{"id":22571,"date":"2020-12-04T07:29:57","date_gmt":"2020-12-04T14:29:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.signs.com\/blog\/?p=22571"},"modified":"2024-02-01T21:45:52","modified_gmt":"2024-02-02T04:45:52","slug":"pvc-and-foam-board-signage-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.signs.com\/blog\/pvc-and-foam-board-signage-101\/","title":{"rendered":"PVC and Foam Board: Signage 101"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

It\u2019s all too easy to be confused by some of the names and terms that are tossed about in the signage industry when it comes to rigid substrates.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Two of the more common rigid substrates utilized in signage are foam boards and PVC board. And because they are indeed so common \u2013 with so many different companies offering their own brands of these products \u2013 there are also some misconceptions and misunderstandings about them.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Here, we\u2019ll try to clarify some of the information that you might have puzzled over, and offer up what we feel are some of the primary advantages (and disadvantages) to each.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

An Interior Solution: Foam Board<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You\u2019re likely already familiar with foam boards \u2013 they\u2019re utilized for a vast roster of applications, including interior signage, point-of-purchase displays, posters, presentations, and in myriad settings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Typically consisting of an extruded polystyrene foam core with a paper face on both sides, foam board is very lightweight \u2013 the core itself is about 95% air \u2013 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 \u201cfoamcore.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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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\u2019s easily cut with a knife or a digital cutting system.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

However, because of foam board\u2019s paper exterior face, it should primarily be used only for indoor signage \u2013 it won\u2019t take well to rain or other inclement weather. Plus, because it\u2019s lightweight, it requires significant anchoring if utilized outdoors. Something else to keep in mind: Foam board won\u2019t withstand a lot of physical abuse \u2013 it\u2019s relatively easy to bend or even puncture, so you should be careful in how and where you display it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Some other things to keep in mind about foam board:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n