Outdoor Signage: Correx, Foam Board and Aluminium Composite

Three materials, three different jobs

Rigid signage is any printed display on a solid board rather than flexible paper or vinyl. The three most common materials are correx (corrugated plastic), foam board, and aluminium composite. Each has different strengths, and choosing the right one depends on where it will be used, how long it needs to last, and your budget.

Correx signs

Correx is a lightweight, fluted polypropylene board. Think of it as the plastic equivalent of corrugated cardboard. It is weatherproof, cheap, and easy to fix in place with cable ties, screws, or stakes.

Best for: Estate agent boards, temporary outdoor signage, event directional signs, construction site notices, election signs. Anywhere you need something weather-resistant and disposable or short-term.

Limitations: It flexes in wind if not secured properly, and it does not look as premium as foam board or aluminium composite. The fluted texture can show through on close inspection, though at normal viewing distance this is not noticeable.

Typical lifespan: Six months to two years outdoors, depending on exposure.

Foam board signs

Foam board (also called Foamex or foam PVC) is a solid, smooth-surfaced PVC sheet. It is rigid, lightweight, and prints beautifully with sharp colours and clean edges.

Best for: Indoor signage, exhibition displays, retail point-of-sale, wall-mounted signs, window displays. It looks more polished than correx and works well for anything at close viewing distance.

Limitations: While foam board is technically waterproof, prolonged outdoor exposure can cause it to bow slightly over time. For permanent outdoor installations, aluminium composite is a better choice.

Typical lifespan: Several years indoors. One to three years outdoors depending on conditions.

Aluminium composite signs

Aluminium composite (also called Dibond or ACM) is two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a polyethylene core. It is the most durable and professional-looking option in the rigid signage range.

Best for: Permanent outdoor signs, building signage, commercial premises, car park signs, health and safety notices. Anywhere you need something that looks smart and lasts for years without maintenance.

Limitations: It is heavier and more expensive than correx or foam board. For temporary displays or short-term promotions, the extra cost is rarely justified.

Typical lifespan: Five to ten years outdoors with minimal fading or degradation.

Quick comparison

Feature	Correx	Foam Board	Aluminium Composite
Weight	Very light	Light	Medium
Durability	Good	Good (indoor)	Excellent
Outdoor use	Yes	Short-term	Yes (permanent)
Cost	Low	Medium	Higher
Finish quality	Good	Very good	Excellent

Display boards

For indoor presentations, exhibitions, and retail displays, display boards offer a ready-to-use solution. They are ideal for trade shows, office displays, and educational settings where you need information presented clearly on a freestanding board.

Mounting and installation

Correx can be cable-tied to fences, staked into the ground, or screwed to posts. Foam board is best mounted with adhesive pads, standoffs, or simply propped on an easel. Aluminium composite can be drilled and screwed directly to walls or posts, and it accepts standoff fixings for a floating effect.

If you are unsure which material suits your project, think about the environment first. Indoor and temporary points towards foam board or correx. Outdoor and permanent points towards aluminium composite. For help with artwork setup on any of these products, check our bleed, trim, and safe zone guide.