As per our Shipping and Returns Policy, custom cuts and fabricated parts are non-returnable. If you need an over- or undersized item, note it under "Comments" during Checkout. Cut-to-size orders have an acceptable cut tolerance of 1/8" (0.125"), so clarify if the adjustment is to be made on the (+) or (-) side of the saw blade.Please review our full return and shipping policy here.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Since custom cuts and fabricated parts are non-refundable, be very careful while measuring your dimensions. As each cut is nominal, even the slightest miscalculation could be costly.
How to Use a Measuring Tape
Extend your tape measure several inches to find the 1 and 2 inch markers. In between the inch markers you’ll find 16 equally spaced tick marks.
Measure by counting the increments beyond the nearest inch. As the increments decrease, so does the length of the mark. For example, 1/2" has a bigger mark than 1/4" which has a bigger mark than 1/8". The smallest mark follows at 1/16". Please be aware that some measuring tapes may have even smaller increments.
Features of a Measuring Tape: Sliding End Hook
The sliding end hook is designed for two different types of measurements. An outside measurement (where the hook of the tape hangs over an edge), requires the hook to slide out a bit to account for the thickness of the material. When making an inside measurement (where the hook will push up against a surface), the clip slides in, again, accounting for its thickness. The measuring tape self-adjusts to guarantee an accurate measurement (as far as the tape is concerned).
Sanitizing Acrylic and Polycarbonate Sheet [X]
Acrylic and Polycarbonate Sneeze Guards and like products require special care while cleaning and disinfecting. To maintain the optical clarity of sneeze guards and other acrylic or polycarbonate items, use an acrylic or polycarbonate safe cleaner like Novus Plastic Polish #1, Brillianize Plastic Cleaner, or a mild soap solution.
Please reference the following compatible cleaners when DISINFECTING acrylic and polycarbonate items. The use of commonly available commercial alcohol or ammonia-based disinfectants may cause crazing and damage.
Black Expanded PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) sheet is a lightweight, rigid foam PVC material with a smooth matte finish for signage, exhibits, and commercial displays. Its closed-cell expanded PVC structure supports clean fabrication, printing, and routing for visual communication applications.
Featuring a uniform black color throughout, Expanded PVC offers a sleek, professional appearance while maintaining a reliable strength-to-weight ratio. This material readily accepts common compatible graphic overlays, including printing, painting, laminating, vinyl lettering, and photo mounting, making it an excellent choice for three-dimensional exhibits, kiosks, and stage sets.
Looking for other colors or rigid options? We also offer White Expanded PVC for signage or display surfaces, or Solid Gray PVC for applications that need greater rigidity and mechanical strength.
Why Choose Black Expanded PVC?
This material offers a highly versatile combination of properties for visual, aesthetic, and commercial display applications. It is a strong choice if you need:
Lightweight Construction:
The closed-cell core reduces weight while providing rigidity for signs, displays, exhibits, and other non-load-bearing components.
Aesthetic Matte Finish:
The smooth, consistent black surface provides an ideal, high-contrast background for screen printing and laminates.
Moisture Resistance:
Its closed-cell structure limits water absorption, making it useful for indoor displays and humid environments.
Fabrication Versatility:
Easy to cut, shape, and form, reducing fabrication time for stage sets and Point-of-Purchase (POP) displays.
Expanded PVC vs. Solid PVC: Which Do You Need?
While both belong to the polyvinyl chloride family, they're used for different application types.
Choose Expanded PVC (This Sheet) if you need a lightweight, easily machinable material for non-load-bearing applications such as store displays, signs, and aesthetic components.
Choose Solid PVC if higher rigidity, chemical resistance, welding capability, or fluid-handling performance is your priority. Solid PVC sheet is commonly used for tanks, trays, guards, and industrial processing components.
Fabrication & Machining
Black Expanded PVC is highly fabrication-friendly. You can drill, cut, and rout edges using standard shop tools. Its matte surface readily accepts many compatible graphic overlays, including printing, painting, and laminating. As a cellular plastic, it is better suited to light-duty fastening than high-load threaded connections. Use appropriate inserts or mechanical fasteners designed for expanded plastics.
Watch: What is Expanded PVC?
Material Warnings
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Polyvinyl Chloride, CAS 9002-86, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov .
Handling: Cut sheets may have sharp edges. We recommend wearing protective gloves when unpacking and handling this material to ensure safety.
Suitability: We take pride in the quality of our materials as they leave our facility. However, because every project is unique, we cannot account for how materials are modified, stored, or used after delivery. Please perform the necessary tests to ensure this material is right for your specific application and end-use conditions.
PVCBX SH
Technical Performance
This rigid foam PVC sheet combines low weight, a smooth matte finish, and low moisture absorption for signage, exhibits, and commercial displays.
Light-Duty Building & Fabrication: Painted trim, display enclosures, prototypes, and non-structural architectural elements.
Signage Limitations & Display Material Alternatives
While Black Expanded PVC is a versatile choice for signs, exhibits, and displays, some applications may benefit from another signage material depending on durability, weight, surface finish, or outdoor exposure requirements:
Economical Printed Signs: Expanded PVC provides a smooth, rigid surface, but some temporary or high-volume signage projects may require a lower-cost printable sheet. Better Alternative: For economical indoor signs, screen printing, and point-of-purchase displays, consider High Impact Styrene Sheet.
Ultra-Lightweight Temporary Displays: Expanded PVC is lightweight compared to solid plastics, but corrugated plastic may be a better fit when weight, portability, and short-term use are the top priorities. Better Alternative: For yard signs, temporary graphics, event signage, and lightweight display panels, consider Fluted Polypropylene Sheet.
Durable Routed Signage: Expanded PVC can be cut and routed, but applications requiring engraved lettering, layered color contrast, or long-lasting exterior signage may require a more specialized sign substrate. Better Alternative: For routed signs, engraved graphics, playground signs, and durable indoor/outdoor displays, consider ColorCore® HDPE Sheet.
Dimensional Signs & Carved Displays: Expanded PVC is useful for flat signs and fabricated displays, but dimensional signage may require a thicker, easily carved material with excellent surface detail. Better Alternative: For dimensional signs, carved displays, routed letters, and model-making applications, consider High Density Urethane Precision Board.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Polyvinyl Chloride, CAS 9002-86, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to