When it comes to creating standout graphics, signage, or custom 3D displays, we’d argue that choosing the right material is just about as important as the design itself. At Infinity Images, our sourcing experts manage an extensive directory of over 1,075 substrates — each offering unique characteristics suited for specific environments, applications, and visual goals. With few exceptions, almost all our materials fit into nine categories: vinyl, fabric, rigid paper board, roll paper, plastic, metal, wood, magnet, and laminate. This guide breaks down each category, providing a general overview, the available sizing, benefits, and project applications. Then, once you've got a general handle on our primary print materials, make sure to read part two of our print materials blog series: How to Choose the Best Materials for Your Project.

If you’re interested in seeing material samples in-person, we’ve got you. Our sample boxes contain over 40 of our favorite substrates (including 20 sustainable options!). Visit infinityimages.com/contact to request a free sample box and someone will be in touch.

‍

VINYL

Overview: Vinyl is a strong, bendable synthetic plastic made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). We exclusively use pressure sensitive vinyl (PSV) because of its adhesive backing. PSV is available in various thicknesses and densities, and comes in rolls ranging from 54 to 60 inches wide by 75 to 300 feet long.

Benefits: Vinyl is durable, flexible, and weather resistant.

Applications: We primarily use vinyl for printed signage, wall coverings, floor and window graphics, vehicle wraps, trade show displays, event banners, and 3D retail display component wraps.

‍

FABRIC

Overview: Fabric graphics are one of the most popular and versatile products we offer. In technical terms, fabric refers to any textile material made from interlacing fibers that are woven or knitted together. Our specialized dye-sublimation printer can print directly on or sublimate to most polyester fabrics, including mesh, sheer, canvas, stretch, flag, and drapery. Fabric comes in a wide variety of roll sizes.

Benefits: Fabric is lightweight, flexible, wrinkle-resistant, easy to transport and install, has a non-reflective finish, and can be front-lit or back-lit. There are also many sustainable options available.

Applications: We primarily use dye-sublimated fabric graphics for event signage, retail displays, marquees (outdoor displays), curtains, theater graphics, backdrops, silicone edge graphics (SEGs), banners, flags, and ceiling drops.

‍

RIGID PAPER BOARD

Overview: Rigid paper board is a stiff, paper-based substrate made by compressing multiple layers of paper or paper pulp. We stock variations of corrugated board, foam board, and cardstock, and most come as 48-inch by 96-inch or 60-inch by 120-inch sheets.

Benefits: Rigid paper board is lightweight yet durable, has a smooth printable surface, and good structural integrity. Many types of rigid paper board are also sustainable solutions.

Applications: We primarily use rigid paper board for retail displays, event signage, POP displays, trade show and exhibition graphics, and seeding kits (also known as media or PR kits).

‍

ROLL PAPER

Overview: Roll paper refers to paper-based materials that are supplied in large, continuous rolls rather than individual sheets. We stock different types of poster paper, thin cardstock, proofing paper, and bonding paper rolls. There is no overarching standardization in roll paper sizing because of the wide variety in paper weights for each individual substrate. Most roll paper is available in both matte and gloss finishes as well as various thicknesses.

Benefits: Roll paper is budget-friendly, easier to ship than rigid paper board, and many substrates are sustainable options (including several that are LEED Certified!).

Applications: We primarily use roll paper for banners, posters, outdoor signage, trade show graphics, conference graphics, water-activated spray and stick wall coverings, and large-format high-resolution photography.

‍

PLASTIC

Overview: Plastic is a broad term for a group of synthetic materials made from polymers. We stock several types of plastics including acrylic, expanded PVC, coroplast, polystyrene, and polycarbonate. Plastic materials are available in a variety of different colors, finishes, and thicknesses. (For example, expanded PVC, our most used plastic, ranges from 1mm to 25mm thick!) All plastics are sold in sheets, but there is no universal standardization in sheet size because of how different each type of plastic is.

Benefits: Plastic is durable, versatile, has a smooth printable surface, and is waterproof.

Applications: We primarily use plastics for display cases and boxes, dimensional letters and logos (sometimes backlit), POP displays and fixtures, 3D retail display elements, custom plaques and awards, and seeding kits.

‍

METAL

Overview: We stock several aluminum composite materials (ACM) and steel composite materials (SCM), but also sometimes use custom metals. ACM is a lightweight, non-magnetic material that comes in various thicknesses, colors, and textures. On the other hand, SCM is heavy, magnetic, and much more limited in thickness, color. ACM is generally available in 5-foot by 10-foot sheets, but there are oversized custom options, and SCM is available in 4-foot by 8-foot sheets.

Benefits: All metals are durable, weather and heat resistant, offer a premium aesthetic, and many are recyclable.

Applications: We primarily use metal for swappable retail graphics, dimensional logos and lettering, commercial wayfinding signage, custom retail and event fixtures, and outdoor brand signage.

‍

WOOD

Overview: We use three types of wood in our work: softwood, hardwood, and manufactured wood. Softwoods such as fir and pine come from faster-growing coniferous trees. Hardwoods like birch, oak, walnut, and ash come from the dense inner core of deciduous trees. Finally, manufactured woods (also known as engineered wood) are composite products made by binding wood fibers, veneers, or particles together. We stock different types of plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and veneer.

Benefits: Woods are strong, readily available, easy to manipulate, versatile, and provide a natural aesthetic. Manufactured wood is a cost-effective choice.

Applications: We primarily work with softwoods and manufactured woods. Both are great options for retail pedestals, platforms, footwear walls, and other dimensional builds and structures. When we do use hardwoods, it’s typically for banner dowels and custom, specialty framing.

‍

MAGNET

Overview: A magnet, in the context of large-format printing, refers to a flexible magnetized sheet that can be directly printed on and applied to surfaces without using an adhesive. We work with two types of magnets: magnetic receptive media (also known as mag receptive) and flexible magnetic sheets. Magnetic receptive materials are iron-based and can therefore attract and adhere to magnets, but not metal. We buy huge rolls of magnetic receptive: 60 inches by 300 feet! Flexible magnet sheets, on the other hand, are what most people would normally visualize when they think of magnets. They are a magnetized material that sticks to metal. Flexible magnet sheets are typically 48 inches by 50 feet, but customized lengths are also available.

Benefits: Printed magnets are flexible, repositionable, removable (without damaging the surface beneath), do not require an adhesive, and can be layered for a 3D effect.

Applications: We primarily use magnets for changeable retail graphics but occasionally also to stick brand signage to the side of a company vehicle.

‍

LAMINATE

Overview: Laminates are clear, protective films applied over printed graphics to achieve a desired visual effect and provide a layer of protection. Laminate rolls generally range from 54 to 60 inches wide by 30 to 150 feet long.

Benefits: They increase durability, provide a customizable finish (glossy, luster, matte, etc.), are slip resistant, control glare, and/or protect against damage from moisture, UV rays, scratches, and fading.

Applications: We primarily use laminates to enhance and protect wall graphics, floor graphics, window graphics, vehicle wraps, and exterior signage.