All About Gatorboard

Gatorboard is a type of foam board that is commonly used for mounting photographs, posters, and other types of artwork. It is made from a dense foam core that is sandwiched between two layers of wood-fiber veneer. The foam core gives the board its lightweight and rigid properties, while the veneer provides a smooth and durable surface. Gatorboard is often preferred over traditional foam boards because it is more durable and less likely to dent or warp over time. It is also resistant to moisture and can be used in humid environments without the risk of warping or delaminating. Gatorboard comes in a variety of thicknesses and can be cut to any size or shape. It is commonly used in the graphics and signage industries for creating displays, exhibits, and trade show booths. Gatorboard was developed by the International Paper Company in the 1990s as an alternative to traditional foam boards. The company saw a need for a more durable and rigid foam board that could withstand the demands of mounting artwork and creating displays and exhibits. The initial product was called "Gatorfoam" and was made from extruded polystyrene foam core with a dense wood-fiber veneer on each side. The wood-fiber veneer was coated with a resin finish to give it a durable and water-resistant surface. Over time, the product was refined and improved, and the name was changed to "Gatorboard" to better reflect its rigid and durable properties. Today, Gatorboard is made from a high-density foam core with a wood-fiber veneer on each side, and is available in a variety of thicknesses and sizes to suit different applications.

Gatorboard Uses

Gatorboard is a versatile material that is commonly used in a wide range of applications. Some of the most common uses of gatorboard include: Mounting artwork: Gatorboard is often used for mounting photographs, posters, and other types of artwork. Its lightweight and rigid properties make it easy to handle and display. Signage: Gatorboard is commonly used in the sign industry for creating displays, exhibits, and trade show booths. It can be easily cut into any size or shape, making it ideal for creating custom signs. Displays and exhibits: Gatorboard is a popular choice for creating displays and exhibits due to its lightweight, rigid properties and smooth, printable surface. Model making: Gatorboard is often used by hobbyists and model makers as a base for building models and dioramas. Framing: Gatorboard can be used as a backing material for framing artwork and photographs. It provides a rigid surface that helps prevent the artwork from bending or warping. Packaging: Gatorboard can be used as a protective packaging material for shipping delicate items, such as artwork or electronics. Its durable properties help ensure that the items arrive at their destination undamaged. Gatorboard is used by a variety of professionals and individuals in different industries and applications. Some of the most common users of gatorboard include: Artists and photographers: Gatorboard is commonly used by artists and photographers for mounting and displaying their artwork and photographs. Graphic designers and print shops: Gatorboard is used by graphic designers and print shops to create signage, displays, and exhibits. Trade show exhibitors: Gatorboard is often used by trade show exhibitors to create lightweight, portable displays and exhibits that can be easily transported and set up. Model makers and hobbyists: Gatorboard is a popular material for model making and hobbyist projects due to its lightweight and rigid properties. Framers and art conservators: Gatorboard is used as a backing material for framing artwork and photographs to provide a rigid and durable support. Packaging and shipping companies: Gatorboard is sometimes used as a protective packaging material for shipping delicate or valuable items. Overall, anyone who needs a lightweight, rigid, and durable material for mounting, displaying, or creating artwork, graphics, or signage may use gatorboard in a variety of applications where a lightweight, durable, and rigid material is needed.

Gatorboard variety Gatorboard Print Gatorboard Mounting Layers

How To Use Gatorboard

Here are some basic steps to follow when using gatorboard: Choose the right size and thickness: Determine the size and thickness of the gatorboard that you need for your project. Gatorboard is available in various sizes and thicknesses, so choose the one that best suits your needs. Prepare your workspace: Set up your workspace in a clean and well-ventilated area. Lay out your gatorboard and make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. Cut the gatorboard: Use a sharp utility knife or a circular saw to cut the gatorboard to the desired size and shape. Make sure to use a straight edge as a guide to ensure clean, straight cuts. Or order your gatorboard precut to the correct measurements. Mount your artwork: If you are using a gatorboard to mount artwork, apply a thin layer of adhesive to the back of the artwork and carefully position it onto the gatorboard. Use a roller or a squeegee to smooth out any air bubbles and ensure that the artwork is securely mounted. Finish your project: Once your artwork or display is mounted, you can add any finishing touches, such as a frame or protective coating, as needed. Display your project: Your gatorboard project is now ready to be displayed or used as desired. Make sure to handle it carefully to prevent any damage. Overall, using a gatorboard is a straightforward process that requires some basic cutting and mounting skills. Just make sure to follow proper safety precautions when cutting and handling the material, and you should have a successful project in no time.

Cutting Gatorboard Cutting Gatorboard

Types of Gatorboard

Gatorboard is available in several different types and configurations to suit different applications. Here are some of the most common types of Gatorboard: Regular Gatorboard: This is the standard type of Gatorboard that is widely used for mounting artwork, creating displays, and other applications. It is available in various thicknesses, ranging from 3/16" to 2", and can be cut to any size or shape. Self-Adhesive Gatorboard: This type of Gatorboard has a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side, which eliminates the need for additional adhesives or mounting tapes. It is commonly used for mounting photographs, prints, and posters. Colored Gatorboard: Gatorboard is available in a range of colors, including black, white, and a variety of other hues. This makes it ideal for creating custom signage and displays. Moisture-Resistant Gatorboard: This type of Gatorboard has a moisture-resistant surface that makes it suitable for use in humid or damp environments. It is commonly used for outdoor signage, exhibits, and displays. Fire-Retardant Gatorboard: This type of Gatorboard is treated with a fire-retardant additive that makes it suitable for use in environments where fire safety is a concern, such as public buildings and institutions. UV-Resistant Gatorboard: This type of Gatorboard has a UV-resistant surface that helps to prevent fading and discoloration over time. It is commonly used for outdoor signage and exhibits. Overall, Gatorboard is a versatile material that can be customized to suit different applications and environments. By choosing the right type of Gatorboard for your project, you can ensure that you get the best possible results in terms of durability, appearance, and performance.

Black Gatorboard White Gatorboard

Why Choose Gatorboard?

Here are some of the main reasons why gatorboard is preferred over other foam boards: Durability: Gatorboard is more durable and less likely to dent or warp over time than traditional foam boards. It is also resistant to moisture and can be used in humid environments without the risk of warping or delaminating. Rigidity: Gatorboard is more rigid and provides better support for mounted artwork or displays than traditional foam boards. This makes it an ideal choice for larger and heavier items Lightweight: Gatorboard is lightweight and easy to handle, making it a popular choice for portable displays and exhibits that need to be transported and set up at different locations. Printable surface: Gatorboard has a smooth, printable surface that can be easily printed or painted on. This makes it a popular choice for creating custom signage and displays. Customizable: Gatorboard can be cut to any size or shape, making it a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of applications. Overall, gatorboard's durability, rigidity, lightweight, printable surface, and customizability make it a popular choice for mounting artwork and creating displays and exhibits. While other foam boards may be suitable for some applications, gatorboard is often preferred for its unique combination of properties.

1/2" Gatorboard

Additional Resources

To purchase 3/16" Gatorboard click here! To purchase 1/2" Gatorboard click here! To purchase 1" Gatorboard click here! For more information on our art supplies selection, click here!

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