Foamex Signs

Foamex is rigid PVC with a smooth matte finish, and it's become our go-to board for most signage jobs because it prints cleanly, cuts precisely, and looks like you've spent more than you have. If someone asks us what board they should use and they don't have a specific reason to go elsewhere, foamex is usually the answer.

It's waterproof and handles being outdoors without warping or going soggy like paper-based boards. We've printed outdoor menu boards for restaurants like Asador that slot into pavement frame holders and stay out in all weather, and they hold up well. It's also a good choice for retail displays, exhibition graphics, office signage, event signage, and point of sale - basically anywhere you need something that looks professional and can take a bit of wear.

One thing worth clearing up, because it causes confusion constantly: foamex is not foamcore. The names sound similar, and people mix them up all the time, but they're completely different materials. Foamcore is the lightweight stuff with paper faces on a foam centre. Foamcore dents if you look at it wrong, the edges crush easily, and it falls apart if you try to courier it anywhere. Foamex is solid PVC all the way through, so it's much more durable and holds up much better over time. If you've been burned by flimsy foam board before, this isn't that.

How long does it last?

Longer than most people expect. We have foamex signs out there that have been up for over a year and still look good, making them a good choice for anything you want to reuse. Seasonal menus, Christmas displays, annual events - you can print them once, store them flat when you're done, and bring them out again the following year without any issues. The material doesn't degrade sitting in storage, and it cleans up easily if it gets dusty.

For outdoor use, direct sunlight will eventually fade any print, but you're talking months rather than weeks before it becomes noticeable. If your sign needs to stay outside for years in full sun and still look fresh, a dibond sign is the better option that won't fade or warp. In most other situations, foamex does the job without the extra cost.

Thickness

We print on 3mm, 5mm, and 10mm foamex, and the right choice depends on what the sign is doing. 3mm works well for anything wall-mounted or staying in one place - it's rigid enough to hang flat without bowing at normal sizes. 5mm is the safer choice for freestanding boards, outdoor use, or signs that are going to be handled regularly, because the extra thickness adds stiffness and makes it more forgiving. 10mm is there for larger freestanding displays where you need serious rigidity, though most jobs don't call for it.

If you're not sure which to go for, 5mm is the safe middle ground that works for almost everything. Still not sure? Get in touch with us and we can advise you.

Finishing options

We can cut foamex as straight rectangles or contour cut it to any shape you need - logos, speech bubbles, arrows, product outlines, whatever your artwork calls for. For display, we can add drilled holes for wall fixing or hanging, self-adhesive struts for countertop display, or a slotted base for freestanding floor signs. Single-sided print is the default, but double-sided is available for hanging signs, window displays viewed from both sides, or anything freestanding where people will walk around it.

What foamex handles well

Indoor signage of pretty much any kind, outdoor menus and A-board inserts, exhibition and trade show graphics, retail point of sale, event signage, and office wayfinding. It's waterproof and fairly windproof, though a strong gust on a large unsupported sheet will put stress on it over time. If you drop it on the edge it can chip - it's rigid rather than indestructible. Handle it with reasonable care and it'll last.

What it doesn't handle

Permanent outdoor signage that needs to stay up for years in direct sun. The print will fade eventually and the material itself can become brittle with prolonged UV exposure. If that's what you need, Dibond is worth the extra cost because it lasts significantly longer in those conditions.

Artwork

Supply print-ready PDF or high-resolution image files. For contour cutting, include a cut path on a separate layer so we know where to cut. If you're not sure how to set that up, send what you have and we'll help.

If foamex isn't quite right

For cheap temporary outdoor signage where you don't mind if it looks a bit disposable, Corriboard is the budget option - it's fluted plastic that handles rain but doesn't have the same finish. For permanent outdoor signs, Dibond. For single-use event displays where budget is tight, cardboard or honeycomb boards might make more sense. If you're not sure which material suits your job, ask us and we'll tell you what actually makes sense rather than just selling you whatever's most expensive.