At Patriot Print Fulfillment, we often receive inquiries about various board materials for printing and mounting applications. Two of the most commonly compared materials are UltraBoard® Classic and GatorBoard. To clear up any confusion, let's break down the differences and why we default to using UltraBoard® Classic for most of our needs.
UltraBoard® Classic
UltraBoard® Classic, manufactured by United Industries, is a high-quality foam board known for its durability and versatility. It consists of a polystyrene core bonded between two layers of high-impact polystyrene. Here are the key features:
- Durability: The polystyrene core provides excellent rigidity and strength, making it ideal for long-term use.
- Smooth Surface: The high-impact polystyrene surface is smooth, making it perfect for direct printing and mounting graphics.
- Variety of Sizes: We stock 3/16" all-white UltraBoard® but can special order up to 1 inch in thickness, available in configurations such as white/black, white/black/white, and all white.
- Preferred Qualities: We favor UltraBoard® Classic for its rigidity, bright white point, durability, and availability.
GatorBoard
GatorBoard is not a brand itself but a common name used to refer to a family of products made by 3A Composites. This family includes two main products: GatorFoam® and GatorPlast®. Each has unique characteristics that suit different applications.
GatorFoam®
GatorFoam® is a lightweight, durable foam board known for its moisture resistance and superior rigidity. It consists of a polystyrene foam core bonded between two layers of wood-fiber veneer. Here are its features:
- Moisture Resistance: The wood-fiber veneer layers make GatorFoam® more resistant to moisture than traditional foam boards.
- Rigidity: The combination of materials provides exceptional stiffness and strength, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.
- Smooth Surface: The surface is smooth and ideal for painting, laminating, and direct printing.
- Cost: GatorFoam® is great but pricey. We find that UltraBoard® or PVC can often achieve the same results at a lower cost.
GatorPlast®
GatorPlast® is another variant under the GatorBoard family, consisting of a high-density polystyrene foam core faced with a thin, solid polystyrene surface. Here are its features:
- Lightweight and Durable: GatorPlast® is lightweight yet strong, making it easy to handle and transport.
- Smooth Surface: The polystyrene surface provides a smooth finish, perfect for printing and mounting.
- Cost-Effective: GatorPlast® is more affordable compared to GatorFoam®, making it suitable for budget-conscious projects. It is similarly priced to UltraBoard® Classic and is more durable and cost-effective than regular paper foam board.
Regular Foam Board Comparison
Regular foam board, often referred to as paper foam board, is a more basic and economical option compared to UltraBoard® Classic and GatorBoard. Here are the key differences:
- Material Composition: Regular foam board typically consists of a polystyrene core sandwiched between paper faces.
- Durability: While it is lightweight and easy to cut, regular foam board is less durable and more prone to warping and damage compared to UltraBoard® Classic and GatorBoard.
- Cost: Regular foam board is the most cost-effective option, but it lacks the rigidity and long-term durability of UltraBoard® Classic and GatorPlast®.
Why We Default to UltraBoard® Classic
When customers request GatorBoard, it's essential to clarify whether they mean GatorFoam® or GatorPlast®. At Patriot Print Fulfillment, we do not stock or order GatorFoam®, so we default to UltraBoard® Classic for several reasons:
- Comparable Quality: UltraBoard® Classic offers comparable quality to GatorPlast® with its polystyrene core and smooth surface, making it a suitable alternative.
- Stock Availability: We stock 3/16" all-white UltraBoard® Classic and can special order various sizes and configurations as needed, ensuring we always have the right material for your project.
- Versatility: UltraBoard® Classic's versatility and range of sizes make it an excellent choice for a wide variety of applications, from signage to displays.
- Cost-Effective: Both UltraBoard® Classic and GatorPlast® are more cost-effective than GatorFoam®, but more durable and expensive than regular paper foam board.
While we occasionally use GatorPlast® as an alternative, we find that UltraBoard® Classic meets the needs of most projects efficiently and cost-effectively. If you have specific requirements for GatorFoam® or GatorPlast®, we can certainly accommodate special orders to ensure your project is completed to your satisfaction.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between UltraBoard® Classic, GatorFoam®, GatorPlast®, and regular foam board helps in selecting the right material for your project. At Patriot Print Fulfillment, we are committed to providing the best solutions for your printing and mounting needs, with UltraBoard® Classic being our go-to choice for its quality and versatility. If you have any questions or need assistance with your order, feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to help!
