Printed Sign Boards in Dibond, Foamex and Correx
Flat printed sign boards are the workhorse of commercial signage: car park notices, site boards, building directories, wall panels and temporary promotions. The board material makes the biggest difference to how the sign looks and how long it is fit for purpose, so we start by asking where it will go and how long it needs to stay up.
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Choosing the right board
Start with how long the sign must last and where it will stand. A permanent sign on a wall that faces the weather points to aluminium composite. A sign inside a reception, shop or showroom usually suits Foamex, which gives a crisp print at a lower weight. A sign that only needs to stand for a short campaign or a phase of works is a natural fit for Correx.
Size and fixing matter as much as material. Larger boards on fences and posts catch the wind, so they need rigid panels and enough fixing points; smaller interior signs can be held with tape or stand-offs. Print can be finished with a matt or gloss laminate to protect the surface and reduce glare. We cut boards in our workshop to standard sizes or to the exact dimensions of the space, including rounded corners and shaped outlines, so the sign fits the wall or frame it is going on.
Dibond and aluminium composite
Dibond is a brand of aluminium composite panel: two thin aluminium skins bonded to a solid core. It is rigid, flat and resistant to weather, which makes it the usual choice for long-term outdoor signs such as building signs, car park boards and post-mounted panels. It can be printed directly or covered in printed vinyl and laminate, and cut to shaped outlines.
Foamex and PVC foam board
Foamex is a lightweight expanded PVC board with a smooth, matt surface. It prints beautifully and is easy to fix, so it suits interior signs, display panels, retail graphics and short-term exterior use. It is less rigid than aluminium composite and can bow in heat or strong sun if used outside for long periods.
Correx
Correx is a fluted polypropylene board, light and waterproof, and the cheapest of the three. It is designed for temporary jobs: estate agent boards, event directions, election and promotional signs, and short construction-phase notices. It can be cable-tied to fences or stapled to stakes.
Fixings and sizes
- Drilled holes with screw caps for walls and fences.
- Stand-off locators for a premium floating finish indoors.
- Rail and channel fixings for post-and-panel signs.
- Double-sided tape for smooth interior surfaces.
- Boards cut to standard or custom sizes and shapes in our workshop.
Printed Sign Boards: Questions and Answers
Dibond or Foamex for outdoor signs?
For permanent outdoor signs, Dibond aluminium composite is the better choice because it stays flat and stands up to weather. Foamex is excellent indoors and can work outside for short-term use, but it is softer and can warp in sun and heat.
How long do Correx boards last outside?
Correx is intended for temporary use. It is waterproof, but sunlight and wind gradually fade the print and weaken the board, so it suits short campaigns, events and project phases rather than permanent signs. If a sign needs to stay up longer, we would suggest Dibond.
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