Choosing a printed sign board involves more than deciding how it should look. The material affects the weight, surface finish, mounting options and suitability for your display location.
Correx, Foamex and aluminium composite boards serve different purposes. Start with the job your sign needs to do, then choose a material to match.
Correx: a practical starting point for temporary signs
Correx is a fluted polypropylene board. Its lightweight construction makes it a useful option for signs that need to be handled, transported or replaced as a campaign changes.
Typical applications include temporary promotional signs, event directions and short-term site information.
Think about the size and support as well as the material. A small board mounted against a backing surface has different requirements from a large panel with unsupported edges.
For a temporary campaign, Correx is often a sensible material to consider before moving to a heavier board.
Foamex: a smooth surface for display graphics
Foamex is a rigid PVC foam board, rather than soft foam packaging. It provides a smooth surface for printed graphics and is commonly considered for retail displays, exhibition panels and indoor business signage.
It is useful when you want a flat board with a clean appearance for photographs, branding or promotional messages.
Thickness and mounting matter. A panel held within a frame may have different requirements from a board fixed at only a few points.
If you plan to use Foamex outdoors, check the specifications of the actual product and discuss the location before ordering.
Aluminium composite: worth considering for longer-term signage
Aluminium composite material, often shortened to ACM, combines aluminium outer faces with a core.
Suitable grades are used for indoor and outdoor signage where a more robust panel is required. Applications can include business identification, directional signs and branded display panels.
Dibond is a brand of aluminium composite material; it is not a name that applies to every ACM board.
For a longer-term display, consider the printed finish and installation alongside the panel itself. The board alone does not determine how long the complete sign will perform.
Ask these questions before choosing
A useful sign specification starts with five details:
- Will it be displayed indoors or outdoors?
- How long does it need to stay in place?
- What are the finished dimensions?
- How will it be supported and fixed?
- How close will people stand when reading it?
Include a photograph of the location if you can. It often explains more than a material name on its own.
Find a board that suits your project
Browse our rigid sign boards, or contact Banner&Board with your size, quantity and intended use. We can help you identify the next step before you place your order.