Choosing the right material for your safety signs
At Message Works, creating signs isn’t just about meeting regulatory standards, it is also about ensuring they withstand the environmental conditions they are exposed to. Therefore, selecting the right material for your safety signs is crucial. Let’s take a look at the different option to help you choose the material that best meets your needs.
Corriboard: Lightweight and versatile
For those seeking a cost-effective and versatile solution, corriboard is an excellent choice. Corriboard (AKA corrugated plastic or fluted polypropylene) is a lightweight but rigid PVC sheet. Available in thicknesses of 4 mm, 5.5 mm, and 10 mm, corriboard is a tough material that has excellent durability for all indoor and outdoor applications. It is widely used in advertising, packaging and for surface protection in construction.
Key benefits of Corriboard:
- Affordability: Corriboard is one of the most budget-friendly materials available, making it perfect for temporary events or promotions.
- Ease of Use: Its light weight makes it easy to transport and install, even in large sizes.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications, from event signage to construction site warnings.
Ideal Uses:
- Temporary event signs
- Construction site notices
- Real estate signs
However, while Corriboard is versatile, it is not as durable as some other materials, especially in harsh outdoor conditions. For applications requiring longer-term use or higher durability, consider more robust materials like Foamex or Dibond.
Foamex: Durable and Professional
Foamex, available in 5 mm thickness, offers a balanced combination of durability and a sleek, professional appearance. Made from expanded PVC, Foamex is slightly heavier than Corriboard but still easy to handle and install. It is well-suited for both long-term indoor use and short-term outdoor applications.
Key Benefits of Foamex:
- Durability: Foamex is more rigid and durable than Corriboard, making it suitable for medium-term outdoor use.
- Professional Look: Its smooth surface ensures high-quality printing, giving your signs a professional finish.
- Versatility: Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, Foamex is a great middle-ground material.
Ideal Uses:
- Retail signage
- Exhibition displays
- Indoor directional signs
Foamex is a great option if you need a bit more durability without significantly increasing the weight or cost. However, for the toughest environments, Dibond is the material of choice.
Dibond: The Toughest in the Market
Dibond, with its 3 mm thickness, is the go-to material for the most demanding signage applications. Composed of a polyethylene core sandwiched between two aluminium sheets, Dibond is exceptionally durable and weather-resistant, making it perfect for permanent outdoor signs.
Key Benefits of Dibond:
- Extreme Durability: Dibond can withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, wind, and UV exposure, without deteriorating.
- Professional Finish: Like Foamex, Dibond offers a smooth surface for high-quality printing, ensuring your signs look professional for years.
- Low Maintenance: Dibond signs require minimal maintenance, retaining their appearance over time.
Ideal Uses:
- Permanent outdoor signs
- Industrial safety signs
- High-traffic area signs
For environments where traditional mounting isn’t feasible, our sticker option provides a flexible alternative.
Stickers: Versatile and Convenient
For those situations where mounting a hard sign isn’t practical, our sticker option offers a versatile solution. Stickers can be applied to various surfaces, providing a quick and easy way to display important safety information without the need for drilling or additional mounting hardware.
Key Benefits of Stickers:
- Flexibility: Stickers can be applied to almost any surface, including windows, walls, and equipment.
- Convenience: Easy to apply and remove, stickers are a great option for temporary or movable signage.
- Cost-Effective: Stickers are typically less expensive than hard signs, making them ideal for short-term or temporary use.
Ideal Uses:
- Temporary safety notices
- Equipment labels
- Window decals
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right material for your safety signs depends on various factors, including the intended application, environmental conditions, and budget. At Message Works, we offer a range of materials to suit every need, ensuring that your signs are not only compliant but also durable and professional.
- For temporary and lightweight applications, Corriboard is an excellent choice.
- Foamex offers a durable and professional look for medium-term indoor and short-term outdoor use.
- For the toughest conditions and long-term use, Dibond is unmatched in durability and resilience.
- Stickers provide a versatile and convenient option for situations where traditional mounting isn’t feasible.
Our interactive sign-building tool makes it easy to design and customize your signs, choosing the best materials and finishes to meet your specific needs. All signs designed online are handcrafted in our workshop in the west of Ireland, ensuring quality and attention to detail in every piece.
By understanding the benefits and ideal uses of each material, you can make an informed decision that ensures your safety signs are effective, durable, and fit for purpose. Whether you need temporary event signage or permanent industrial warnings, we have the right material to meet your requirements.