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Choose Correx when you need a lightweight, economical board for temporary or short-to-medium-term signage. Choose Foamex for a smooth, rigid PVC board that works well for retail, exhibition and general display graphics. Choose Dibond (ACM) when rigidity, dimensional stability and longer-term outdoor performance are the priority.
All three can be digitally printed, but they suit different jobs. The right choice depends on how long the sign must last, where it will be installed, how rigid it needs to be and the available budget.
Foamex
Foamex is a rigid PVC foam board with a smooth print surface. Display Wizard offers 3mm, 5mm and 10mm options, including selected single-sided, double-sided and cut-to-shape configurations.
It is a strong all-round choice for retail signs, exhibition graphics, menus, wayfinding and branded display panels. It can be used for suitable short-term outdoor applications, but fixing method and weather exposure matter.
Correx
Correx is a fluted polypropylene board. It is lightweight, weather-resistant and cost-effective, making it particularly useful for estate-agent boards, construction and safety signs, temporary event signage, retail promotions and directional signs.
Display Wizard offers 4mm and 6mm Correx. The thicker 6mm option provides additional rigidity for larger panels.
Dibond
Dibond is an aluminium composite material (ACM). Display Wizard prints onto 3mm ACM, producing a rigid and dimensionally stable panel suitable for shop fascias, wayfinding, construction signage, wall graphics and more permanent-looking external signage.
If the sign is intended to remain outdoors for longer periods, or needs a particularly rigid premium finish, Dibond is normally the strongest choice of these three materials.
Which board should I choose?
Temporary event or estate signage: Correx
Retail graphics and versatile general signage: Foamex
Longer-term external or premium rigid signage: Dibond
Custom shaped lightweight display: Foamex or Correx, depending on durability needs
Shop fascia or permanent-looking wayfinding: Dibond
See our Foamex printing, Correx printing and Dibond printing products for current configurations.
Foamex vs Correx vs Dibond
| Material | Construction | Available board options | Best suited to | Outdoor use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Correx | Fluted polypropylene | 4mm, 6mm | Temporary signs, estate boards, events, site signage | Weather-resistant; best for short-to-medium-term use |
| Foamex | Rigid PVC foam board | 3mm, 5mm, 10mm | Retail, exhibitions, menus, wayfinding, general signage | Suitable for selected short-term applications with appropriate fixing |
| Dibond | Aluminium composite (ACM) | 3mm | Fascias, wayfinding, construction, premium wall and outdoor signs | Strongest choice here for longer-term external use |
Sign Board Material FAQs
Is Foamex or Dibond better for outdoor signs?
For longer-term outdoor signage, Dibond is usually the stronger choice because aluminium composite is more rigid and dimensionally stable. Foamex can suit shorter-term external applications when correctly specified and fixed.
What is the cheapest option for temporary signs?
Correx is generally the most economical of these three materials and is particularly well suited to temporary campaigns, event signage, estate boards and construction signs.
What is the difference between Foamex and Correx?
Foamex is a solid-feeling PVC foam board with a smooth surface, while Correx is a lighter fluted polypropylene sheet. Foamex is typically chosen for a more substantial display finish; Correx prioritises low weight and economy.
Can Foamex, Correx and Dibond be cut to shape?
Display Wizard offers custom cut-to-shape options on suitable Foamex and Correx configurations, while Dibond can also be supplied with contour cutting or shaped finishing subject to the artwork and specification.
posted in Buyer's Guides
Published: | Updated:
Written By:
Peter Symonds
Peter Symonds is Managing Director at Display Wizard, a Preston based display and exhibition stand provider.
He has over 15 years of experience in the large format print and exhibition industry and has helped grow Display Wizard into one of the UK's leading provider of high-quality display solutions.
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