Sign Material Performance Guide
for Interpretive Application

Very High = VH; Very Good = VG; Very Low = VL; High = H; Good = G; Low = L; Fair = F; Poor = P

Sign Material	Scratch Resistance	Impact Resistance	Weather	Resistance	Replacement Cost	Graphic Range	Required Maintenance	Years of Service	Relative Cost	Overall Rating
Porcelain enamel on steel (glass)*	VG	VG	VG	H	VG	L	20+	VH	VG
Fiberglass embedded*	G	VG	VG	V L	VG	L	10+	H	VG
Baked enamel on metal (paint)	P	G	F	H	F	M	5+	M	F
Photoprocessed aluminum*	G	G	VG	M	G	L	10+	H	G
Silkscreened or painted aluminum	P	P	G	M	F	M	5+	M	F
Cast aluminum	F	F	VG	H	P	L	20+	M	P
Castbronze or brass	F	G	VG	H	P	L	40+	H	P
Engraved or etched stainless steel	F	G	G	M	F	L	10+	M	P
Routed or sandblasted wood (painted)	P	P	P	H	F	H	5+	M	F
Engraved plastic	P	F	F	L	P	L	5+	L	P
Rearscreen printed plastic*	F	F	G	M	G	M	5+	M	G
Applied vinyl	P	F	F	L	P	M	5+	L	P

* Materials appropriate for outdoor interpretive signs.

Note: All comments in the above table are intended for guidance only. Reprinted from Interpretive Exhibits, Inc., Salem, Oregon.