Need advice for weatherproof/UV resistant sheet materials

[80grit]

I'm getting a lot of requests from customers who are interested in these plasma cut metal sheet painted decorative signs, letters, etc. Most don't know the difference in a router and a plasma cutter, nor do they care about the type of material used.

I don't want to turn these customers away, but I have to provide a good alternative that I can mill and can hold up to the weather. I've read other posts here about PVC, HDPE, acrylic, and others, but it can get a bit confusing if you can't see the differences in person.

Is there a good .125" to .25" thick material out there that can compete with steel as far as cost, durability, and paintability ( or comes in different colors?

[jerry_stanek]

Dibond is not as thick but holds up outside. there are cheaper versions of it like komalu they are laminated aluminum panels. Here is a job that I cut out of Komalu for on of the sign shops I do work for.

[Brady Watson]

The blue Honda dealership signs...Dibond.

-B

[80grit]

That may be exactly what I need. Looks affordable, so long as I don't have to pay a fortune to get it shipped. I don't know of any local places that would have stuff like this.

Has anyone ever seen a table that lists different sheet products, ideal applications, pro, cons, price/sqft, etc? That would be handy.

[joe]

I'm with the above guys in the recommendation for DiBond or it's competition. You've got the best advice on sheet goods. I'd suggest trying their 1/4" version. It's much more impressive.