What’s the Right Signage Material for Your Job? Foam Board vs Corflute vs Aluminium

When it comes to rigid signage, not all materials are created equal. Choosing the wrong substrate could mean poor durability, wasted spend, or the wrong visual effect for your environment.

Whether you're after a lightweight foam board, a versatile corflute sheet, or a long-lasting aluminium panel, this guide breaks down what each is best suited for.

Looking for help choosing a stock for a current job? You can also build your job online and we’ll help match the right materials to your brief.

Foam Board (Foamex or Foamcore)

Best for: Indoor signage, exhibitions, presentations, lightweight POS

Foam board is a rigid, lightweight material with a smooth surface ideal for high-quality print reproduction. It's best suited for short-term or indoor use and offers a premium look without the weight.

Pros:

Excellent print quality and colour reproduction
Lightweight and easy to mount (even with velcro or double-sided tape)
Budget-friendly for short-term use

Cons:

Easily dented or damaged
Not waterproof (avoid any moisture exposure)
Not suitable for outdoor use or long-term durability

You’ll find it used in retail POP displays, conference signage, presentation boards, and gallery-style prints.

Corflute

Best for: Outdoor signage, real estate signs, temporary events

Corflute is a fluted plastic board that’s UV-stable and water-resistant, making it ideal for short-term outdoor use. It’s often used for election signage, A-frame inserts, and construction notices.

Pros:

UV and water-resistant (ideal for outdoors)
Lightweight yet strong
Cost-effective for large runs

Cons:

Surface isn’t perfectly smooth — visible flute texture
Slightly less premium appearance
Can warp in high heat or wind if not mounted properly

You’ll find this option under our flyers and signage materials when ordering custom outdoor prints.

Aluminium (AluPanel or ACM)

Best for: Long-term outdoor signage, commercial buildings, directional signs

Aluminium composite panels are the gold standard for rigid signage. They’re rustproof, wind-resistant, and give a clean, architectural finish. Use them for serious, long-term jobs that need to endure years of exposure.

Pros:

Withstands wind, rain, sun, and impact
Crisp finish for high-end signage
Ideal for mounting to fences, posts, walls, or frames

Cons:

Heavier and more costly than foam or corflute
Requires proper mounting (screws, brackets, or adhesive)
May be overkill for short-term or single-use signage

If your signage needs to survive Melbourne’s weather and still look sharp, aluminium is the way to go.

Can I Print Double-Sided Signs on These Materials?

Yes - but with some considerations:

Foam Board: Can be printed on both sides, but is better suited to wall-mounted displays where only one side is visible.
Corflute: Double-sided corflute is common, especially for real estate boards or election signage.
Aluminium: Can be printed both sides, but you’ll need professional mounting or framing to display both faces effectively.

If you're unsure, just upload your artwork and let our team confirm which options suit your layout and visibility needs.

Material	Best Use	Indoor/Outdoor	Lifespan	Durability	Price
Foam Board	Exhibitions, POS, displays	Indoor only	Short-term	Low	$
Corflute	Events, real estate signs	Both	Mid-range	Medium	$
Aluminium	Shopfronts, directories	Both	Long-term	High	$$$

What’s the Right Signage Material for Your Job? Foam Board vs Corflute vs Aluminium

Foam Board (Foamex or Foamcore)

Corflute

Aluminium (AluPanel or ACM)

Can I Print Double-Sided Signs on These Materials?

Quick Comparison Table: Foam Board vs Corflute vs Aluminium

Still Not Sure? We Can Help

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