Foamex vs Dibond vs Correx: choosing a sign board
The three most common sign boards compared, and which to choose for indoor, long-term outdoor and temporary signs.
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Foamex vs Dibond vs Correx: most printed signs are made on one of these three boards, and each has a job it does best. This guide compares them side by side so you choose the right board for where your sign is going, how it will be fixed and how long it needs to last.
Foamex vs Dibond vs Correx: the short answer #
- Indoors, or outdoors for a short time: Foamex.
- Outdoors for the long term: Dibond.
- Temporary outdoor signs on a budget: Correx.
If you only remember one thing: Foamex for inside, Dibond for years outside, Correx for weeks or months outside.
Foamex vs Dibond vs Correx side by side #
| Foamex | Dibond | Correx | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Rigid PVC foam board | Aluminium composite: two thin aluminium skins with a plastic core | Fluted (corrugated) polypropylene |
| Thicknesses we sell | 3 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm | 3 mm | 3.5 mm, 5 mm |
| Best for | Indoor signs, point of sale, displays, short-term outdoor use | Shop signs, fence and wall signs, car park and safety signs that stay up for years | Estate agent boards, site signs, event directions, election and promotional boards |
| Look | Smooth, flat, clean edges | Very flat and rigid, a premium finish | Light, with visible flutes on the cut edge |
| Weather | Fine indoors; can bow in strong sun or heat over time | Stays flat and does not rot or rust | Waterproof and light, but can flap or crease in wind if not fixed well |
| Weight | Light | Heavier than the others for its thickness | Lightest |
Production times depend on the board, size and finish you choose, and are shown on each product page before you order.
Foamex #
Foamex is light, easy to fix with pads, screws or cable ties, and gives a clean, flat print. 3 mm suits wall signs and notices, 5 mm is stiffer for larger boards, and 10 mm is used for free-standing displays and signs that need to feel solid. It is the usual choice for door and information signs and indoor safety signs.
Foamex can be used outside for a while, for example on an event or a short campaign, but PVC foam softens and can bow in heat and strong sun, so it is not the board for a sign that must stay flat outdoors for years. Our sized boards start with A3 Foamex boards and go up to A1 Foamex boards and larger.
Dibond #
Dibond is the board to choose when a sign has to look good outside for a long time. The aluminium skins keep it flat and stable, and it can be drilled at the corners for screw fixing. It is the right choice for shop and business signs, car park signs and outdoor safety signs.
Because it is rigid, Dibond needs a solid, flat surface or proper fixings: screws with spacers, rivets, or a frame. Cut edges are clean, which makes it a good choice for signs that are close to eye level where people will notice the finish.
Correx #
Correx is the most economical rigid board and is fully waterproof. It is ideal for signs that go up for weeks or months, such as street and directional signs, construction site signs and event signs. Fix it with cable ties through drilled holes or with a frame so it does not flap in the wind.
The flutes run in one direction, which makes Correx stiffer one way than the other. On a tall board tied to a post, flutes that run vertically resist bending better than flutes that run across. Sized Correx boards run from A4 Correx boards to A0 Correx boards.
Foamex vs Dibond vs Correx by job #
| Job | Our suggestion | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Office door and wall signs | 3 mm Foamex | Light, flat, easy to fix with pads |
| Shop fascia panel or wall sign | 3 mm Dibond | Stays flat outside for years |
| Car park rules and bay signs | 3 mm Dibond | Weatherproof and rigid on posts and walls |
| Building site fencing signs | Correx or Dibond | Correx for the project, Dibond if the sign moves from site to site |
| Event directions and venue arrows | Correx | Light, waterproof and economical for a few days |
| Point of sale and exhibition panels | 5 mm or 10 mm Foamex | Stiff, smooth and looks solid indoors |
Finishing options #
- Lamination (gloss or matt) protects the print from scuffs and cleaning. Useful in busy corridors and kitchens.
- Drilling in the corners makes fixing easy.
- Profile cutting cuts the board to the shape of your design.
- Double-sided printing for boards that hang or stand where people see both sides.
Sizes #
All three boards come in A4 to A0 and several square and landscape sizes. For safety signs, see how size relates to reading distance in our guide to safety sign colours, shapes and ISO 7010. For very large site panels see printed hoarding boards.
Recycling and the end of a sign’s life #
Correx is polypropylene and Foamex is PVC, and both are plastics; Dibond combines aluminium with a plastic core. Take old boards to a recycling centre that accepts rigid plastics or mixed metals, and check with your local council what they take. The GOV.UK guide to managing business waste explains a business’s duty of care for waste such as old signs.
Foamex vs Dibond vs Correx: quick recap #
- Foamex: smooth and light, best indoors.
- Dibond: rigid aluminium composite, best outdoors for the long term.
- Correx: waterproof and economical, best for temporary outdoor signs.
Every order gets a free file check by a person before anything is made. UK mainland delivery is £7.95 per order, free on orders of £99 and over (see delivery).
Common questions #
What is Correx board used for?
Correx is used for temporary outdoor signs: estate agent boards, building site signs, event directions, election boards and promotions. It is waterproof and light, so it is easy to put up and take down.
What is Foamex board?
Foamex is a rigid PVC foam board with a smooth white surface. It prints cleanly and is easy to cut and fix, which makes it the usual board for indoor signs, point of sale and displays.
What is Dibond?
Dibond is an aluminium composite panel: two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a plastic core. It stays flat, does not rust or rot, and is used for signs that stay outside for years.
Can Foamex be used outside?
For a short time, yes. Over months in strong sun or heat, Foamex can soften and bow, so for a permanent outdoor sign choose Dibond.
Which board is the most economical?
Correx is usually the most economical, then Foamex, then Dibond. Each product page shows the live price for your size and finish, so you can compare the three before you order.
How do I fix a sign board to a wall or fence?
On a smooth indoor wall, double-sided foam pads or adhesive work well for light Foamex signs. On brick, render or wood, drilled corners and screws are more secure, and spacers keep the board flat on an uneven surface. On fences, railings and Heras panels, drilled corners and cable ties are the quickest fixing. Heavier Dibond panels should always be screwed or riveted, never only stuck.
Still not sure? #
Tell us where the sign is going and for how long, and we will recommend a board. Call 0161 315 1151 or use the contact form.