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If you’re looking to purchase a sign for your business, the vast variety of available types can often feel daunting. As print manufacturers, we frequently nurture new customers and advise them on the best sign for their bespoke application needs.
Whether required for outdoor advertising or business branding, we frequently recommend two specific types of signs to our customers: Correx Signs and Aluminium Dibond Signs.
In this comprehensive comparison guide, we will outline the key differences, benefits, and application use cases of Correx and Dibond. By the end of this guide, you will have all the information you need to make the best choice for your business.
Without further introductions required, let’s get straight into it.
Let’s start with Correx Signs.
Correx is manufactured from corrugated plastic, also known as fluted polypropylene. It is well regarded for its lightweight composition and inexpensive price point. Correx is ideally suited for short-term application requirements or indoor signage. Everyday use cases for Correx include:
Correx boasts numerous features and benefits, making it one of the most popular signage options on the market. These are:
✔️ Lightweight Build – Their lightweight composition makes them super easy to install. They are perfect if you need to move and reposition your sign constantly.
✔️ Weather-resistant – Offers short-term resistance against wind, rain and UV rays, making them ideal for short-term outdoor requirements.
✔️ Budget-friendly – Correx is among the cheapest signage options in the print industry. It is perfect for businesses on a tight budget.
✔️ Stock And Custom sizes – Correx signs can be purchased in standard stock sizes, including A0, A1, A2, A3, and A4. They can also manufactured to custom sizes if required.
Aluminium Composite Signs are one of the most premium signage options available. They are manufactured from two layers of durable Aluminium sandwiched between a lightweight polyethene core. Aluminium Dibond signs are incredibly durable and are well-adapted for the outdoors. Some of the standard applications of Dibond are:
Key Features:
✔️ Durable and long-lasting – Dibond offers complete protection against wind, rain, UV and general wear and tear. This makes it well-suited for the outdoors or harsh working environments such as manufacturing and construction.
✔️ Professional appearance – Dibond offers a smooth finish and crisp print quality. It will retain its sharpness and vibrancy years after manufacture.
✔️ Rigid yet lightweight—Dibond is exceptionally tough but has a lightweight composition that makes it easy to install.
✔️ Variety of thicknesses—It is usually available in 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, and 10mm thicknesses.
| Key Differences Between Correx and Dibond Signs | ||
| Feature | Correx Signs | Dibond Signs |
| Material | Corrugated Plastic (Fluted Polypropylene) | Aluminium Dibond / Polyethylene Core |
| Durability | Short-term (3 to 6 months) | Long-Term (5-10 years) |
| Weather Resistance | Short-term protection | Unrivalled |
| Cost | Budget (highly affordable) | Premium (More expensive than Correx) |
| Best For | Temporary signage requirements | Permanent Signage / Outdoor Signage |
| Thickness Options | 4mm, 6mm and 10mm | 3mm |
| Print Quality | Basic | High-resolution, premium finish |
| Customisations | Variety of sizes and thicknesses. Custom sizes available. | Variety of sizes, thicknesses and finishing options. Custom sizes and shapes are available. |
If you’re on a tight budget, Correx is your go-to. It is by far one of the cheapest signage options. However, although inexpensive, it will not retain its quality for longer than 6 months, especially in outdoor conditions.
Dibond signs are your best choice if you’re looking for a premium signage solution. Although they require a larger upfront investment, they offer unrivalled value for money over the long term, thanks to their durability and longevity. Dibond signs will maintain their quality years faster after a Correx Sign has become unusable.
To summarise, Dibond signs offer the best value for money over the long run.
Our customers frequently ask us about installation and maintenance requirements for both Correx and Dibond signs. Here’s a quick summary below for your convenience –
Correx Signs:
✅ Super simple to install using cable ties, adhesive, or nails.
✅ Minimal maintenance is needed as they are temporary budget signs
✅ Can be removed and re-used between shows or events
Dibond Signs:
✅ Can be drilled or mounted using standoffs, screws, or adhesives. We offer a free hole drilling service as standard with every order.
✅ Low maintenance – resistant to weather, general wear and tear and corrosion.
✅ Easy to clean with just a damp cloth and mild detergent.
✅ Long-term investment with little upkeep required.
Now that you have all the knowledge you need to make a well-informed decision, it’s time to choose the best sign for your business.
Whether you opt for an inexpensive Correx sign for a temporary campaign or a premium Dibond sign for long-term outdoor applications, we’ve got you covered.
Here at BEE 4, we are a premium print provider with over 25 years of manufacturing experience. We have thousands of happy customers and offer some of the best pricing structures in the industry. Moreover, we offer a 30-day free returns policy for complete peace of mind.
So, what are you waiting for? Send us a quotation request on our website or call 01443 841840 to get a bespoke quote for your requirements. We look forward to partnering with you on your next project very soon!
To learn more about large format printing, read our Large Format Printing Ultimate Guide. If you’re looking to buy Correx or Dibond signs for a construction project, also consider reading our site board purchasing guide.
What thickness is Dibond?
The most popular thickness for Dibond Signs is 3mm. This is the thickness option we offer here at BEE 4.
Can Dibond be recycled?
Yes, it can be recycled.
Can I use a Dibond sign outdoors?
Dibond Signs are the most well-suited signage solution for outdoor requirements thanks to their extreme durability.
Can you cut Dibond boards to a custom shape?
Yes, we can accommodate custom size and shape requests.
What resolution do you use to print Dibond signs?
We print at high resolution 1440DPI in full colour.
What thickness is Correx?
Typically, signage manufacturers offer Correx in 4mm, 6mm and 10mm thicknesses.
Is Correx recyclable?
Yes! Correx is a corrugated plastic board and can be recycled after use.
Can I use a Correx sign outdoors?
Correx Signs can be used temporarily outdoors. They will last 3-6 months before needing replacement.
What resolution do you use to print Correx signs?
We print at high resolution 1440dpi in full colour.
What turnaround times should I expect for signage orders?
It depends on the quantity ordered. At BEE 4, we can turn around small orders in 3-5 working days. Larger orders will take between 7-10 working days.
Do you offer trade pricing?
Yes, we offer incredibly competitive trade prices for resellers. Contact our sales team to find out more.
How Should I provide my artwork?
Please provide your artwork in CMYK format. Ensure it is sent to us in a PDF or AI format. 72 DPI Minimum. Cut lines with 3mm or 5mm bleed.
Do you offer a white-label service?
Yes, we can provide a white-label service for resellers.
Do you offer any other signage options?
Absolutely. Check out our large format printing category page to view our expansive range of signage products.
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