What Is Foamex? Uses, Thicknesses and Prices
Updated ·4 min read
Foamex is a lightweight, rigid PVC foam board with a clean, flat finish. It costs less than aluminium, which makes it a good choice for indoor signs, menu boards, event displays and shorter-term outdoor use. Our flat Foamex sign comes in 3mm, 5mm, 10mm and 19mm and starts from £10.50 including VAT at the smallest size.
What Foamex Is
Foamex is a rigid board made from PVC foam. It is light, easy to handle and has a smooth, flat face that takes print well, so colours and logos look clean. The material is also called PVC foam board.
For a sign that needs to last outdoors for years, choose aluminium composite instead. Our guide to sign materials compared sets Foamex alongside every other material we use.
The Four Thicknesses
Our flat Foamex signs come in four thicknesses:
- 3mm: the thinnest board, for wall-mounted signs and posters.
- 5mm: a little stiffer, still light and easy to fit.
- 10mm: a chunkier, more solid panel for displays.
- 19mm: the thickest board, for a substantial, solid look.
Thinner boards suit wall-mounted signs and posters, while 10mm and 19mm give a more solid panel for displays. You choose the thickness on the product page and the price updates as you go. Strut cards use 3mm or 5mm Foamex, as well as 3.5mm correx.
Indoor Use and Short-Term Outdoor Use
Foamex is at its best indoors, where it stays flat and clean: shop and office signs, information boards, retail and event displays. It also works outdoors for shorter-term jobs, such as an event or a temporary site sign.
If the sign has to stay outside for years, step up to aluminium composite. Our guide to indoor and outdoor signs lists which products suit each.
Laminates and Finishes
You can add a laminate over the print on a flat Foamex sign:
- Matt: non-reflective protection that reduces glare.
- Gloss: protection that makes colours look richer.
- Anti-graffiti: wipe-clean protection for exposed spots.
- Dry-wipe: a writable finish for boards you want to write on with dry-wipe markers, which suits menu boards and daily specials.
You can also choose premium printed vinyl in place of standard print, and print on one side or both.
What Foamex Is Used For
- Signs: wall signs, door signs and information boards, usually indoors.
- Menu boards and price boards: a dry-wipe laminate lets you change the message.
- Event displays: light and rigid, a good fit for temporary displays.
- Counter displays: strut cards come in 3mm or 5mm Foamex, with a collapsible strut on the back.
Our menu board guide and strut cards guide cover these uses in more detail.
Foamex vs Aluminium Composite and Correx
- Foamex vs aluminium composite: aluminium composite is a stronger, weather-resistant panel made for long-term outdoor use. Foamex is lighter and costs less. See our comparison of Foamex vs aluminium.
- Foamex vs correx: correx is fluted polypropylene, very light, waterproof and low cost, made for temporary signs. Foamex is a more rigid, flatter board with a cleaner finish. See correx vs Foamex.
Foamex Prices by Size
These are today's starting prices for a single-sided flat Foamex sign, including VAT, at the most affordable thickness and finish:
- A2 (420 × 594mm): from £24.00
- A1 (594 × 841mm): from £38.50
- 1200 × 600mm: from £48.50
- 1500 × 500mm: from £50.50
- Full sheet (1220 × 2440mm): from £157.00
The calculator on the product page shows your exact price as you change the size, thickness and finish, and these figures come from the same calculator. Our Foamex prices page has more sizes, including A1, A0 and the full 8 × 4ft sheet. Production takes 3 working days once you approve your proof, and we make everything at our Manchester production HQ and deliver UK-wide.
Common Questions
Is Foamex the same as PVC foam board?
Yes. Foamex is the name most people use for rigid PVC foam board, and the two terms are often used interchangeably.
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. See our guide to aluminium composite.
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 more solid panel for displays.
Can I write on a Foamex sign?
Yes, if you choose the dry-wipe laminate. It gives a writable finish that works with dry-wipe markers, so it suits menu and specials boards.
Is Foamex cheaper than aluminium?
Yes. A Foamex sign starts from £10.50 and an aluminium composite sign from £16.00, including VAT, at the smallest size. Aluminium costs more because it is made for long-term outdoor use.
