Choosing the right board
Rigid board covers everything from a temporary site board to a permanent external panel, and the substrate choice decides both the cost and how long it lasts. The four in common use cover almost every job between them.
The commonest mistake is specifying by price rather than by exposure. Foamex outdoors on a south facing elevation will bow within a year. Dibond in the same position will still be flat in ten.
Before you order
Board expands and contracts with temperature, and large panels fixed rigidly at every corner will bow or crack. Panels above about a metre need fixing centres and slotted holes that allow movement, which we set out at drawing stage.
What we need to quote
- Finished size and quantity
- Interior or exterior, and for how long
- How it will be fixed or displayed
- Artwork, and whether it needs cutting to shape
Substrate options
Foamex
Lightweight rigid PVC. Interior display, short term exterior, easy to cut to shape.
Correx
Fluted polypropylene. Site boards and anything temporary and disposable.
Dibond
Aluminium composite. Rigid, flat and weatherproof. The long term exterior choice.
Acrylic
Clear or opal, for premium interior panels and illuminated faces.
Finishing
Contour cut to shape, drilled, or supplied with stand off fixings.
Common questions
What is the difference between Foamex, Correx and Dibond?
Foamex is lightweight rigid PVC for interior display and short term exterior. Correx is fluted polypropylene for temporary site boards. Dibond is aluminium composite: rigid, flat and weatherproof for long term exterior.
Which board should I use outdoors?
Dibond for anything long term. Foamex on a south facing exterior elevation will bow within a year, which is the most common false economy on rigid board.
Can boards be cut to shape?
Yes, contour cut to any shape, drilled for fixings, or supplied with stand off fixings.
Need boards printed?
Tell us the size, quantity and where they are going and we will recommend the substrate.
Middle Barn, Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, Weston, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG4 7DP
Ten minutes from Stevenage. Visitors welcome.