Foam boards are excellent signs for your event displays, company presentations, and retail stores. There are many reasons why someone might choose a foam sign over a metal or acrylic board. The foam material is lightweight, which makes it easy to transport and exhibit. The smooth surface looks high-end and professional. The white background makes the colors from your design pop. The foam core material is easy to drill holes into if you want to hang a sign. And, if you want to create a truly unique sign, then you can carve the material into a different shape.
Though most people envision a classroom presentation or science fair display when they think about foam boards, the signage option is much more versatile. The classic use is printing information on them as a visual aid for a presentation, whether it’s during a business meeting, trade show exhibit, or classroom lesson. Inside a storefront, you can set up a retail sign with your branded imagery to share an upcoming promotion or product launch. Customize a foam board with your company logo and slogan for high-end business signage. But foam signs aren’t just for professional use. They also provide a low cost signage option for events and parties. You can personalize bridal showers, baby showers, wedding receptions, holiday parties, birthday parties, and other events with a cute custom sign.
There are many ways to customize a foam board sign. Use our guide to find the right thickness, shape, and size to fit your signage needs.
Types of Foam Boards
Though they all use the firm foam core interior, there are different kinds of foam signs. GotPrint’s standard foam boards print with two different finishes: economy and premium. The standard economy foam boards have a semi-gloss surface with an attractive sheen. The standard premium foam boards have a matte surface for a smooth, sleek finish. Print a single- or double-sided design on your sign.
Canvas foam boards have a textured appearance underneath the semi-gloss surface. This is a great alternative to a canvas print for sharing photos and artwork. The embossed canvas material gives the appearance of professional artwork at a more affordable price.
If you’re looking for a classic foam posterboard, then the standard self-adhesive foam boards are your best option. The design prints directly onto polyester clay-coated paper. There is a neutral adhesive on the back, so you can hang your custom sign from the wall without drilling holes or buying accessories.
Foam Core Thickness
The most popular foam board thickness is 3/16” (5mm). GotPrint also offers a ½” foam sign (13 mm). Though both signs are reliable and well-crafted, a thicker sign is typically a bit more durable. At GotPrint, our standard economy and standard premium boards are available in 3/6” and ½” thickness, while the canvas and self-adhesive signs are available in 3/16” thickness.
Popular Foam Board Shapes
There are several different shape options available for your sign. The most popular foam board shape is the rectangle. This is a classic sign shape that offers plenty of space for your design. You can display the design vertically or horizontally. Square signs are also popular, as they offer a compact and professional board. Both the square and rectangle signs have an option to add rounded corners for a smooth, sophisticated appearance. If you want a modern, trendy sign, then customize a half-circle foam board. The rounded end makes it a popular choice for party signage.
Popular Foam Board Sizes
Choosing the right size for your foam board is another important step in the customization process. First, consider where your sign will be displayed. If you’re printing signs for a business entrance, retail store, or trade show booth, then you’ll want a large board that is easy to read from a distance. If you’re printing a sign for a table display or desk sign, then you can select smaller dimensions. There’s also the amount of information your sign needs to convey. A thorough business presentation or school presentation will likely require visual elements and text, so your visual aid should be printed on a large sign. Seating charts for weddings and other formal events should also be printed on big signs to ensure people can clearly read the text. The most popular foam board size is 24” x 36”, which has ample space for your custom design. Otherwise, medium-sized signs, like 16” x 20” or 16” x 16”, are still eye-catching without appearing bulky. If you’re looking for a small foam board, then select an 8”x 8” sign or an 8” x 10” sign.
The most popular rectangle sign sizes:
The most popular square sign sizes:
The most popular half circle sign sizes:
What is the Difference Between Foam Board and Foam Core?
Foam boards and foam core boards are the same thing. The names are interchangeable, though the term foam core refers specifically to the polystyrene foam at the center of the board.
How to Display Foam Boards
Consider what your sign is being used for and where it will be set up. A permanent business sign should be securely attached inside the building. Hanging a logo sign on a wall in the lobby or a hallway establishes your presence in the building. A promotional retail sign that will quickly be replaced doesn’t necessarily need to be attached to any surface. While you could hang it, you can also set up a short-term display around the store. Event signs for weddings, galas, charity events, and other one-off gatherings can also be set up in a temporary display.
There are several ways to showcase your custom foam sign. A wooden or metal easel is the simplest method. Just set your sign up on the easel for a simple yet stylish display. This is common for trade shows, business meetings, and personal events. Another option is to hang your signs. There are several ways to accomplish this. You can order signs with holes drilled into various spots around the edges. You can drill holes into all four corners, the top two corners, the center of the top and bottom, or in a row of three along the top and bottom. Use metal hangers, Pick N’ Hooks, or Suction Cup N’ Hooks to securely hang your sign. If you aren’t adding holes to the sign, then you can add 3M Command Strips to your order. This is a simple way to hang a lightweight sign without damaging a wall. Another option is to print your design on the self-adhesive foam board, which you can stick directly onto a smooth, dry surface.
Other Sign Printing Options
Use GotPrint’s helpful guide to find the best type of sign for your event. For all of our signs, GotPrint uses high-quality materials. The sturdy foam material serves as the basis for a sign that will last a long time. We’ll print your design with premium UV ink, which produces clear, detailed prints.