19 November 2024
Best Materials for Outdoor Signage in the UK
Outdoor signage has to survive British weather - rain, wind, sun and temperature swings. Choosing the right material is the difference between a sign that looks great for years and one that fades or warps in a season. Here's how the most common board materials compare.
Correx (fluted polypropylene)
Correx is a lightweight, waterproof fluted plastic - the go-to for cost-effective outdoor signage.
- Best for: estate agent boards, site and event signage, short- to medium-term outdoor use.
- Pros: waterproof, very affordable in quantity, light and easy to fix.
- Cons: less rigid and lower-end look than aluminium; not ideal for permanent premium signage.
ACM (aluminium composite)
ACM is a rigid panel with a polyethylene core between two aluminium skins - the premium choice for permanent outdoor signage.
- Best for: shop fascias, business-park and wayfinding signage, long-life installations.
- Pros: fully weatherproof, rust-proof, rigid and flat, professional finish, long lifespan.
- Cons: higher cost than Correx (but far better value over its lifetime).
Foam board - indoor only
Foam board gives beautiful, crisp results but its paper/foam construction is vulnerable to moisture. Keep it indoors - for displays, POS and presentations.
How to choose
- Temporary outdoor sign on a budget? Correx.
- Permanent, premium outdoor sign? ACM.
- Indoor display or exhibition? Foam board.
Also consider the ink: we use fade-resistant UV-cured inks for outdoor work, so colours stay vivid. For fixings, ACM takes screws, standoffs and post channels, while Correx suits eyelets, ties and adhesive.
Get a recommendation
Not sure which board suits your project, location and budget? See our board printing options or ask our team - we'll point you to the right material.