Buyers Guide To Rigid Boards
Which rigid board is best for you?
Large-format rigid boards come in all shapes, sizes, and materials with different customisation options to fit any need. There are countless uses for large format boards, from exhibition signage, event marketing, advertising, and shop display signs, to wedding signs, life-size cardboard cut-outs and more. The possibilities are endless, but we need to figure out the right material for your needs.
Different materials are better suited for different use cases and environments. You need to consider the location of where your print will live and whether the outside elements might play a part in its lifetime. Another factor to consider is the surface that the print will be applied to. Will I need predrilled holes for easy hanging? Would I need the sign to be lightweight? These kinds of questions must be asked to ensure that your select the right material for your board.
Let’s break down all the different types of materials that we offer and see which one is right for you.
Foamex
Foamex Group
Foamex is a super lightweight material that comes in three different thicknesses. It is produced with a high-quality smooth finish that can be printed directly onto a single- or double-sided surface. Two PVC sheets are applied to a foam core centre making it extremely easy and affordable to manufacture. Due to the flexible material, Foamex can be cut into custom shapes and is easy to drill into to hang on a wall or suspend from a shop ceiling.
This material is water resistant and offers UV protection, meaning your design will look vibrant and last longer in outside conditions.
Foamex comes in a range of standard A sizes, but can also be purchased as a custom size (width 100mm – 1200mm height 100mm x 2400)
3mm Foamex
5mm Foamex
10mm Foamex
Extra options
- Drilling
- Custom Shape
Foam Boards
Foam boards are manufactured using high-quality foam that makes them robust and lightweight for most situations. KAPA comes in two finishes. KAPA Plast is a smooth finish that gives a vibrant and premium effect. While KAPA Tex offers a canvas-like texture that is perfect for Art Exhibitions or unique shop signage. Both offerings are sandwiched between a polyurethane foam core that not only gives the board a rigid structure but also achieves superb lightness.
Smart-X is a thicker board that offers even more structure and impressive qualities. An expanded polystyrene core means these boards are water and moisture-resistant, perfect for outdoor uses. The plastic sheeting allows direct printing and is UV protected for a longer lifespan.
A Scratch Resistant Gloss varnish can be applied to these boards, extending the longevity of your print. Currently, only single-sided print is capable on Foam boards.
Foam Boards Group
Use cases for Foam boards – Event signs, Trade Show Signage, Exhibition display, Window displays, Shop Signage shop sign, pop-up shop signage, Hairdresser signage, POS, Building Site Boards, Countertop signage, Band Night Signs, Property development boards, Event Seating Signs, Cafe Signs, Bar Signs, Menu Sign, Estate Agent Signage, Museum signs, Art Gallery Signage.
KAPA PLAST
KAPA TEX
SMART-X
Correx ® – Corrugated Plastic
Corrugated Plastic
Correx ® boards are simple in their construction. Twinwall polypropylene sheets are sandwiched between a rigid corrugated plastic core that is lightweight and durable. Ideal for short-term advertisements, such as outdoor exhibitions or estate agent signage. Customise these boards with predrilled holes to allow them to hang on the wall easier. If you wish to cut these down yourself, this can be done using a sharp handsaw. Add extra protection to your board with Gloss and Matt options.
Use cases for Corrugated Plastic boards – Event signs, Trade Show Signage, Exhibition display, Window displays, POS, Band Night Signs, Property development boards, Event Seating Signs, Estate Agent Signage, Automotive, Museum signs, Art Gallery Signage, Festival Signs
Extra options
- Drilling
Di-Bond
Di Bond
If you are looking for something that has a longer-lasting term, Di-Bonds are your answer. Hard-wearing, aluminium sheets are attached to a polyethene core. This means that Di-Bonds are the perfect signage for outdoors. Thickness is 3mm, coupled with its aluminium structure, this allows the board to be extremely ridged and will last for up to 3 years in outside conditions. These can be purchased with predrilled holes making them even easier and fast to place on walls and can be ordered in standard A sizes or custom sizes (width 100 – 1200 and height 100-2400). The aluminium used is rust and fade-resistant.
Use cases –Exhibition display, Front Shop Signage, Hairdresser signage, Car Park signage, Building Site Boards, Band Night Signs, Property development boards, Park Maps, Event Seating Signs, Cafe Signs, Bar Signs, Menu Signs, Garage Front Signs, Estate Agent Signage, Automotive, Museum signs, Art Gallery Signage, Festival Signs
Extra options
- Drilling
Cardboard
Cardboard signs are the best environmentally friendly solution for temporary signage. As these signs are made completely from cardboard, they can be easily recycled after they have served their purpose. Cardboard is not the most robust of materials, so they are better suited to indoor use only. Three models are available with varying degrees of thickness. Compact Pressboard is 1.6mm thin, which is super light and perfect for degree shows, exhibitions, and trade shows. Slightly thicker is our Double E+E Flute cardboard at 2.3mm thick. As this is thicker it can hold out for longer and is perfect for sale shows, indoor pop-up shops and party signs. Honeycomb Cardboard is our thickest cardboard sign. A rigid cardboard honeycomb core improves the signs’ structure and lasts longer. As this is more robust, you can get away with having a larger print. This material will last longer than the others, extending the life span of your print, and can easily be recycled after use.
Compact Pressboard cardboard
Doublewall Flute cardboard
Honeycomb cardboard
Use cases – Pop-up shop signage Event signs, Trade Show Signage, Exhibition display, Window displays, Shop Signage shop sign, Countertop signage, Band Night Signs, Event Seating Signs, Estate Agent Signage, Festival Signs
Plexiglas
Plexiglas Clear Group
Plexiglas is a hard, acrylic, material that is see-through and can look incredibly luxurious when used in the right circumstances. There are two material types of Plexiglas, each with two different thicknesses. Clear Acrylic is exactly what it says on the tin, a crystal-clear substrate that lets light shine through behind your design. We digitally print directly onto the material; therefore, it will give your design a see-through effect. When manufacturing these boards, the design is mirrored and printed on the back of the board (to be viewed in the correct orientation from the other side). This gives extra protection to the printed design and gives the board a longer-lasting life. These work great as Wedding signs, luxury office signs or premium beauty shop signs.
Plexiglass clear
The second material is Opal Acrylic, this form of Plexiglas has a diffused effect but still allows light to shine through. This is better suited if you wish your design to stand out, but still have the effect of glass. The graphic is printed on the front of the Plexiglas, meaning your print will be vibrant and opaque.
Plexiglas opal
On both materials, there is an option for extra protection in the form of a Scratch Resistance Gloss Varnish. This special finish coats the material with a thin layer of Gloss that reduces the risk of your board getting damaged or scratched. This also gives a high-quality shine to the front, adding to the premium look.
Rigid boards are an amazing tool for any business, especially those who are starting out and need to keep costs low. Check out our Grow Your Business With Signage blog for more information on how large format boards can help your business.