Sign Materials Compared: Aluminium Composite, Foamex, Acrylic, Correx and More
Updated ·3 min read
For a permanent outdoor sign, choose aluminium composite (ACM, often sold as Dibond): it is rigid, light and weather resistant. Foamex is a cheaper, lighter PVC foam board for indoor signs and short-term outdoor use, acrylic gives a glossy, glass-like finish for receptions and interiors, and correx and PVC banner suit temporary signs and events.
At a glance
- Aluminium composite (ACM, Dibond): outdoor and indoor, long-term. From £12.00.
- Brushed aluminium composite: a metallic finish for entrance and reception signs, indoors or out. From £26.38 as a stand-off panel.
- Foamex (PVC foam board): indoor and short-term outdoor. From £10.50.
- Clear acrylic: interiors and a premium look. From £24.00 as a stand-off panel.
- Correx (fluted polypropylene): temporary and promotional signs.
- PVC banner: flexible, temporary outdoor promotion. From £38.40.
Prices include VAT and are for the smallest size.
Aluminium composite (ACM, Dibond)
Aluminium composite is two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a plastic core. It is light, rigid and weather resistant, so it stays flat outdoors and is the standard choice for fascia signs, building signs, site boards and post and panel signs. Dibond is a well-known brand name for this type of panel.
Our flat aluminium sign uses 3mm ACM, printed single or double-sided, with matt, gloss or anti-graffiti laminate. Our signtrays fold the same material into a tray with returned edges, and the brushed aluminium stand-off panel gives a metallic finish that sits slightly off the wall.
Foamex (PVC foam board)
Foamex is a lightweight, rigid PVC foam board with a clean, flat finish. It costs less than aluminium, which makes it a good fit for indoor signs, retail and event displays, information boards and shorter-term outdoor use. For a sign that needs to last outdoors for years, choose aluminium composite instead.
Our flat Foamex sign comes in 3mm, 5mm, 10mm or 19mm thicknesses, with matt, gloss, dry-wipe or anti-graffiti laminate.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a clear, rigid plastic with a glossy, glass-like finish, used for premium interior signs, reception logos, display stands and point of sale. Our clear acrylic stand-off panel comes in 3mm or 5mm, with your artwork printed on vinyl and applied to the panel, mounted on metal stand-offs.
Acrylic also runs through our POS range, in card holders, poster holders and display bridges, and is one of the materials used for the raised letters on 2.5D signtrays.
Correx
Correx is a fluted polypropylene sheet: very light, waterproof and low cost. It is made for temporary signs, such as site and event signs and short promotions, rather than permanent use. We use correx or rigid polypropylene for printed bollard covers, and it is one of the materials used in our football toblerones.
For a longer-lasting rigid sign, step up to Foamex indoors or aluminium composite outdoors.
Which material should you choose?
- Permanent outdoor sign: aluminium composite.
- Indoor sign or display: Foamex for value, acrylic for a premium finish.
- Short-term outdoor sign or event: Foamex, correx or a PVC banner.
- Reception or office logo: clear acrylic or brushed aluminium on stand-offs.
- Fascia with depth: a signtray with raised 2.5D lettering.
Our guide to indoor and outdoor signs lists which of our products suit each.
Common questions
Is Dibond the same as aluminium composite?
Yes. Dibond is a well-known brand of aluminium composite material (ACM). Our flat aluminium signs use 3mm aluminium composite.
Can Foamex be used outside?
Yes, for shorter-term outdoor use. For a sign that needs to last outdoors for years, aluminium composite is the better choice.
What thickness of Foamex should I choose?
We offer 3mm, 5mm, 10mm and 19mm. Thinner boards suit wall-mounted signs and posters, while 10mm and 19mm give a chunkier, more solid panel for displays.
What is the most durable sign material?
Of the materials we sell online, aluminium composite is the most durable choice for outdoor signs. Add an anti-graffiti laminate for extra protection in exposed spots.
