Foamex is the go-to board for printed signs that need to look sharp, stay light and go up quickly. We print and cut foamex signs at our workshop at Cardigan Mills in Leeds LS4, for shops, offices, schools, events and building sites across the city. Send us your artwork, or just an idea, and we’ll come back with a free quote.

What is Foamex?

“Foamex” has become the everyday name for PVC foam board: a rigid, lightweight plastic sheet with a fine foam core and a smooth, flat face that takes print really well. You might also hear it called foam PVC, PVC board or foam board. It’s waterproof, it won’t rot, and it’s easy to cut into almost any shape, which is why you see it everywhere from shop counters to building sites.

It isn’t the same as the paper-faced foam board used for mounting artwork. That board is much softer and is only for indoor use.

Our foamex boards

The board

Our standard board is 3mm Foamalite X-press, a white PVC foam board made for printing. It’s light enough to hang from a ceiling or fix with double-sided pads, and stiff enough for most wall signs and displays. For larger or free-standing signs we also print on 5mm and 10mm board, which is stiffer and stands up to more knocks.

The print

As standard we print your design onto monomeric vinyl and apply it to the board, which gives crisp text, strong colours and a clean finish. Monomeric vinyl is designed for flat surfaces like this, so it’s a good match for foamex. For extra protection we can add a gloss, matt or anti-graffiti laminate.

Sizes and shapes

Every foamex sign is made to the size you need, from A4 notices to large display boards. We can cut straight edges, rounded corners, shaped outlines and cut-out letters, and drill holes for screws or cable ties.

What foamex is good for

Foamex is one of the most useful boards we make. Leeds customers use it for:

shop displays, point-of-sale boards and menu boards
opening hours and information signs
office, reception and room signs
directional, safety and fire exit signs
event, exhibition and conference boards
temporary site and property notices
cut-out letters, logos and photo backdrops

Past foamex jobs include display frames for Adidas, messages on a school wall and signs for weddings.

If you’re kitting out a stand, have a look at our pop-up exhibition stands

Can foamex go outside?

Yes, for the right job. Foamex is waterproof, so it’s fine outdoors for temporary and medium-term signs such as event signs, sale boards and site notices. Like most plastics it can expand a little in hot sun, so if it’s going into a frame we leave room for that, and we’ll advise on fixings.

For a permanent outdoor sign, especially a large one or one on a sunny wall, we’d usually suggest Dibond and ACM aluminium signs instead. They’re stiffer and made to last for years outside.

Foamex, Dibond or correx?

These are the three boards we’re asked about most. As a quick guide:

Foamex: light and smooth, with a crisp print. Best for indoor signs, displays and shorter-term outdoor use. Easy to cut into shapes.
Dibond (ACM): aluminium skins with a plastic core. Rigid and weatherproof, so it’s the one for long-term outdoor signs and shop fascias.
Correx: fluted plastic board, very light. Good for short-term signs like estate agent boards and site notices. Read more about the advantages of correx signs.

Still not sure? Compare our sign boards side by side, or tell us where the sign is going and we’ll recommend the right one.

How ordering works

1. Tell us what you need

Let us know the size, how many you need and where they’re going. Artwork is best as a PDF or vector file, but a high-quality image works too. If you’ve ordered from us before, we keep your artwork on file.

2. Artwork and proof

No artwork? Our sign design team can put something together from your logo and wording. We’ll send a proof for you to approve before we print.

3. Printed and cut in Leeds

Foamex is usually ready in 2 to 3 working days from proof approval. If you’re up against a deadline, call us and we’ll tell you honestly what’s possible.

4. Collect, delivery or fitting

Pop in and collect from Cardigan Mills in LS4, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm, have it delivered, or let our installers put it up for you. They hold CSCS, IPAF and PASMA cards, so signs at height are no problem. See sign installation in Leeds .

Looking after your foamex sign

Foamex is easy to look after. Wipe it with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water, and avoid solvents or scouring pads, which can mark the print. Outdoors, check the fixings now and again, especially on windy sites, and keep boards out of standing water. If a board gets damaged or you need another for a second site, we keep your artwork on file so a repeat order is quick.

Get a free foamex quote

Tell us the size, how many you need and where they’re going, and we’ll send you a free quote, usually the same day. Call 0113 898 0340, email info@dockstreetsigns.co.uk or use the form below.

Foamex sign questions

What is foamex board?

Foamex board is PVC foam board: a light, rigid plastic sheet with a smooth face that’s ideal for printed signs. Our standard is 3mm PVC Foamex in white.

Is foam board the same as foamex?

In the sign trade, usually yes: “foam board”, “PVC foam board” and “foamex” all mean the same rigid PVC sheet. Paper-faced foam board for art mounting is a different, softer product.

Can foamex be used outside?

Yes, for temporary and medium-term outdoor signs. It’s waterproof and won’t rot. For permanent outdoor signs we usually recommend Dibond or ACM.

Can you cut foamex into letters and shapes?

Yes. We can cut foamex to shaped outlines, logos and individual cut-out letters, which work well for displays and feature walls.

Can I get foamex printed near me in Leeds?

Yes. We print foamex at our workshop at Unit 7, Cardigan Mills, Lennox Road, Leeds LS4 2BL, so you can collect locally, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm, or we can deliver or fit it.

How quickly can you print a foamex sign?

Usually in 2 to 3 working days once you’ve approved the proof. If you’re up against a deadline, call us on 0113 898 0340 and we’ll do our best.

Our team of designers can help product the artwork for the signage. Our installers can also visit your site to put up your signage if you don’t feel confident doing it yourself.

If you are looking for foamex signs in Leeds then fill in the quote form below and we will get back to you with a price. Alternatively call 0113 898 0340 or email info@dockstreetsigns.co.uk. We also offer other external signage, internal signs, rigid media, vinyl and event media.