Signboards have to survive London weather: rain, wind, temperature changes, UV, and occasional graffiti. Cheap signs fade or warp within a year. The right material chosen up front saves the cost of replacing a sign twice.
Here is how to pick, from lightweight foamex to rigid dibond, based on use case.
Foamex (PVC foam board)
A rigid foam-core plastic sheet, 3mm or 5mm thick. Printed directly by UV flatbed.
Pros:
- Cheap (around £30 to £60 per square metre, printed)
- Lightweight, easy to fix with screws or double-sided tape
- Good for short to medium-term use
- Clean, sharp print finish
Cons:
- Warps in prolonged direct sun on larger panels (above 1m)
- Softer surface, can scratch
- Lifespan 1 to 3 years outdoors
Best for: shop interior signs, temporary promotional panels, trade show backdrops, indoor menus.
Dibond (aluminium composite)
Two sheets of aluminium bonded to a polyethylene core. 3mm standard.
Pros:
- Extremely rigid, does not warp
- Weather-resistant, lasts 7+ years outdoors
- Premium look
- Print holds up well in UV
Cons:
- Heavier (needs proper fixings)
- More expensive (around £80 to £140 per square metre, printed)
- Cannot be cut to complex shapes as easily
Best for: main shop fascia signs, outdoor wayfinding, long-term corporate signage.
Acrylic (Perspex)
Solid transparent or coloured plastic sheet. Usually 3mm or 5mm thick.
Pros:
- Crystal clear option for backlit or edge-lit signs
- Premium feel
- Can be cut to any shape
- Coloured acrylic looks great without needing to print
Cons:
- Can crack under stress
- More expensive than foamex
- Printing needs UV flatbed or vinyl application
Best for: premium office reception signs, backlit signs, award plaques.
PVC banner
Flexible vinyl banner material, typically 440gsm. Printed and reinforced at edges with eyelets for hanging.
Pros:
- Very cheap
- Easy to hang and move
- Great for temporary displays and large formats
Cons:
- Not rigid, flaps in wind if not tensioned
- Shorter outdoor life (12 to 24 months)
- Looks temporary (positive or negative)
Best for: building site hoardings, event banners, promotional displays, sports sponsorship.
Correx (corrugated plastic)
Corrugated polypropylene, like plastic cardboard.
Pros:
- Very cheap
- Lightweight
- Easy to cut to size on-site
Cons:
- Low-end look
- Can crease easily
- Short outdoor lifespan
Best for: estate agent “For Sale” boards, temporary event signs, construction site notices.
Metal aluminium sheet
Solid aluminium sheet, 2 to 3mm thick. Higher-end than dibond composite.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Premium feel, used for high-end office signs
- Can be anodised for finish
Cons:
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Specialist fixing required
Best for: corporate head office signs, premium location wayfinding.
Typical sizes and pricing
Indicative printed and ready-to-install prices:
| Sign type | Size | Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shop window sticker | A3 | Vinyl | £30 |
| A-board (double side) | 60x85cm | Foamex in frame | £120 |
| Interior menu board | 50x70cm | Foamex | £55 |
| Shop fascia | 2m wide | Dibond | £280 |
| Outdoor banner | 3x1m | PVC | £75 |
| Pavement sign | 80x120cm | Acrylic in frame | £180 |
Installation considerations
- Mounting: screws for permanent, double-sided tape for temporary indoor, brackets or ties for banners
- Wind load: outdoor signs over 1.5m need rigid materials and proper fixings
- Planning permission: shop fascias in London often need council approval; check before committing to size and design
- Lighting: illuminated signs need separate electrical work (not included in print quote)
Design tips for signs
- Legibility from distance: text height should be around 2.5cm per 10 metres of viewing distance
- High contrast: dark text on light background reads furthest
- Minimal content: signs are scanned, not read
- Bold colour palette: use your brand colours, but amplify contrast
- Sans-serif fonts: clearer at distance than decorative serif
Turnaround
- Foamex and correx: 2 to 4 working days
- Dibond: 3 to 5 working days
- Acrylic with custom cut: 4 to 7 working days
- PVC banner: 2 to 3 working days
Rush available on foamex and banner up to 24-hour production.
Ordering
Send us:
- Design or brief
- Intended location (indoor, outdoor, size restrictions)
- Expected lifespan
- Budget range
We will recommend the right material and produce a proof.
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