Substrates 101

December 19, 2011

Now that you know a little bit about our medias, it's time to get familiar with our substrates! Here's a little run down of the 5 that are most commonly used - 
 
1. Foamcore: This material comes in different thicknesses but the most common is 3/16". Foamcore is a substrate best for indoor, temporary use. It is inexpensive and lightweight. It is also prone to denting, so be careful of your corners, this material cannot handle rough handling.

2. Ultra Mount: This material is also most common in a 3/16" thickness. It is similar to foamcore in that it has foam in the middle, but instead of having a thick paper on each side, it features thin sheets of plastic on each side. The plastic makes the material more durable and less prone to denting. It is better for something that you plan to use a few times.

3. PVC: PVC, which is also often called Sintra, is a substrate that also comes in a variety of thicknesses but is most common in 3mm. This substrate is made entirely of thin plastic. It is durable, moderately heavy, won't dent, and good for outdoor uses. It is heavier than gatorboard and can bend slightly.

4. Coroplast: This substrate is typically used for yard signs. It is made out of corrugated plastic and perfect for outdoors. This material sturdy and lightweight, but it isn't meant to be permanent. It is normally posted up with metal stakes for a temporary period of time.

5. Polystyrene - Polystryene is a thin, waterproof, rollable plastic, available in several thicknesses. This versatile material is great for many different uses - everything from outdoor frames that require thin signage to trade show graphics, as they can be rolled for easy transport. 
 
 

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