Selecting the right signboard material ensures longevity, cost-effectiveness, and visual impact. Whether you’re creating signage for a business, event, or promotional campaign, the right choice can make a significant difference. The three most commonly used signboard materials are Foamex, Dibond, and Correx. Each has unique advantages, from durability to affordability, making them suited to specific applications.
This guide will compare Foamex, Dibond, and Correx in durability, cost, print quality, weather resistance, and ideal applications, helping you determine the best option for your needs.
Overview of Signboard Materials
Before diving into the details, let’s briefly introduce the three materials:
- Foamex – A lightweight yet sturdy PVC foam board with a smooth surface, commonly used for indoor and short-term outdoor signage.
- Dibond – A composite aluminium panel with a polythene core known for its durability and professional finish, making it ideal for long-term signage.
- Correx – A corrugated plastic board popular for temporary signage due to its cost-effectiveness and lightweight properties.
Comparison Table
| Material |
Durability |
Weight |
Cost |
Weather Resistance |
Print Quality |
Best Uses |
| Foamex |
Medium |
Light |
Moderate |
Medium |
High |
Indoor displays, medium-term outdoor signs |
| Dibond |
High |
Light |
Higher |
Excellent |
Very High |
Long-term outdoor signage, corporate branding |
| Correx |
Low |
Very Light |
Low |
Good |
Moderate |
Temporary outdoor signs, event promotions |
Foamex: Features, Benefits & Best Uses
What is Foamex?
Foamex is a PVC foam board known for its smooth, flat surface, making it ideal for high-quality printing. It is available in various thicknesses, including 3mm foam board, 5mm foam board, and 10mm foam board, to suit different applications.
Advantages of Foamex:
- Lightweight and easy to cut into custom shapes.
- Smooth surface for high-resolution printing.
- Affordable compared to Dibond.
- Available in different thicknesses for versatility.
Limitations of Foamex:
- Less durable in extreme outdoor conditions.
- Prone to warping over time with prolonged outdoor exposure.
Best Uses:
- Indoor retail and exhibition displays.
- Short-term outdoor signage.
- Point-of-sale (POS) displays.
Dibond: Features, Benefits & Best Uses
What is Dibond?
Dibond is an aluminium composite material (ACM) with a polyethene core sandwiched between two thin aluminium sheets. This combination offers exceptional durability and weather resistance.
Advantages of Dibond:
- Extremely durable, suitable for long-term outdoor use.
- Resistant to weather (rain, wind, UV exposure).
- Rigid and does not warp.
- High-end finish with excellent print quality.
- Fire-resistant, making it ideal for architectural applications.
Limitations of Dibond:
- It’s more expensive than Foamex and Correx.
- Requires specialised tools for cutting and shaping.
Best Uses:
- Corporate and business signage.
- Shopfront signs and wayfinding signage.
- Long-term outdoor advertising.
Correx: Features, Benefits & Best Uses
What is Correx?
Correx is a corrugated polypropylene plastic material. It is lightweight, cost-effective, and waterproof, making it a popular choice for short-term signage.
Advantages of Correx:
- It is very lightweight and easy to transport and install.
- It is highly affordable compared to Foamex and Dibond.
- Waterproof and weather-resistant, suitable for outdoor use.
- Fully recyclable, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Limitations of Correx:
- Less durable than Foamex and Dibond.
- Prone to bending in strong winds.
- The fluted structure may reduce print clarity.
Best Uses:
- Estate agent signs.
- Election campaign boards.
- Construction site notices and event signage.
Foamex vs. Dibond vs. Correx: Key Comparisons
| Feature |
Winner |
| Durability |
Dibond |
| Print Quality |
Dibond & Foamex |
| Cost |
Correx (cheapest) |
| Weather Resistance |
Dibond |
| Ease of Customization |
Foamex |
Choosing the Right Sign Material for Your Project
Ask yourself the following questions to determine the best material:
How long do you need the sign to last?
- Temporary? → Correx
- Permanent? → Dibond
Where will the sign be placed?
- Indoor? → Foamex
- Outdoor? → Dibond or Correx
What is your budget?
- Low-budget → Correx
- Mid-range → Foamex
- Premium finish → Dibond
Do you need a high-end professional look?
- Yes? → Dibond
- No? → Foamex or Correx
Which One Should You Choose?
- Foamex is ideal for versatile, mid-range signage with excellent print quality.
- Dibond is the best choice for long-lasting, premium outdoor signs.
- Correx is the go-to option for temporary, cost-effective signage.
Choosing the right material ensures that your signage meets your durability, budget, and design needs.
Looking for high-quality custom signage? Browse our range of Foamex, Dibond, and Correx signs to find the perfect solution for your project. Enjoy free delivery, expert design assistance.
Get in touch today to discuss your signage needs!
