15 May Different Types of Signs – Explained
How to choose from the different types of signs: Correx, Foam Board, Acrylic, Metal or Dibond
Understanding the Materials That Make Your Message Stand Out
When it comes to printed signs, it’s not just the design that matters—the material you choose can impact the sign’s durability, appearance, and cost. Whether you’re creating event signage, shop displays, or promotional boards, selecting the right substrate can make all the difference.
At Griffin Designs, we regularly work with five popular signage materials: Correx, Foam Board (including Tecafoam), Metal, Acrylic and Dibond. Each has its strengths and best-use scenarios. So, what sets them apart and how do you decide between these different types of signs?
Correx Signs: Lightweight, Budget-Friendly, and Ideal for Temporary Use
Correx (corrugated plastic) is a fluted polypropylene sheet, often used for short-term signage. You’ll recognise it from estate agent boards or temporary event signs.
✔ Pros:
- Cost-effective – Ideal for bulk printing or short-term campaigns
- Lightweight – Easy to transport, hang, or stake into the ground
- Water-resistant – Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Recyclable – Environmentally friendlier than many assume
✖ Cons:
- Less rigid and durable than other options
- Can bend or warp over time in extreme weather
- Not suitable for long-term outdoor use
Best for: Temporary signage, event signs, directional arrows, safety notices
Foam Board (Including Tecafoam): Clean, Professional, and Versatile
Foam board is a lightweight, rigid material made from a smooth plastic (PVC) sheets. Tecafoam is a premium variant, known for its quality finish and enhanced rigidity.
✔ Pros:
- Smooth surface – Perfect for sharp print detail and vibrant colours
- Lightweight – Easy to mount with tape, Velcro, or pins
- Great for indoor use – Doesn’t bow or curl indoors
- Professional look – Ideal for displays and exhibitions
✖ Cons:
- Less weather-resistant – Not recommended for long-term outdoor use
- Can dent or crease if handled roughly
- Gets brittle quickly if exposed to cold temperatures
- Can discolour in high temperatures
Best for: Indoor signs, retail displays, exhibition graphics, mounted posters, wall art, short term external signs
Metal Signs: Brushed, Silver or Gold, Lacquered
Metal Signs are a fantastic traditional signage system for interiors giving an industrial look, especially when mounted on stand off supports. Often used by architects, estate agents and financial advisors.
✔ Pros:
- Smooth surface – takes vinyl lettering so can be updated
- Stackable – for office directional signage
- Great for indoor use – hardwearing and contemporary
✖ Cons:
- Less weather-resistant – scratches easily and can delaminate
- gets hot in the sun and edges can be sharp
Best for: Interior signage in a contemporary multi office environment
Acrylic Signs: Easy to self install, professional looking
Acrylic Signs are lightweight and easy to self install to even stud walling, making them incredibly versatile. They are equally useful as inexpensive, professional exterior signage. The design is applied to the inside of the glass, so they are difficult to vandalise too. Often seen in dentists, accountants, consultants.
✔ Pros:
- Design is on the inside face – less likely to be vandalised
- Equally good as exterior or interior – making it very versatile
- Professional look – immediately elevates a home office
- Easy to self install – no special tools required
- Inexpensive – making it an ideal choice for home offices
✖ Cons:
- Available in custom sizes, but not ideal in very large pieces.
- Larger sizes needs a thicker acrylic which makes the sign heavy requiring more substantial fixings
Best for: Indoor signs, exterior signs, in smaller sizes
Dibond Signs: Premium, Durable, and Built to Last
Dibond (also known as aluminium composite panel or ACP) is made of two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a solid polyethylene core. It’s a high-quality option used for permanent or long-term signage. This is the gold star of signage. It usually comes with a rail and clip system on the rear allowing it to connect with upright metal posts which are cemented into the ground. They can be self installed, although a certain ability in DIY would be required. Or hire a general builder.
✔ Pros:
- Extremely durable – Weatherproof, rust-proof, and UV resistant
- Rigid and strong – Won’t warp or bend easily
- Professional appearance – Sleek finish, perfect for high-end branding
- Long lifespan – Can last 5–10 years outdoors
✖ Cons:
- More expensive than Correx or foam board
- Heavier – May require professional installation
- Will require planning application
Best for: Shop fascia signs, long-term outdoor signage, branded panels, construction hoardings, building signs
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing from these different types of signs on where your sign will be used, how long it needs to last, and your budget. It is probably best to think about this before you consider design. Will you need planning permission, or tell your landlord? Will the signage cause any obstruction? And is it really needed? Over signage actually has a negative effect because customers will not read it.
Need Help Choosing? We’re Here to Help.
At Griffin Designs, we don’t just print your signs—we help you pick the right materials for your message and your budget. Whether you need quick-turnaround event signage or a premium shop front sign that lasts for years, we’ve got the solution (and experience) to guide you. And of course we can help you choose from these different types of signs.
Contact us today or browse our product pages to learn more about our Correx, Foam Board, Metal, Acrylic and Dibond signs.
Make a lasting impression—choose the right sign from the start.