PVC sheet (Sintra)

Expanded PVC, often called Sintra after one well-known brand, is a light, rigid foam plastic sheet with a smooth face. Sign shops use it for flat cut letters, indoor and short-term outdoor panels, and backers. It is cheap, easy to paint and easy to cut.

Typical sizes and thicknesses

Full sheets are usually 48 × 96 in. Common thicknesses run from about 3 mm (1/8 in) for panels to 1/2 in and thicker for flat cut letters that need depth. White and black are stocked most, and many colors are available. These are typical figures; check your supplier.

Cutting PVC for signs

Router: PVC cuts quickly and cleanly with single-flute or two-flute bits. Keep chips clearing so the cut does not melt.
Laser: do not laser cut PVC. It gives off chlorine gas that harms people and corrodes the machine.
Knife: thin sheets can be scored and snapped, or cut on a knife cutter.

PVC is soft, so small letters can move once they are cut free. Tabs or an onion skin help; see keeping small letters in place.

How NestSigns handles it

NestSigns nests PVC letters by their real outlines onto full sheets and leftovers, with a separate stock list for each thickness and color, and sets the spacing from your router bit. See PVC letter nesting.

Try it on your own job. Open your artwork, pick a sheet, and see how many sheets you need. 20 free nesting runs, no credit card. After that, $14.99 per month, cancel anytime.
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