What are the Most Durable Sign Materials?

FiberTec^®
Our embedded fiberglass signs are the most durable, lightweight, plastic signs available. Not all fiberglass signs are created equal, though. Our clear resins, non-bowed surface and smooth edges are the mark of quality and outdoor durability. Unlike competitor fiberglass signs that are under-cured, our signs do not turn yellow prematurely. The graphics are deeply embedded within layers of acrylic and polyester resins and fiberglass. They are not a lamination nor surface printed. As a result, they are exceptionally resistant to fading and are filely vandal-proof. The layers of proprietary resins filter out the damaging effects of the sun’s UV energy. Graphics are printed on an opaque carrier that, when subjected to the extremely high heat and pressure of the manufacturing process, becomes completely saturated with resin. The printing becomes an integral part of the sign.

Porcelain Enamel
Porcelain enamel is the most durable outdoor sign material available. Many have lasted over 50 years. Porcelain signs are also graffiti and scratch-proof. They are fired at 1500°F. The two main drawbacks to porcelain signs are their weight and inability to withstand gunshot. Porcelain signs are used for phase markers and tower signs. Porcelain signs are surprisingly impact-resistant. Try to hammer one!

Fiber glass signs are printed onto a carrier sheet. This carrier sheet is later saturated with polyester and acrylic resins and then made into an embedded fiberglass sign.

Porcelain signs after being fired in our kilns are then cooled and tested to withstand 50 foot pounds of impact.

	FiberTec Fiberglass "FQ"	Surface Printed Aluminum "AL"	Porcelain Enamel "ZD"	Subsurface Lexan "LG"	Surface Printed Polyethylene "PE"	Reflective Aluminum "RA"
Corrision: avoids rusting, passes bleach and sodium sulfide tests	excellent	fair	good	fair	fair	fair
Rifle/Shotgun Test: sign does not shatter or blister when hit with a bullet	excellent	fair	poor	excellent	excellent	fair
Low Cost: durability expectations must agree with your budget	moderate cost	low cost	moderate cost	moderate to high cost	low cost	moderate cost
Lightweight: lighter signs are easier to hang (pounds for 10"x14")	light (0.7#)	medium (1.2#)	heavy (2.1#) (porcelain aluminum signs offer lightweight alternative, 2#)	light (0.6#)	light (0.4#)	medium (0.8#)
Vandal Resistance: graffiti can be removed	yes	no, target of scrap metal vandals	yes	sometimes	no	no, target of scrap metal vandals
Outdoor Life: typicaly outdoor durability	15 years+	10+ years	25 years	7-10 years	3-5 years	7-10 years