You’re likely already familiar with PVC foam board– they’re utilized for a vast roster of applications, including interior signage, point-of-purchase displays, posters, presentations, and in myriad settings.

Typically consisting of an extruded polystyrene foam core with a paper face on both sides, foam board is very lightweight – the core itself is about 95% air – but relatively strong. It can, for instance, be propped against an easel without any support, unlike posterboard; in fact, you can consider this a sturdy alternative to standard posterboard. Its foam core, by the way, is why the substrate is often referred to as “foamcore.”

This economical substrate is very receptive to direct digital printing, whether using UV inks, eco-solvent inks, solvent inks, aqueous inks, or other. And it’s easily cut with a knife or a digital cutting system.

However, because of foam board’s paper exterior face, it should primarily be used only for indoor signage – it won’t take well to rain or other inclement weather. Plus, because it’s lightweight, it requires significant anchoring if utilized outdoors. Something else to keep in mind: Foam board won’t withstand a lot of physical abuse – it’s relatively easy to bend or even puncture, so you should be careful in how and where you display it.

Some other things to keep in mind about foam board:

Because foam board is lightweight, it’s easily displayed. If you don’t wish to prop it on a freestanding easel, you can add an easel back in the production process. Other alternatives include hook-and-loop patches like Velcro, or adhesives such as 3M Command Strips.
Another benefit of foam board being lightweight: It’s cheap to ship – which can come in handy if you’re shipping signage to events, conferences, trade shows, and the like.

And it’s economical – so if you need a large quantity, you won’t break the bank.

Here at Signs.com, our foam boards comprise an expanded polystyrene core with paper faces. We offer it in 5mm (3/16-inch) thicknesses, and in sizes ranging from 4 x 4 inches to 94 x 46 inches. We also can add a dry-erase laminate to your foam board sign, which enables you to write on the sign with dry-erase markers; the laminate also helps protect your finished sign against fading and scratches. We print directly onto our foam board with UV inks.