Foam Board Printing vs. Foamex Printing: Which is Best For Your Business?
Posted on by Matt Roscoe
When choosing signage for your business, event, or promotion, two of the most popular options are foam board printing and foamex printing. Both options have remarkable benefits, making them popular choices for businesses looking to create impactful, high-quality printed signs for various applications.
Foam boards and Foamex signs are very similar, but they do feature a few key differences that will impact where you plan to place your signage.
Take a look below at the notable differences and how each material can benefit your business or event.
Order custom printed boards or Foamex signs in one place. Contact our team.
Is Foamex Signage the Same as Foam Board?
Although both options have ideal features for businesses and events, and are high-quality signage options, they are not the same.
They differ in structure, durability and application.
Foam board printing uses a soft foam core, making it lightweight and ideal for short-term signage and indoor signs.
Foamex printing, on the other hand, uses solid PVC (commonly known as Foamex boards), which is far more durable and suited to long-term signage and outdoor signage.
If you need something temporary and easy to move, a foam board sign is a great option. But if your signage needs to endure outdoor conditions, Foamex signs are the better investment.
Order custom printed boards or Foamex signs in one place. Contact our team.
What Is Foam Board Printing?
Foam board printing involves printing onto a lightweight board made from a foam core sandwiched between smooth outer layers. It’s widely used for short-term signage where portability and affordability are key.
Key Features of Foam Board Signs
Extremely lightweight and easy to transport
Excellent print quality for high-resolution graphics
High-quality digital printing for sharp, vibrant designs
Cost-effective for temporary campaigns
Suitable for retail displays, exhibitions, and indoor promotions
Best Uses for Foam Board Printing
Indoor signs and point-of-sale displays
Exhibition graphics alongside a roller banner or pop-up display
Temporary advertising boards
Short-term branding and promotions
Because of its composition, some foam board sign options are not designed to withstand outdoor conditions. You can take a look at our outdoor sign options here.
Looking for exceptional quality foam board printing? Carrick Signs provides a range of foam board signs for many applications.
What Is Foamex Printing?
Foamex printing refers to printing onto a rigid PVC board (often called Foamex boards). This material is much stronger and more durable than foam board, making it ideal if you intend to use the signage long-term.
Key Features of Foamex Printing
Strong, rigid, and weather-resistant
Suitable for outdoor signage and long-term use
Ideal for promotional posters, event panels, and presentations
Can be cut to size and customised
Easy to install with options to drill holes for mounting
Best Uses for Foamex Printing
External branding panels and shop signage
Construction site advertising boards
Durable retail displays
Long-lasting Foamex signage for businesses
Foamex signage performs exceptionally well in harsh outdoor conditions, including wind and rain.
Need high-quality Foamex printing? Discuss your design with our team today!
Why Foamex Board Printing is a Versatile Marketing Tool
Foamex signage has become a go-to choice for businesses because of its flexibility, durability, and professional finish.
Here’s why it stands out:
Works Indoors and Outdoors
Foamex signs can be used for both indoor signs and outdoor signage, making them highly adaptable.
Built for Long-Term Campaigns
Perfect for long-term signage, such as shop fronts, branding panels, and construction boards.
Customisable for Any Campaign
Foamex board printing allows for custom sizes, shapes, and finishes, ideal for unique advertising boards.
Professional Print Quality
With advanced digital printing, you get sharp, vibrant, high-resolution graphics that enhance your brand’s visual impact.
Easy Installation
Foamex boards can be mounted easily and even prepped with drill holes, making installation simple and secure.
From retail displays to large-scale event panels, Foamex printing offers a reliable, high-quality solution that supports a wide range of marketing needs.
Need high-quality Foamex signs? Discuss your design with our team today!
Foam Board vs. Foamex Printing: Key Differences
Feature | Foam Boards | Foamex Signs |
|---|---|---|
Durability | Lightweight, fragile | Strong and durable |
Usage | Short-term signage | Long-term signage |
Environment | Indoor use only | Indoor and outdoor use |
Weather Resistance | Not suitable | Excellent in outdoor conditions |
Weight | Very lightweight | Heavier but sturdy |
Installation | Easel or temporary fix | Can be mounted or drilled |
Cost | Lower cost | Higher investment, longer lifespan |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between foam board printing and Foamex printing depends on how and where you plan to use your signage.
Choose foam board printing if you need lightweight, cost-effective indoor signs for short-term campaigns like exhibitions or promotional posters.
Choose Foamex signs if you need durable, weather-resistant outdoor signage or long-term branding panels that will last.
Both options deliver excellent print quality and striking high-resolution graphics, so your final choice depends on durability, environment, and how long you need your signage to last.
Order custom printed boards or Foamex signs in one place. Contact our team.
Incredible Quality Foamex and Foam Board Printing With Carrick Signs
At Carrick Signs, we offer a wide range of high-quality, durable signage solutions designed for both indoor and outdoor use across the UK. Their product range includes everything from cost-effective Correx® boards and estate agent signs to premium aluminium and weather-resistant all-weather boards, ensuring there’s a solution for every application.
Whether you need hoarding boards for construction sites, eye-catching election signage, bollard covers, or custom printed boards for events and retail, Carrick Signs provides reliable, customisable options built to withstand real-world conditions while maintaining strong visual impact.
Exceptional Quality Printing Services in Manchester With Carrick Signs
At Carrick Signs, we specialise in both foam board printing and Foamex printing, delivering premium signage tailored to your needs.
Whether you need eye-catching event panels, durable Foamex signage, or impactful retail displays, our expert team ensures:
Precision digital printing
High-quality finishes
Fast turnaround times
Custom solutions for every project
Order custom printed boards or Foamex signs in one place. Contact our team today!