces, making it ideal for mobile signage. Not compatible with plastic or ABS surfaces. Proper care is required to prevent scratching.
MAGNETIC FACTS:
- Thickness: .030
- Adheres to high-grade steel
- Suitable for mobile advertising
- Requires maintenance to prevent surface damage
SIGN SHIELD
Sign Shield is a laminate film that increases scratch resistance and prolongs ink lifespan on your sign panels. Lab-tested to extend the life of commercial ink by up to four years.
SIGN SHIELD FACTS:
- Thickness: 3 Mil
- Compatible with all major sign materials
- Enhances scratch resistance and ink longevity
ABOUT MLS SIGNS
MLS SIGNS is one of the nation’s leading real estate sign manufacturers, serving more major franchises than any other company. Centrally located in Chicago, Illinois, we provide fast, cost-effective shipping and an extensive range of customizable real estate signs, yard signs, open house signs, directional signs, reflective signs, and more. In addition, we offer steel frames,posts, listing folders, brochure boxes, business cards, and custom design services to meet any signage need. posts, feather flags, brochure boxes, business cards, and custom design services to meet any signage need.
