What is the difference between foam board and foam core

Note: While gatorboard is recommended for long-term use, both signage solutions can last up to 2 years when handled with care and properly stored. Another type of display board, gatorplast, is very similar to gatorboard, only its outer facings are made of high impact polystyrene sheets, essentially plastic. Foam core displays are commonly used for advertising and wayfinding at indoor events, retail sale signage, restaurant menus, art mounts, picture frame backings, science projects, and more!

To display your foam core sign, use a tabletop or floorstanding sign holder , easel , or even an iPad stand for an impactful and engaging display.

Gatorboard displays are also commonly used in these applications, but can be displayed outdoors and for longer periods of time. Now that you know the difference between foam boards and gatorboards, which will you choose? Check out our custom foam core signs. Our contact center is currently experiencing high volume and may be delayed in returning your call or email. The lightweight attribute of a foam board makes it easier to move around, display on the wall and for easy storage.

Because it is lightweight, foam boards are also easy to print and cut. Pictures and designs can be printed directly onto the foam core, and the boards can be easily trimmed to just about any shape.

You can laminate or frame your foam board for a waterproof finish. And also choose from a variety of finishes such as glossy, textured, or matte. Foam boards are inexpensive , this means that you can switch it out easily without breaking the bank. That said, foam boards are not the best option for outdoor use. It is susceptible to the elements- sun and water, and can easily become warped, discolored and disintegrated if exposed to prolonged UV light.

Unlike other signages like Sintra, foam board is vulnerable to wear and tear and will need to be treated with the utmost care. Foam boards come in a variety of colors, thicknesses, and sizes. And the thicker the foam board, the more body and stiffness it will have. Whichever thickness you choose, foam board is sturdy, strong and can be customized to any shape or size. This thickness is used for exhibitors or professional photographers to hang picture collage on the wall.

Mood boards used by interior stylists or designers can be created with foam boards. Most retailers use this type of foam board to create attractive displays. Because the panels are cheaper, they are also less rigid and easy to cut. The backbone of this variety is the A3-size, which is 42 by This can be used for presentations, infographics, map, printing special pictures or as a decoration for a room. If the 42 by Sizes of by cm upwards would need a 10 mm thick foam board, for a maximum surface area of by cm.

The 10mm thick foam board has more body and is more rigid. This thickness is less likely to bend and is the best option for exhibition stands, theatre performance or photoshoots.

Most stores use it to display sales, it is an affordable option for printing several sale signs. Shopping malls usually have this size on metal stands, as well as movie posters. There are many options available when you choose to print on foam core including double sided printing, lamination, or heavy duty thickness.

Here is everything you need to know about the foam board printing process, from selecting your options to cutting the board to where to buy the material in the first place. When it comes to foam core posters, we recommend professionally printing directly onto the foam board and not pasting a paper cut-out onto it. This lends the finished product a sleeker look and prevents the separation and bubbles that can occur when you paste paper onto a board.

You can print pretty much anything that can be uploaded to a computer to print, such as all photographs, graphic designs, and text. When you order foam core boards from custom printers, they will offer you many more options than just custom digital foam core printing or different board sizes, there are a multitude of other options available. When you order a foam board print, you can choose single-sided printing or double-sided foam core printing for an additional cost.

Double-sided prints on foam board can be extremely useful if the print will be seen from both directions, like when hanging from the ceiling. Another use of double-sided foam core prints would be during a presentation. Then you can flip the board around to use as a visual aid for other topics. When you use double-sided foam core printing, you can save yourself the cost of purchasing a second foam core board.

Want to extend the life and quality of your foam core board? Consider laminating your foam board print. This will increase the life span of the board and give it a more polished finish. The lamination does add an extra cost in most cases, but if you want your foam core print to last longer, it could be a great addition.

This makes the board more durable, longer lasting, and less prone to bending and creasing. Cutting foam core is a straight-forward process since the material is rigid but not dense. Foam board can be cut to any shape or size using a knife, saw, or router. This makes it an excellent option for life-sized standee cutouts.

You can use more precise tools to get more intricate cuts or for smaller foam core projects like architectural models. Foam core should always be cut with caution and only with proper supplies.

The best way to cut foam core only requires a few tools, and can for the most part be done without professionals. To cut foam core on your own, you will need:.

A modeling knife with an ample supply of sharp blades. A metal yardstick to get the right angle and accuracy when performing longer cuts and unique bends. A large piece of cardboard underneath the foam core to use as a cutting surface. If you have a special work surface or mat for these purposes, that will of course work too. A flat work table. Avoid unstable conditions while cutting foam core, especially because you are using sharp blades. Make sure all the safeguards are in check before you start cutting the foam core boards.

Mark your cuts before hand with a pencil so that if you make mistakes they can be erased and corrected. When the top cut looks accurate you can go through the cut again a second time with a deeper cut all the way through the board.

Inspect your blades after your first couple of cuts and put on new ones if they look dull. Foam core can be cut to create many beautiful and intricate works of art!

Foam core can be bought at many office supply and some big box stores, but it is usually in restricted sizes and blank.