How to Choose the Right Material for Brand Tone, Durability, and Logistics
By Yan Luo | Samtop Display
Choosing the right display material for your POP or VM display affects everything from brand perception to shipping cost. MDF is affordable but heavy, plywood is stronger and greener, acrylic looks premium but scratches easily, and metals deliver luxury and longevity. This guide compares materials by strength, finish, cost, and use case — so you get retail-ready results with fewer surprises.
Why Display Materials Matter in Retail Design
Your render looks great — but the material you pick will decide how it feels in the store, how long it lasts, and whether it survives shipping.
Pick the wrong material and your display may arrive warped, scratched, cracked, or just… off-brand. And fixing it costs time and budget.
Use this breakdown to understand how materials like MDF, plywood, acrylic, metal, PVC, and FRP perform in real-world retail settings — so you can brief suppliers confidently and approve smarter.
🧱 Display Material Comparison Table
| Material | Best Use Cases | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDF | Painted plinths, internal bases | Smooth finish, low cost, easy shaping | Heavy, not water-resistant |
| Plywood | Wood-look panels, premium bases | Lightweight, holds screws, FSC available | Visible grain, slightly higher cost |
| Acrylic (PMMA) | Risers, testers, signage | Clear, polished edges, UV-printable | Scratches easily, brittle vs. PC |
| Metal (Aluminum/Steel) | Frames, risers, premium hardware | Durable, sleek, luxury tone | More expensive, needs welding |
| PVC/Foam Board | Temporary displays, event props | Very light, low cost | Looks less premium, not eco-friendly |
| FRP | Sculptural props, outdoor setups | Strong, weather-resistant, moldable | Long lead time, higher cost |
🎨 Surface Finishes for Different Display Materials
| Finish Type | Compatible Materials | Look & Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Matte Spray Paint | MDF, FRP, Metal | Soft-touch, premium, anti-glare |
| 2K Lacquer | MDF, Plywood | High-gloss, rich tone |
| Powder Coating | Metal | Scratch-resistant, even finish |
| UV Printing | Acrylic, Metal, Foamboard | Vivid logos, Pantone-match branding |
| Vinyl Wrap | MDF, Acrylic, PVC | Quick graphic change, cost-effective |
💡 Tip: Request side-by-side finish panels to see how light hits each surface under retail lighting.
Best Display Material Combinations by Fixture Type
| Display Type | Recommended Material Combo |
|---|---|
| Tester Tray | MDF base + acrylic top + UV logo |
| Window Arch | FRP body + powder-coated metal accents |
| Modular Gondola | Plywood + brushed metal + magnetic brand panels |
| Lightbox Backdrop | Acrylic diffuser + aluminum frame |
🔍Case Study: Mixing Display Materials for Luxury & Logistics
🟨 Brand: Global skincare leader
🟩 Challenge: Balance premium look with ship-safe structure across 18 stores
🟦 Samtop Solution:
- Base: FSC plywood with matte PU lacquer
- Top: Polished 5mm acrylic with UV-printed logo
- Legs: Brushed aluminum for strength + elegance
- Packaging: Molded pulp + double-wall FSC carton
✅ Result: Saved 32% vs. all-metal design, reduced shipping damage to near zero.
