In large format printing, the material matters at least as much as the design itself. A site sign, banner or flag often hangs outside for weeks to years, exposed to sun, wind and rain. Choosing the wrong material means a result that ages faster and looks less professional. Below are the four most commonly used materials, and when to choose which.
Large Format Printing
4 min read
July 9, 2026
Getting a site sign made: dibond or corrugated board, which should you choose?
A site sign that fades or warps after a few months outside misses its purpose. The right material choice largely determines how long your sign will keep looking as good as it did on day one. We break down the four most commonly used materials.
1
Dibond: the choice for long-term outdoor use
Dibond is made up of two thin aluminium layers with a sturdy plastic core in between. That makes it lightweight, yet at the same time very strong and fully weatherproof. Dibond doesn't warp and keeps its flat shape, even after months or years in the weather. This is the standard choice for site signs at construction projects and real estate projects that need to stay visible for a longer period.
2
Corrugated board (polypropylene): light and budget-friendly
Corrugated board, also known as corriboard or polypropylene board, is a lightweight plastic panel with a fluted, hollow internal structure. It's considerably cheaper than dibond, but less suitable for prolonged exposure: under sustained wind or strong sun it loses its rigidity faster. Corrugated board is therefore mainly suitable for temporary placements: a promotion, event or open-house sign lasting a few days to weeks.
Rule of thumb: weeks to months outdoors? Choose dibond. A few days to a couple of weeks? Corrugated board is sufficient and saves budget.
3
PVC banner material and mesh: for banners
For banners, a flexible fabric is needed instead of a rigid panel. PVC banner material is a dense, water- and UV-resistant fabric, ideal for a facade banner or a banner at a fixed location. Mesh is a perforated variant that lets wind through: at locations with a lot of wind, such as tall facades or open squares, this prevents the fabric from acting like a sail and coming loose or tearing.
4
And the colours, do they stay looking good?
Besides the base material, the ink also plays a role. With UV-resistant ink, a design stays colourfast for a long time, even after months of strong sun. The combination of the right material and UV-resistant ink together determines how long your site sign, banner or flag keeps looking well maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Material choice: your questions
What's the difference between dibond and corrugated board?
Dibond is a sturdy, weatherproof panel made of two aluminium layers with a plastic core, ideal for long-term outdoor use. Corrugated board (polypropylene) is lighter and cheaper, but less suitable for prolonged exposure to weather and wind.
Which material do I choose for a site sign lasting several months?
For site signs that stay outside for months to years, dibond is the recommended choice thanks to its sturdiness and weather resistance.
When do I choose corrugated board instead of dibond?
Corrugated board is a good choice for short-term placements, such as a temporary promotion or an event lasting a few days to weeks, where budget matters more than long-term durability.
What's the difference between PVC banner material and mesh for banners?
PVC banner material is a dense, water- and UV-resistant fabric. Mesh is perforated and lets wind through, which makes it ideal for locations with a lot of wind, such as tall facades or open sites.
Do the colours of large format printing stay looking good outdoors for a long time?
With UV-resistant ink, the result stays colourfast for a long time, even with a lot of sun exposure. The exact lifespan depends on the material, the location and the weather conditions.
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