Foam core board, foam board, and ultra board are only some examples of what I have heard our clients call these signs. What they are all looking for is, a foam core board.
These foam boards have many names, and even more uses! If you’re considering using these boards in an upcoming project, here is everything you need to know!
What is foam core?
Foam core is a material that consists of a foam core sandwiched between two sheets of either paper or rigid polystyrene. The foam core is typically made from lightweight polystyrene. For those who don't know, polystyrene is one of the world’s most common types of plastic, and is also used to make Styrofoam.
What are the advantages of using foam core boards?
Foam core is a perfect blend of durable, economical and lightweight. This combination makes foam core very versatile.
Super lightweight – Foam core boards are incredibly light which means they can easily be transported, displayed and stored.
Economical – Foam core boards are one of the least expensive printing and display materials on the market. Their low cost makes foam boards ideal for short-term or large-scale projects.
Durable – Compared to other types of poster board, foam core is very sturdy. Foam core is rigid, lies flat on its own, stays straight when propped up or hung, and resists bending and curling. This is the material you should use if you need a poster board. You can easily opt to laminate or frame your foam core board.
What is the difference between foam core and foam board?
A question I get daily is if there's a difference between foam core and foam board. Foam core is typically referring to a product that has a foam core centre with a paper face. Foam board has a foam core centre but with a polystyrene face, which it would make it more rigid and durable.
Can you display foam core boards outside?
Foam core can not be outside, if you want a temporary outdoor sign please use coroplast instead.
What thickness and sizes do foam core boards come in?
When it comes to foam core the thickness is usually anywhere between 3/16 to 1/2 of an inch, with 3/16" being the most common thickness that we use. When it comes to sizes, there is no standard size as everything thing we do is custom. But please note that the sheet comes in 8' x 4'.
Common uses for printed foam core boards!
Printed foam core signs and boards are ideal for presentations. These high quality boards are best suited for business or scholastic presentations, lectures, and trade shows. Businesses often create custom foam board signs for special events, or to advertise sales to their customers. Here are some of the most common purposes for which our clients order custom printed foam core boards: new offices, meetings, to display your company's values and goals, restaurant/bakery menu boards, to advertise sales, notices, trade shows, and photo galleries.
How to display your foam core sign?
Foam core boards can be displayed in a number of ways. How you choose to display your foam core board depends on the size of your foam core print and the overall look you would like the sign to achieve.
Hanging foam board on a wall is easy. If your foam core prints are relatively small you can use double sided tape to adhere them to your desired surface for a quick, temporary exhibit. Just keep in mind that whatever adhesive you use, may leave a residue!
For a more permanent way of hanging foam core prints on a wall, we love the look of wall mounts. The mounts are adhered to the back of the print, which allow you to hang the prints from a pin in the wall. This display solution is ideal if you plan to rearrange the foam core prints, as you won’t damage them by removing and re-hanging them. It also gives your print a neat, free-floating look.
If you think foam core will be good for your next project, Please give us a call at FASTSIGNS® of Kitchener-Waterloo or email us at 681@fastsigns.com for a quote.