A Buyer’s Guide to Sign Materials & Display Boards

Choosing the right sign material isn’t just about looks. It also comes down to cost, durability, and where it’ll be seen. After all, you wouldn’t want to buy a signage board designed for short-term use, when you actually need it for much longer.

To help you make the right call, here’s a breakdown of the most popular rigid signage materials around, along with their pros and cons. We’ll also explain where you can buy printed display boards, ranging from waterproof Correx to clear Perspex (acrylic), and Dibond aluminium.

Foam PVC (Foamex)

One of the industry’s staples, Foam PVC is often used for shop displays, exhibition graphics, cut-outs and standees, and directional signs. This signage board is relatively inexpensive, and it’s a good all-rounder that balances strength and versatility.

Foam PVC comes in a range of thicknesses and can be cut into any shape, so it’s just as at home on a wall as it is hanging overhead. If you’re after durable signage materials that won’t cost a fortune, this display board is an excellent choice.

What are its main advantages?

  • Lightweight and easy to install
  • Moisture-resistant for longevity
  • A less expensive type of signage
  • Can be matt or gloss laminated

What are its limitations?

A rigid media featuring PVC, this foam board isn’t the most eco-friendly option around. So, if sustainability matters to you, there are better options to choose from.

Why not see our list of eco-friendly display products to get started?

Correx

If you’ve walked past an estate agent’s ‘For Sale’ board, then you’ve likely seen Correx in action. This corrugated polypropylene material is a favourite for temporary outdoor signs, and for good reason. Whether it’s for an exhibition, hoarding, or retail display, Correx shines when you need something lightweight, convenient, durable, and affordable.

This rigid media is waterproof and budget-friendly, standing as one of the more cost-effective solutions for quick and effective outdoor campaigns. As printed display boards go, Correx is simple to handle, kind to your wallet, and a solid choice for everyday marketing.

What are its main advantages?

  • Suitable for wet and rainy conditions
  • Among the more budget-friendly sign materials
  • A PVC-free choice that’s fully recyclable

What are its limitations?

Unlike some signage materials, like Dibond, Correx sheets can bend or warp over time. In turn, you’re better off looking for an alternative if you’re running an extended campaign or have long-term use in mind.

Perspex Acrylic

All about a ‘high-end’ look, this glossy, crystal-clear material can instantly elevate a space. You’ll often find acrylic signage in offices, retail stores, libraries and leisure centres. Because it mimics the look of glass but is lighter and more versatile, it’s a go-to for brands that want sign materials to look sleek and professional.

It can be face printed and placed outdoors, or reverse printed for indoor use (see our guide to reverse printing on acrylic for info) – and it can also be layered and backlit. A real statement piece!

What are its main advantages?

  • Can be cut into unique shapes and mounted
  • A long-lasting indoor display option
  • The only transparent signage material

What are its limitations?

Acrylic isn’t one of the strongest signage materials. It’s more prone to surface scratches, but reverse printing can help protect it for a longer-lasting display.

Re-board


Re-board is one of the most eco-friendly sign materials to date. Made from recycled cardboard, it’s incredibly light yet surprisingly strong – used in everything from exhibition walls to pop-up booths and window displays. Easy to cut and print, brands love Reboard material for bold, custom builds that are great for the environment.

Re-board’s strength means it can be made into 3D, freestanding structures without them being heavy and hard to move. For short-term displays that don’t cost the earth (literally!), Re-board is a clever solution.

What are its main advantages?

  • 100% recyclable and environmentally friendly
  • Lightweight but surprisingly sturdy
  • Able to form any shape or design
See our Re-board material guide for even more on this fantastic display and signage options.

What are its limitations?

Re-board is a great short-term product for high-impact campaigns and displays. Although it’s moisture-resistant to some extent, this material is strictly for indoor use – and it can’t hold its own in poor weather.

2mm display board (Libra)

Also known as Libra display board, this 2mm lightweight material is perfect for hanging signs, seasonal promotions, point-of-sale displays, kiosks, and brand activations. Libra 2mm is cost-effective, easy to install, and kinder to the planet than many other sign materials, so it’s a popular choice for projects on a shoestring.

The slim profile makes printing and transport easy, and if you’re running a promotional ad, Libra board gives you flexibility without unnecessary waste.

What are its main advantages?

  • Thin material means it can be installed with simple fixings
  • 100% recyclable and made from FSC-certified materials
  • A more affordable product for short-term promotions
What are its limitations?

Libra is thinner than other printed display boards, and while that makes it easy to move and install, it also means it’s less durable against scratches, scuffs and physical impacts. Recommended for hanging and mounting.

Dibond (aluminium composite)

The premium choice for rigid media, Dibond is made with aluminium layers bonded to a solid polyethylene core – for the ultimate in durability! Its enduring strength means it won’t easily warp or fade, so your designs will look just as eye-catching after months outdoors.

Dibond signage boards are great for long-term and even permanent displays, including cladding, shopfitting, backdrops, hoardings, and outdoor signs. See our outdoor signage ideas to learn how Dibond can help you attract new customers.

What are its main advantages?

  • Extremely strong and weather-resistant
  • A premium, professional look
  • Anti-graffiti laminate is available
  • Can be gloss or matt laminated
What are its limitations?

Stronger but heavier than other sign materials, Dibond isn’t the easiest to install. It’s also the premium rigid board, so it’s not suitable for short-term promotions on a tight budget.

Bubble board (Triaprint)

Built with polypropylene, which is a sustainable material, and a lightweight bubble core, Triaprint is stronger than Correx and good for the environment. You’ll often find it used for promotions, short-term retail signage, and exhibitions where brands want greener solutions without losing performance.

Bubble board is quick to install and take down, and its extra strength means it’s a go-to display board for contoured shapes, as well as cut-outs and standees.

What are its main advantages?

  • Its honeycomb structure adds stability
  • A greener, fully recyclable option
  • A great print surface for bold graphics

What are its limitations?

While it’s PVC-free and recyclable, and stronger than Correx, it isn’t quite as durable as Foamex. This means bubble board Triaprint is one of the best signage materials for shorter, eco-friendly displays.

KAPA foam board

KAPA is a premium, printed display board used for quality indoor displays, including mounted graphics and exhibition visuals. It has a lightweight form core sandwiched between coated liners, for an extremely smooth surface – perfect for pin-sharp printing!

Because it’s so light, KAPA foam board is recommended for POS advertising, hanging signs, presentation boards, photo mounting, and creative displays.

What are its main advantages?

  • Easy to cut, contour and mount
  • A very smooth surface for impactful prints
  • A solid mid-range option for retail displays
What are its limitations?

KAPA foam board is more expensive than other printed display boards like Correx and 2mm Libra board. However, it blends strength and affordability to make a great option for everyday use.

Where to buy your signage materials

Wish you could order your signage materials quickly and easily, without fuss? If so, you’re in the right place! We have every product in stock and ready for printing. Whether you’re aiming for an eco-friendly display or value long-term durability, we’ve got you covered.

Head over to our rigid media products and pick your favourite to begin your order. You can then customise your design using our free tool or upload your own artwork.

Just click below to browse our signage boards!

 

Design & Order Your Rigid Sign Materials Here