What is Foamboard Used For?

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Foamboard, foamcore, poster board—whatever you like to call it, this attractive and rigid sign and poster material is known by many names.

But most importantly, foamboards are well known for their boundless versatility in handling all sorts of print advertising and DIY projects. In fact, such printing has become one of the most popular and versatile methods in today’s advertising sector.

But what exactly is foamboard, and what are its uses in today’s world?  In this post, we’ll delve into the crux of what it is and explain its applications in day to day life.

What Is Foamboard?

Foamboard is a sturdy print and display material that consists of a foam center sandwiched by two sheets of paper coating.

The foam center is typically made from polystyrene—the same material used in the manufacture of disposable plastic cutlery. Because the polystyrene core is usually 95-98% air, foamboards are extremely lightweight.

These boards are also easy to mount and can withstand water, dents, and scratches, making them ideal for point-of-sale, window displays, and even trade fair booths. Plus, you can pick them up for relatively cheap, if you buy foamcore signs on Nonstopsigns.com or other print retailers.

What Is Foamboard Used For?

Because it’s so lightweight, sturdy, and inexpensive, foamboard is an incredibly versatile material. Below find a few of its uses.

1. For Mounting

One attractive feature of foamboard is that it provides an impressive way to mount a piece of artwork or craftwork as a backing.

Foam core mounting involves affixing a photo or any artwork to a foamboard for display. While this can be done with glue, many of these boards come with self-adhesive coatings. The boards also provide a fast and inexpensive way to mount posters and banners.

2. In Tradeshows

To facilitate brand exposure, companies need to produce high volumes of efficient and eye-catching advertisement materials when it comes to trade fairs.

Foamboard is an ideal material for trade show booths since it can easily be framed on easels. Due to its lightweight nature, it can also be hung easily with a 3M tape. As far as durability is concerned, this isn’t an issue since the boards are likely to be used for a short period of time—only during the trade fair period.

3. In Photography

You can use a foam core board to create a lighter or darker backdrop to help complement your photography.

For instance, if your object is illuminated by just one light source, you’re likely to have deep shadows. Placing a piece of foamboard near your subject can bounce the light back into the shadows, making them look less dramatic. Moreover, you can use it as a background to block distracting elements from your photos.

4. In Schools & Exhibitions

Printing on foamboards allows schools and companies to leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Pop-up displays, commonly used by businesses in point-of-sale advertising and in school projects and exhibitions are excellent examples of foam board printing. It works great because quality images can be printed on these boards.

Additionally, foamboard printing can easily be hung from the ceilings by use of strings or 3M tapes owing to their lightweight nature. This makes them ideal for small businesses or schools with limited space.