In the fast-paced world of exhibitions and trade shows, eye-catching displays are a must. Whether indoors or outdoors, businesses need durable, high-quality signage to attract attention and communicate their brand effectively. But which material offers the best combination of affordability, longevity, and visual appeal?
What is Foamex and Why is it Popular for Exhibition Printing?
PVC foam boards are lightweight, rigid materials commonly used in signage and display printing. Made from durable yet flexible PVC, they offer an ideal balance of strength and weight, making them perfect for exhibition printing where portability and high-quality results are essential.
The popularity of PVC foam boards for exhibition printing can be attributed to several factors:
- High-Quality Printing Surface: These materials feature a smooth, even surface that facilitates vibrant, high-resolution prints. This ensures that logos, graphics, and text appear sharp and clear, enhancing the visual appeal of exhibition displays.
- Versatility: They are highly customisable, capable of being cut, drilled, and shaped into various sizes and designs. This flexibility allows businesses to create unique, attention-grabbing displays tailored to their specific needs.
Image sources: Foamex Printing Company UK
Is Foamex Suitable for Outdoor Use?
Yes, Foamex is suitable for outdoor use when properly maintained. Exposure to sunlight, rain, and wind affects its lifespan. Storing and installing in sheltered locations enhances durability. Applying a protective coating can further extend outdoor longevity.
What is the Durability of Foamex?
This material boasts a rigid structure that offers high compressive strength, enabling it to endure significant weight without bending or breaking. Its closed-cell composition makes it highly resistant to moisture, preventing issues like rot and corrosion.
Durability Comparison of Common Exhibition Materials
| Material | Durability (Indoor) | Durability (Outdoor) | Water Resistance | Cost-Effectiveness |
| Foamex | 5+ years | 3+ years | High | High |
| Acrylic | 7+ years | 5+ years | Very High | Medium |
| Dibond | 10+ years | 8+ years | Very High | High |
| Cardboard | 1-2 years | Not Recommended | Low | Very High |
Disclaimer: Longevity depends on environmental factors and maintenance.
How Long Does Foamex Last Outside?
Typically, these materials can last between 5 to 10 years outdoors when properly maintained. Exposure to factors such as sunlight, rain, and wind influences their lifespan. Storing and installing them in sheltered locations can significantly enhance their durability. Applying a protective coating further extends their outdoor longevity.
What is an Alternative to Foamex?
While PVC foam boards are popular for exhibition printing, there are several alternative materials to consider:
- Dibond – Dibond is a composite material made of aluminium and polyethylene, providing superior durability and weather resistance. This material is perfect for long-term outdoor displays due to its robustness, offering a sleek and professional finish.
- Acrylic – Acrylic is an ideal material for high-end signage, offering a glossy, clear finish and exceptional optical clarity. It’s perfect for creating premium displays that require a high level of visual appeal, such as retail signage or awards. However, it tends to be more expensive, and can be more prone to scratching. Acrylic is often used where aesthetics and visual impact are key priorities.
- Correx – Correx is a cost-effective, fluted plastic material often used for temporary signage. It is lightweight, durable, and resistant to weather, making it a popular choice for short-term outdoor displays and event signage.
What are the Advantages of Foamex?
PVC foam boards are lightweight, durable, and versatile, making them ideal for exhibition displays, signage, and point-of-sale materials.
- Lightweight: This material is easy to transport and install due to its light weight, making it perfect for exhibitions and events.
- Smooth Surface: The smooth surface ensures high-resolution printing, allowing for vibrant, detailed graphics on displays.
- Cost-Effective: It offers a budget-friendly solution compared to other rigid boards, providing quality without breaking the bank.
- Waterproof & Weather-Resistant: This material is waterproof and weather-resistant, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor signage applications.
- Customisable: It can be cut, drilled, and shaped into various sizes and designs, offering flexibility for different projects.
Is Foamex Bendable?
These boards are inherently rigid, making them unsuitable for bending. However, thinner grades (e.g., 3mm to 5mm) offer limited flexibility, allowing for gentle curving without cracking. Excessive bending or applying too much pressure may cause them to crack or break.
For projects requiring more flexibility, it’s advisable to consider other materials such as flexible PVC or fabric displays. If a slight curve or gentle bend is required for exhibition displayscan work well, but for tight bends, it’s better to explore other options.
How Strong is Foamex Board?
This material is strong enough to resist impact and wear, making it an excellent choice for exhibition stands, display boards, and wall-mounted graphics. While not as tough as metal-based materials like Dibond, it provides an outstanding balance of strength and weight for most applications.
What is the New Type of Exhibition Printing?
The exhibition industry is evolving with new technologies such as:
- UV Printing – UV printing is a highly durable method that ensures vibrant, fade-resistant graphics. The process uses ultraviolet light to cure the ink instantly, creating sharp, long-lasting prints.
- Eco-Solvent Printing – Eco-solvent printing is an environmentally friendly method that uses biodegradable inks. This printing technique is a more sustainable alternative to traditional solvent-based inks, producing fewer harmful emissions.
- 3D Printing for Displays – 3D printing allows for the creation of intricate signage with depth and texture. Unlike traditional printing methods, 3D printing uses additive processes to build up layers of material, resulting in tactile, eye-catching displays.
Which Method of Printing is Most Popular and Why?
Digital printing remains the most popular method for exhibition printing due to its affordability, speed, and precision. Compared to traditional offset printing, digital printing provides greater flexibility and allows for quick turnaround times—essential for time-sensitive events.
Other printing methods like latex printing and solvent printing are also used, but UV printing dominates due to its durability, quality, and versatility across different materials such as acrylic and aluminium composite panels.
Conclusion
When selecting materials for exhibition printing, it’s essential to balance durability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. Lightweight yet sturdy options are ideal for both indoor and outdoor displays, ensuring a lasting impact. Utilising advanced printing methods can further enhance the quality of your displays. For high-quality, professional exhibition printing solutions tailored to your needs, visit Foamex Printing Company, where we provide top-notch services that ensure your displays stand out at any event.
