Menu
Menu
Choosing the correct type of sign for your business can feel daunting for somebody unfamiliar with the print trade. With so many options, it is natural to feel overwhelmed when placing an order. We frequently find ourselves advising new and existing customers on the right attributes to align their signs with their unique application requirements.
Although it may feel overwhelming, choosing the right sign for your business is relatively straightforward. Although many signage variants exist, most of our customers gravitate towards the two most common types: Correx Signs and Foamex Signs (Foam Core Boards).
If you’re just starting your signage journey, these are the signs we often suggest. In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive comparison between Correx and Foamex. We will cover their advantages and use cases and give tips on choosing the right option for your business.
By the end of this blog, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge required to make the right decision for your business. Let’s get straight into it!
Correx signs are produced using corrugated plastic sheets, a material renowned for its lightweight yet durable composition. Correx’s distinctive fluted structure makes it lightweight yet highly durable and rigid. Due to its lightweight nature, it is the default option for businesses requiring inexpensive temporary signage solutions.
There are many benefits associated with using Correx Signs. Some of these include:
Affordability: Correx is inexpensive, making it perfect for businesses on a tight budget.
Lightweight: Super easy to install and reposition; it offers a stress-free installation experience.
Water-resistant: Although it is not entirely waterproof, it offers short-term protection against the outdoor elements (3-6 months).
Recyclable: Made from polypropylene, it is 100% recyclable, making it ideal for environmentally conscious businesses.
Thanks to its versatile nature, Correx is used heavily across various UK industries. Some common applications include:
Events, Shows and Exhibitions
Real Estate Sign Boards (For Sale)
Advertising at festivals or sporting events
Public buildings, schools and hospitals
Moving on, let’s examine Foamex Signs. This signage material is made from expanded PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and is denser than Correx. Its smooth surface enables exceptional print quality. Foamex boards are rigid and hyper-durable; they can be used both indoors and outdoors, making them an exceptionally popular signage option across a variety of UK industries.
High-Quality Finish: Their smooth surface creates the foundations for exceptional print quality.
Durability: Foamex signs are weatherproof, making them ideal for outdoor use. They effortlessly resist wind, rain, and UV rays.
Versatility: Foamex can be manufactured to accommodate custom size and shape requests. It is highly versatile and allows for more customisations than Correx.
Value For Money: When you consider the versatility and durability that Foamex has to offer, it is incredibly cost-effective.
Due to its adaptability, Foam Core Boards are used heavily across the UK economy. Some key application examples include:
Exhibition displays
Retail and Hospitality signage
Outdoor Signage
Wall Art and Graphics
Challenging Working Environment signage (manufacturing, engineering, construction etc).
Public Sector (Schools, NHS and public buildings)
Now that you have a basic understanding of Correx and Foamex and their benefits, let’s compare their key differences to help you determine which is best for your needs.
Correx: Crafted from corrugated polypropylene plastic, Correx is both lightweight and rigid. It’s flexible and impact-resistant, making it perfect for temporary outdoor signage requirements.
Foamex: Made from durable expanded PVC, it boasts a rigid core with smooth surfaces, It offers exceptional print quality and a professional appearance.
Correx: Optimised for short-term applications, Correx signs will retain their quality for around 2-3 years when placed indoors and around 3-6 months outdoors. Unlike Foamex, it is not weatherproof, so it will struggle when exposed to the elements.
Foamex: Foamex is hyper-durable. Its rigid structure and weatherproof finish make it perfect for long-term outdoor usage. It will last 7-10 years indoors and around 5 years outdoors.
Correx: While Correx offers decent print quality, its fluted surface makes it challenging to deliver exceptional print quality. Instead, It is better suited for short-term advertising applications that don’t require crisp, vibrant prints.
Foamex: Boasting a highly smooth surface, Foamex offers superior print quality to Correx. If you require detailed designs and high-resolution print quality where vibrancy and sharpness are essential, Foamex is your go-to.
Correx: One of the cheapest signage materials on the market, Correx is perfect for businesses on a tight budget. Its low cost makes it ideal for short-term signage requirements where the sign won’t be used for long (think events, shows, and exhibitions). When comparing the price with the quality, Correx offers reasonable value for money.
Foamex: While more expensive than Correx, Foamex is a premium signage material offering significantly better value. Although Correx is cheaper, it offers nowhere near the quality, durability, or longevity of Foamex. Considering all this, Foamex is the clear winner in the long run.
Now that you have all the knowledge you need to make a well-informed decision for your business, you are likely looking for a place to order your sign.
If this is the case, look no further than BEE 4. We are a premium sign manufacturer with over 25 years of print trade experience. We offer our customers numerous transactional benefits, including:
✔ Unrivalled Pricing
✔ Bulk Discounts
✔ Exceptional Print Quality
✔ Fast Turnarounds
✔ Attractive Trade / Reseller Rates
✔ White Label Packaging Service
Visit our product page for a quote, or contact us at 01443841840 for further advice from our expert sales team. We look forward to working with you on your project!
Can Correx signs be used outdoors?
Yes, Correx signs can be used outdoors. However, they won’t last long (3-6 months). We usually recommend Foamex for outdoor requirements as they are far more durable.
What are the thickness options for Correx and Foamex?
Correx is typically available in 4mm,6mm and 10mm thicknesses. As for Foamex, we offer a range of thicknesses, including 3mm, 5mm, and 10mm.
Which material is better for event signage?
If you’re looking for a cost-effective temporary sign for an event, Correx is the best option. It’s lightweight, easy to install, and highly cost-effective.
Are Foamex signs more durable than Correx signs?
Yes, Foamex signs are far more durable than Correx. They will withstand the outdoor elements and retain their quality long after your Correx Boards become unusable.
Are Correx and Foamex signs recyclable?
Yes, both these signage options are recyclable.
What sizes do you recommend I choose for my sign?
Our most popular sizes are the typical A sizes (A0, A1, A2, A3 etc.). However, we offer a variety of other sizes and can even accommodate custom-size requests.
Can I order custom-shaped signs?
Yes. We can cut to whatever shape you like.
How quickly can you deliver my sign?
Typically, we process lower-quantity orders in 3-5 working days. However, high-volume orders can take up to 10 working days. We advise speaking to our sales team if you need a precise estimate.
Do you offer discounts for large quantities?
Yes, we offer discounts for larger quantities. The more you order, the less you pay per unit. We pride ourselves on our bulk pricing structures and are confident we won’t be beaten for price.
Can I upload my artwork?
Yes, we allow you to attach your artwork when you order online.
What other signage options do you offer?
In addition to Foamex and Correx, we offer Aluminum Composite Signs, Magnetic Signs and Acrylic Signs. Check out our Large Format Printing category page to view our expansive range in full.
Joe is our digital marketing lead. He specialises in SEO strategy, web development and PPC advertising.
He can be contacted at Joseph.Beese@Bee4LTD.co.uk