Standard Foam Board

Premium white and black core foam boards with clay-coated paper facings. Available in multiple thicknesses (1/8" to 1/2") and sizes up to 48x96". Industry standard for displays, mounting, and printing applications.

Standard Foam Board: Premium White & Black Core Options for Professional Results

Our standard foam boards are the original paper-faced foam core boards that established the industry standard over 60 years ago. Featuring extruded polystyrene foam cores bonded with premium bright white clay-coated or black uncoated paper facers, these versatile boards excel in countless professional applications. Choose white foam boards with bright white facers for maximum print quality and light reflection, or black core options that eliminate white edges when die-cut for seamless professional finishing.

Why Choose Standard Foam Board from ShapesPlastics?

We source exclusively from 3A Composites' original Fome-Cor® line—the foam board that created the category. Our white boards feature premium bright white, double clay-coated facers that deliver exceptional ink adhesion and print quality for screen printing and digital applications. Black core boards use black polystyrene foam throughout, ensuring clean edges without white show-through when cut or die-cut. All boards feature the characteristic "pillowing" edge compression that creates professional finished edges on custom shapes.

Common Applications for Standard Foam Board

Standard foam board delivers reliable performance across professional and creative applications:

  • Point-of-Purchase Displays: Retail signage, product displays, and promotional materials with excellent printability on clay-coated surfaces
  • Trade Show Exhibits: Lightweight mounting substrate for graphics, booth construction, and portable display systems
  • Photo & Artwork Mounting: Professional backing for photographs, prints, and artwork with smooth, archival-quality surfaces
  • Screen & Digital Printing: Premium substrate for direct printing with superior ink adhesion and color reproduction
  • Die Cutting & Fabrication: Clean cutting with compressed pillowed edges ideal for custom shapes and assemblies
  • Architectural Models: Precision cutting capabilities for scale models, prototypes, and design presentations

How to Choose White vs Black Core

Select the right core color based on your application's aesthetic and edge requirements:

  • White Core: Standard option with bright white facers, ideal for maximum light reflection, general mounting, and applications where edges won't be visible
  • Black Core: Eliminates white edge show-through when cut, perfect for high-end displays, photography mounting, and dark-themed projects where professional edge appearance matters

Available in thicknesses from 1/8" to 1/2" and sizes up to 48x96 inches.

All foam boards are manufactured in the USA with sustainable forestry certified materials. Need custom sizes or volume pricing? Request a custom quote or call 844-970-0650 for project consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about standard foam board

What's the difference between white and black core foam board?
White core foam board shows white edges when cut, while black core eliminates white edges for a more professional finish on dark projects. Black core is ideal for high-end displays, photography mounting, and applications where cut edges will be visible. White core is the standard option for general use and offers the brightest background for mounted materials.
What thickness foam board should I choose?
1/8 inch is ideal for lightweight displays and temporary signage. 3/16 inch (our most popular) provides excellent rigidity for permanent displays, presentations, and mounting applications. 1/2 inch offers maximum stability for large displays, trade show graphics, and architectural models. Thicker boards also provide better die-cutting results with more pronounced pillowed edges.
Can foam board be used outdoors?
Standard foam board is designed for indoor use. While it can handle brief outdoor exposure, extended UV exposure and moisture will cause paper facing deterioration and foam degradation. For outdoor applications lasting more than a few days, consider weather-resistant alternatives or limit foam board to short-term displays only.
What does "pillowing edge" mean in die cutting?
Pillowing refers to the compressed, rounded edge that forms when standard foam board is die-cut. The polystyrene foam compresses under pressure and stays compressed, creating a smooth, professional finished edge around custom shapes. This eliminates the need for additional edge finishing on most applications.
Can I print directly on foam board?
Yes! Foam board accepts all printing methods including screen printing, digital printing (UV, solvent, aqueous), and hand painting. The clay-coated paper facers on white boards provide excellent ink adhesion and color reproduction. Always test print settings as the foam core can be sensitive to excessive heat from UV curing or high-temperature drying.
How do I cut foam board cleanly by hand?
Use a sharp utility knife or craft knife held at a low angle to the board. Make multiple light passes rather than trying to cut through in one stroke. A metal straight edge helps ensure clean lines. Replace blades frequently as the paper facers can dull blades quickly. Score lightly first, then cut through completely.