Foamex, Dibond or Correx: choosing a sign board
The three most common sign boards compared, and which to choose for indoor, outdoor and temporary signs.
Most printed signs are made on one of three boards: Foamex, Dibond or Correx. Each has a job it does best. This guide explains the difference so you choose the right board for where your sign is going and how long it needs to last.
The short answer
- Indoors, or outdoors for a short time: Foamex.
- Outdoors for the long term: Dibond.
- Temporary outdoor signs on a budget: 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 |
| Standard production | 2 working days | 5 working days | 2 working days |
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sizes
All three boards come in A4 to A0 and several square and landscape sizes up to 1000 x 1000 mm. For safety signs, see how size relates to reading distance in our safety signs guide. For very large site panels see printed hoarding boards.
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.