Choosing Mounting Boards

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MOUNTING BOARD

Paper, Plastic or Foam?

First of all, you have to consider what you are mounting and its size. Mounting, in general, is useful for thinner media — photographs, graphics and fabric — to help support, protect and display the media. Otherwise, read the following facts about our graphic mounting boards below.

Helpful Suggestions!

• If you need to mount digital graphics, photos, or thin paper media in sizes smaller than 16" x 20", and you're looking for the most economical mounting board, you may wish to consider our Ultra-Thin Paper Mounting Boards or our Coated White-Lined Paper Mounting Boards. These mounting boards are also thin enough to fit in the rabbets of most frames.
• If you desire to mount your graphics freestanding (without a frame), or need the rigidity to suspend a larger format print such as 16" x 20" or larger, you may wish to try our Foamboard, Ryno Board or Gatorfoam — foam centered mounting boards. The thinnest foam centered boards are 3/16" thick, which is still thin enough to fit in the rabbet of most frames. Always check your tolerances to be sure. Great for displays, presentations, and in-store retail and commercial signage.
• If you want the ease of cutting your mounting board and mounted print simultaneously with a score-and-snap feature, try our Plastic Mounting Board. Also, Plastic Mounting Boards are smooth and will not warp from exposure to humidity. They are not, however, as tolerant to heat as a paper mounting board.
• If your need a mounting board that is applied over your printed graphic like a laminate, you may wish to consider our Backmount clear plastic mounting board. Backmount is thick enough to serve as a replacement for both the mounting board behind, and the laminate over, your graphic. Backmount works best for smaller applications (11" x 14" or less), and has a UV inhibitor built into the clear adhesive to help protect your graphics. Great for instant signage.

Paper Mounting Boards

Ultra-Thin Paper Mounting Boards are economical, easy to cut with a craft knife, and useful as a mounting backer for paper media and digital graphics. Thicker paper and chipboard mounting boards, like our Coated White-Lined Paper Mounting Boards, have smooth, clay coated surfaces, and provide added rigidity for graphics and photographs. These mounting boards, however, are still thin enough to fit inside the rabbet (the notch in the frame that holds glass, graphic and mounting board) of most frames. Be aware that all paper mounting boards can absorb moisture, which can potentially cause them to bow or warp over time, so if you live in a high-humidity environment you may wish to consider using foam centered or plastic mounting boards to mount your images and artwork.

Z-Core is a paper, micro-fluted mounting board that is a lightweight, economical alternative to foam cores. Z-Core is suitable for mounting a variety of digital images and photographs. Masonite is ultra smooth, dense and rigid, making it a perfect mounting surface for fine art photographs and high-quality images. Masonite, however, may be too heavy for large applications and must be cut with a fine-tooth saw, so review your objectives and check your tolerances before ordering any mounting board.

Plastic Mounting Boards

Plastic Mounting Boards are made of polystyrene — the easiest boards to trim and cut into shapes; just score and snap. Now you can trim your print and mounting boards simultaneously. The ultra-smooth plastic surface is great for digital prints. This mounting board will not warp or shrink from exposure to humidity or moisture, and bends easily for a variety of craft uses. Backmount is a clear PETG plastic mounting board that provides a different way to mount your graphics. This revolutionary mounting board replaces the glass in front of a print and the mounting board behind it. Perfect for instant signage and on-the-spot image finishing. Clear, acid-free adhesive is formulated with UV inhibitor to protect your prints for years to come.

Foam Centered Mounting Boards

Foamboards have long been the standard in the large format and display industry. Universally functional, lightweight and economical, Pres-On Foamboards are available in white or black, with either a hi-tack or low-tack adhesive backer in a standard 5mm / 3/16" thickness. Perfect for a wide variety of point-of-purchase and graphic displays. Call or e-mail about other thicknesses, adhesives and custom sizing.

Ryno Board is a foam-centered board that is manufactured for maximum rigidity and durability with 24 point clay coated liners laminated to a very high-density expanded polystyrene core. Ryno can be used for mounting posters, photos, POP displays, screenprinting and exhibits.

Gatorfoam is one of the toughest, most durable laminated foam panels on the market. Gatorfoam panels are made from a durable core of rigid polystyrene foam bonded on both sides by resin impregnated wood fiber veneers. The result is a laminated foam panel with an exceptionally hard, smooth surface that resists dents, punctures and moisture. Combined with Pres-On's acid-free, self-stick adhesive, Gatorfoam is the board of choice for mounting photos and murals because of its smooth surface and warp resistance. Its strength is also well-suited for sign makers and display / exhibit designers.

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