A practical guide to choosing the right material and avoiding costly mistakes

One of the most common questions we hear at Print Big is:
“What material do you recommend?”

While many materials may look similar, they don’t all perform the same. Choosing the wrong material can affect durability, appearance, and the overall impact of your project.

In this guide, we break down the most commonly used printing materials and explain when each one is the best choice.

 

Before choosing a material for your print, consider this

Before moving forward with printing, ask yourself:

• Is it for indoor or outdoor use?
• How long does it need to last?
• Does it need to be rigid or flexible?
• How will it be installed?
• Is it decorative or informational?

Answering these questions upfront will help you avoid unnecessary costs and delays.

 

Most commonly used printing materials

Vinyl (adhesive or banner)

Ideal for:

• Banners
• Signage
• Storefronts
• Walls

Benefits:

• Versatile and cost-effective
• Durable
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Easy to install

A go-to option thanks to its excellent cost-to-performance ratio.

 

PVC Foam Board (Sintra)

Ideal for:

• Signs
• Informational displays
• Exhibits

Benefits:

• Rigid yet lightweight
• Good durability
• Easy to mount

Widely used in commercial and corporate signage.

 

Foam Board

Ideal for:

• Presentations
• Indoor signage
• Temporary displays
• Exhibits

Benefits:

• Extremely lightweight
• Smooth surface for high-quality printing
• Easy to cut, hang, or mount
• Cost-effective for indoor use

Best suited for short-term, indoor applications.

 

Fabric (Polyester)

Ideal for:

• Flags
• Backdrops
• Indoor décor

Benefits:

• Elegant, professional finish
• Non-reflective surface
• Easy to transport and store

Perfect for events, trade shows, and interior environments.

 

Acrylic

Ideal for:

• Corporate logos
• Premium signage
• High-impact displays

Benefits:

• Sophisticated appearance
• High rigidity
• Excellent visual presentation

The right choice when you want a polished, high-end look.

 

Common printing material selection mistakes

• Using indoor materials outdoors
• Choosing based on price alone
• Not considering installation method
• Ignoring required lifespan

These mistakes often lead to poor results and added costs.

 

Our recommendation about you printing material selection

At Print Big, we do more than just print — we guide you in selecting the right material to ensure your project looks great and performs as intended.

Need help with your project?

If you’re unsure which material to choose, contact us.
Our team is ready to help you find the best solution based on your space, budget, and goals.

Print Big
Print that stands out. Quality that lasts.