Overview

Choosing a substrate is always an important decision. Budget, appearance and life-expectancy of the sign all need consideration.

Depending on the project, two or three different substrates might be called for. Finding a supplier who can work in a range of substrates is a very important piece of the puzzle. Here at Ashby we understand that and have built up machinery and skills (as well as an industry-leading stock holding) to service all signage requirements. We can boast an unrivalled range of aluminium, acrylic, composites, foamboard, MDF and PVC on equally unrivalled lead- times.

We think that being a one-stop-shop is important but it doesn't mean being a jack of all trades and a master of none; speak to us for expert advice and guidance on a range of materials and products, or for advice on specific projects.

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Finish (Side 1/ Side 2)ThicknessSheet Sizes Available (ft)Sheet Sizes (mm)
Aluminium - 12swg - Grey Mill / Grey (BS 381 693C)12swg (2.64mm)a) 10'x5', b) 8'x4', c) 6'x3'd) 2100 x 1525mm e) 2000 x 1000mm
Aluminium - 12swg - Mill Mill / Mill12swg (2.64mm)a) 10'x5', b) 10'x4' c) 8'x4', d) 6'x3'e) 2100 x 1525mm f) 2000 x 1000mm
Aluminium - 12swg - Mill Mill / Mill04swg (10.16mm)a) 2500 x 1250mm
Aluminium - 12swg - Mill Mill / Mill05swg (5.39mm)a) 2500 x 1250mm
Aluminium - 1mm - Mill Mill / White (RAL 9016 White)16swg (1.63mm)a) 2500 x 1250mm
Aluminium - 1mm - Mill Mill / Mill16swg (1.63mm)a) 2500 x 1250mm
Aluminium - 1mm - Mill Mill / Mill18swg (1.22mm)a) 2000 x 1000mm

Available thicknesses and finishes

Aluminium is (as well as being the most common element on earth) one of the best available materials for the manufacture of signage. It is not only receptive to finishing materials (paints, vinyls etc.) but also malleable and particularly resistant to corrosion. Once the sign is finished it is recyclable so there are no nasty surprises once the sign reaches its end of life (although this shouldn't be a concern for many years!). Ashby Trade Sign Supplies is above all else a manufacturer of aluminium signage products (and we think a pretty good one). We pride ourselves on short lead times and high quality; it is, therefore, important we stock high-quality material in a range of sizes and quantities. Holding such a large range of sizes, thicknesses and finishes in stock means that we can always get a good cut, resulting in much less wastage. This means we can offer you a better price for your signage. Additionally, our large stock range allows us to offer a much shorter lead time for the majority of orders. Take a look at our aluminium specs for more information.

Composite (Variations)Finish (Side 1/ Side 2)Thickness O/A / Skin Thickness (mm)Sheet Sizes Available (mm)
Composite - 3mm - Hoarding HoardingWhite (RAL 9016) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.12mma) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Composite - 3mm - White StandardWhite (RAL 9016) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Composite - 3mm - Black StandardBlack (RAL 9005) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Composite - 3mm - Red StandardRed (RAL 3020) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Composite - 3mm - Yellow StandardYellow (RAL 1021) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Composite - 3mm - Blue StandardBlue (RAL 5002) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
StandardIvory (RAL 1015) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Composite - 3mm - Silver StandardSilver (RAL 9006) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Composite Panel Signage - 3mm Thickness - Grey StandardGrey (RAL 7042) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 2440 x 1220mm
Composite - 3mm - Silver (Brushed) SpecialistBrushed Silver / Mill Finish3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
SpecialistMirror / Mill Finish3mm / 0.3mma) 2440 x 1220mm
Composite Panel Signage - 3mm Thickness - Grey Traffic Grade DibondTraffic Grey (RAL 7042) Gloss / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm, b) 2440 x 1220mm
Composite - 3mm - White DibondWhite (RAL 9016) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm
Composite - 3mm - Black DibondBlack (RAL 9005) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm
Composite - 3mm - Red DibondRed (RAL 3020) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm
Composite - 3mm - Yellow DibondYellow (RAL 1023) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm
Composite - 3mm - Blue DibondBlue (RAL 5002) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm
DibondIvory (RAL 1015) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm
Composite - 3mm - Silver DibondSilver (RAL 9006) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm
Composite - 3mm - Green DibondGreen (RAL 6005) Matt / Gloss3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm
Specialist DibondCopper / Mill Finish3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm
Composite - 3mm - Silver (Brushed) Specialist DibondBrushed Silver / Mill Finish3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm
Specialist DibondGold / Mill Finish3mm / 0.3mma) 3050 x 1500mm
Specialist DibondMirror / Mill Finish3mm / 0.3mma) 2500 x 1250mm

Available thicknesses and finishes

Aluminium composite (otherwise known as Dibond, Reynobond, Ibond etc.) is a material that comprises a low-density polyethylene core bonded between two very thin layers of aluminium. Composites are generally lightweight and cheap to produce making them an ideal material for the sign maker or end user on a budget. It can't (unfortunately) be recycled but that means it doesn't have any scrap value either; so if you're worried about your sign getting stolen this is the material for you. Ashby Trade Sign Supplies stocks a range of composites for a range of uses: from specialist, traffic grade composites through to lighter weight hoarding. We are pleased to be a Dibond specialist meaning that we get great rates on Dibond materials (so if you don't see your colour in stock we can almost certainly get it).

Finish (Colour)Thicknesses (mm)Sheet Sizes (mm)
Acrylic - 5mm - Opal Opal (Opaque)3mm / 5mm / 10mma) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm
Acrylic - 5mm - Blue Blue3mm / 5mma) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm
Acrylic - 5mm - Green Green3mm / 5mma) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm
Acrylic - 5mm - Orange Orange3mm / 5mma) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm
Acrylic - 5mm - Red Red3mm / 5mma) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm
Acrylic - 5mm - Yellow Yellow3mm / 5mma) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm
Black3mm / 5mm / 10mma) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm (Note; 10mm (b) only)
Acrylic - 3mm - White White3mm / 5mm / 10mma) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm (Note; 10mm (b) only)
Acrylic (Glass Effect) - Clear - 10mm Clear (Glass Effect)3mm / 5mm / 10mma) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm (Note; 10mm (b) only)
Acrylic (Glass Effect) - Green Tint - 10mm Green Tint (Glass Effect)3mm / 5mm / 10mma) 3050 x 2030mm, b) 2030 x 1525mm (Note; 10mm (b) only)
Black25mma) 3000 x 2000mm, b) 2000 x 1500mm
Acrylic - 3mm - White White25mma) 3000 x 2000mm, b) 2000 x 1500mm
Acrylic (Glass Effect) - Clear - 10mm Clear (Glass Effect)15mm/ 20mm / 25mma) 3000 x 2000mm

Available thicknesses and finishes

Acrylic is a lightweight thermoplastic that, due to its shatter-resistant properties, is an ideal material for signage. It is an alternative to polycarbonate and is typically used where weight and flexural strength are more important than impact strength or thermal resistance. Acrylic is available in many colours and thicknesses according to requirement and is used in everything from flat wall signage to backing fret cut sign trays. It is a versatile and attractive material that gives a clean and professional appearance to any project. As with other stocked materials, multiple variations and sizes are used to give the best possible cut on the shortest possible lead time. Have a look at our stock acrylic specifications for further information (to the left).

Finish (Colour)Thicknesses (mm)Sheet Sizes (mm)
Foamboard - 3mm - White White3mm / 5mm / 10mma) 2440 x 1220mm, b) 3050 x 1560mm (Note; 5/10mm (b) only)
Foamboard - 3mm - Black Black5mma) 2440 x 1220mm
Foamboard - 3mm - Blue (Dark) Dark Blue5mma) 2440 x 1220mm
Foamboard - 3mm - Blue (Light) Light Blue5mma) 2440 x 1220mm
Foamboard - 3mm - Green Green5mma) 2440 x 1220mm
Foamboard - 3mm - Grey Grey5mma) 2440 x 1220mm
Foamboard - 3mm - Orange Orange5mma) 2440 x 1220mm
Foamboard - 3mm - Red Red5mma) 2440 x 1220mm
Foamboard - 3mm - Yellow Yellow5mma) 2440 x 1220mm

Available thicknesses and finishes

Foamboard is a very lightweight, easily cut material. Frequently used for photograph mounting or as a backing for picture frames, Foamboard can also be used for signage (although mostly internally). Because it is so lightweight and easily malleable it is ideal for internally mounted flat cut letters (for example) and semi permanent signage. Prints and vinyls can be applied easily for when speed is necessary and it is a highly cost effective material (for when budget is a serious concern).