What Is PVC Board (Sintra)? Expanded PVC for Signs

PVC board is a sheet of expanded PVC: plastic foamed with tiny closed cells, so it is lighter than solid plastic but still rigid, with a smooth, uniform surface all the way through. Sintra is a brand name for it that sign shops use the way people say coroplast for corrugated plastic.

Because it is plastic through and through, PVC board does not absorb water, does not dent like foamcore, and its cut edges look clean and solid rather than showing a foam core.

Thickness and printing

Expanded PVC comes in many thicknesses; our solid signs use 3 mm white Sintra, the common sign thickness, in standard sizes from 18 x 24 in up to 48 x 96 in. We print directly on it with UV ink on our Océ Arizona flatbed, and our Colex SharpCut cuts it to rectangles, circles or a custom contour around your logo.

Where PVC board shines

PVC suits signs that need to look finished and survive handling: office and wayfinding signs, wall plaques, retail and point-of-sale displays, menu boards, and signs in damp places such as pool areas or entrances. It also works outdoors in sheltered spots. Like most plastics it expands and softens slightly in strong heat, so large thin panels in full summer sun can bow; mount them with room to move or choose aluminum composite.

Which one for your job?

Choose PVC (Sintra) for durable indoor signs and sheltered outdoor ones with a clean, solid look. Choose foamcore when lightness and budget matter more than durability, coroplast for temporary outdoor signs, and aluminum composite for permanent exterior signage.

Common questions

Is Sintra the same as PVC board?

Yes. Sintra is a brand of expanded PVC sheet; sign shops use the name for PVC board in general.

Is PVC board waterproof?

The material does not absorb water, so moisture and cleaning do not harm it, and UV-printed ink is weatherproof. For long-term full-sun exposure outdoors, aluminum composite is the more stable choice.

What is the difference between PVC board and foamcore?

Foamcore is polystyrene foam between paper facings: lighter and cheaper, but it dents and dislikes moisture. PVC board is plastic all the way through: tougher, water-resistant, with clean solid edges.

Products where this term matters

See also in the dictionary: Foam board (foamcore), Aluminum composite (Dibond), Coroplast · full dictionary