Foam Board Signs

FAQs

What is a foam board sign?

A foam board sign is a type of rigid signage composed of paper surfaces adhered to a foam core. It is an extremely affordable product suitable for short- to mid-term promotions, decoration, advertising, and beyond.

Are foam board and foam core the same thing?

Practically, yes, they are the same. The naming varies by brand or personal preference. Both terms describe a lightweight board made of a foam core sandwiched between two outer facing layers of paper.

What is the difference between dry-erase and standard foam board?

Standard foam board is a one-time print. Once it’s printed, the design is final, and the surface isn’t made for writing on. 

Dry-erase foam board adds a protective laminate over the printed design. That laminate lets you write on it with a dry-erase marker and wipe it clean. You can update your message as many times as you need.

When should I choose the dry-erase option?

Select the dry-erase option if you need to display different messages from time to time. 

How can I use foam board signs?

Foamcore signs are affordable and high-quality, and they work well across almost any setting.

Businesses use them for retail signage, restaurant menus, and trade show displays with QR codes. This product is also suitable for offices, clinics, and real estate agents. For these industries, they serve as hours, policies, and listing details.

They’re as popular for personal events as well. They bring holiday decorations to weddings, birthdays, graduations, or baby showers.

We also offer a dry-erase foam board option for signs that change often. They are popular for restaurant special boards, retail promotions, or classroom charts.

How thick is the product?

You can choose foam boards that are either 3/16” or ½” thick.

How much do foam core signs weigh?

Our foam board signs weigh 0.15 lbs/ft² or 1.07 lbs/ft², depending on the thickness. We also offer 3/16"-thick dry-erase foam board signage, which weighs 0.25 lbs/ft².

Will my foam board printing bend over time?

Foam board printing may bend, fade, or get damaged over time due to some environmental factors and poor maintenance. To avoid this, read the section above to learn how you can take care of foam board signs.

What sizes do you offer for foam board signs?

The product is available in a wide range of sizes, from 4”x 4” to 96” x 48”. Some popular sizes are 12” x 18”, 18” x 24”, 24” x 36”, and 30” x 40”. Medium and large foam board signs are the most common products, widely used for any occasion. Check our guide about common sizes, shapes, and thicknesses of foam board signs.

Can I order a foam board sign in a custom cut?

You can choose any shape for your foam board sign. You can have it cut as a square or rectangle with sharp or rounded corners, a circle or oval, or custom shapes with or without a border.

Can I use different colors for my designs?

We implement full-color UV printing on foam board signs. Your design can include as many colors as you want.

Can I order double-sided custom foam board signage?

Yes, you can order double-sided foam board signs. The good news is that you can have the same or different prints on either side of your sign.

Do your custom-printed foam board signs come in matte or glossy finish?

Standard foam board signs have a matte finish. UV-cured printing renders the print matte as a protective feature against the sunlight. The dry-erase option comes in a glossy finish instead. The laminate coating needs a smooth surface for markers to wipe clean. 

What accessory should I use to write on my dry-erase sign?

A standard dry-erase marker works well. Avoid permanent markers, since they can stain the laminate and won’t wipe off.

How should I clean it?

Wipe your dry-erase foam board with a dry-erase eraser and a soft cloth after each use. For a deeper clean, use a damp cloth with mild soap, then dry it completely before writing again.

Will the dry-erase markers stain?

No, they won’t, as dry-erase markers are designed specifically for dry-erase surfaces, so they wipe clean without leaving a mark.

What should I do if there is a stain?

Try wiping off your dry-erase surface with a damp cloth and mild soap, and gently rub the area. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing tools, since they can damage the laminate.

Do you directly print onto the foam board?

Yes, if we count standard foam boards. We print your design directly onto the board using UV-cured inks. For the dry-erase option, we add a laminate layer over the print.

How can foam boards help promote my business?

Printed foam board signs are an extremely affordable promotional, branding, and advertising medium. They communicate messages and reach your audience at a fraction of the cost of other materials.

Can I design and print foam boards for my wedding signs on your platform?

You certainly can. You have full creative control over your design. You can create your wedding sign from scratch, use one of our wedding templates, or upload a design you have already created.

What do artists use foam board for?

Artists use foam board as a sturdy backing for sketches, watercolors, and mixed media projects. It’s also commonly used for mounting artwork, building models, or creating mock-ups and prototypes. Its rigidity and easy-to-cut surface make it ideal for both studio and presentation purposes.

Is foam board good to print photos on?

Foam board is great for photo printing. It provides a smooth surface that is a perfect platform for photography printing. You can use the product to print personal portraits or custom wall art.

What's the difference between foam board and poster board?

Foam board is a thick material with a foam core sandwiched between two paper surfaces, commonly used by businesses for promotional purposes. Poster boards can be made of thinner, more affordable materials that are more suitable for less professional applications.

How can I mount my foam core sign?

You can mount your foam boards to the wall using standoffs or adhesives such as Command Strips. You can also hang them using zip ties, suction cups, and hooks. Alternatively, you can purchase self-adhesive foam boards, which come with a built-in adhesive layer on the back.

Do you offer accessories to install my display?

You can order standoffs, command strips, zip ties, easel backs, and suction cup and hook installation accessories for your product.

Which accessory should I choose for my signs?

We provide command strips, suction cups & hooks, zip ties, and easel backs to install your foam board signage. Choose the accessory that best suits your product. You can hang, mount, or leave your board free-standing on a flat surface.

Can I use foam core signs for outdoor applications?

Foam core signs are lightweight media more suitable for indoor applications. They can be used outdoors; however, they need to be weighted down so that they’re not blown away by gusts of wind.

What’s the average lifespan of foam board printing products?

Foam boards can last between two and three years before they need to be refreshed. They’re a good investment given their price point and longevity.

How should I clean my foam core poster?

Clean your foam board poster with a dry, non-abrasive towel to avoid scratching or damaging the print.

How to store the sign?

Place the sign in a standard box and store it in a dark, cool, and dry place. Don’t place any heavy items on top of the box to avoid damaging your sign.

Is foam core the same as gator board?

No, foam board and gator board signs are different products, though they both have a foam core. Gator board is much more durable, sturdy, and weather-resistant since it has a dense foam core. They’re designed for long-term and professional exhibitions.

Are there design guidelines for foam board posters?

Pick a size for your foam board sign that best fits the installation method or the venue. Go for large, legible fonts and colorful images to grab attention. Pay attention to the quality of your printing. High-resolution graphics make signs look polished and professional. You can read our blog on sign design tips for more detailed design tips.

Do you offer shipping?

Yes, we ship all our products across the US and Canada.