How Much Are Sign Companies Paying for Materials in 2026?
MDO plywood, HDU and 3M IJ180Cv3 vinyl.
HOW MUCH DO YOU PAY?
ONE BIG REASON why net profits shrank a bit this year is likely the increased cost for sign materials and supplies outstripping sign company pricing. It’s no surprise that we found respondents generally paying more for a couple of staples than in 2025 — especially high-density urethane (HDU), but a handful are also paying less.
58. How much do you pay for MDO plywood, 4 x 8 ft., ½ in. thick?
| Less than $50 |
|
13%
|
| $50 to $99 |
|
38%
|
| $100 to $109 |
|
14%
|
| $110 to $119 |
|
9%
|
| $120 to $129 |
|
10%
|
| $130 or more |
|
16%
|
MORE OR LESS. The greatest change from last year’s findings is $130 or more, which was only 5% in 2025, though the combination of those paying under $100 inched up 2%.
59. How much do you pay for HDU 20 lb., 4 x 8 ft., 1-½ in. thick?
| Less than $200 |
|
17%
|
| $200 to $299 |
|
18%
|
| $300 to $399 |
|
21%
|
| $400 to $499 |
|
18%
|
| $500 or more |
|
26%
|
MORE FOR LESS. As with MDO, 2% more are paying less than $200 vs. last year, but the combination of those paying $400 or more (54%) is way up from 2025 (37%).
60. How much do you pay for 3M IJ180Cv3 graphic film, 150-ft. roll, 54 in. wide?
| Less than $500 |
|
21%
|
| $500 to $599 |
|
17%
|
| $600 to $699 |
|
16%
|
| $700 to $799 |
|
22%
|
| $800 or more |
|
24%
|
WE’LL TAKE IT. At last we have a bargain — or at least some better pricing than 2025’s findings. 3% more shops are paying less than $500, and a combined 3% fewer are paying $700 or more.
Go to part 9 How Much Are Sign Companies Charging in 2026?
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