Mounting
Applying a printed graphic to a rigid board so it stands on an easel, hangs on a wall or holds its shape.
A lot of signs are two parts: a print on adhesive vinyl or photo paper, and a board it is laid onto. Mounting is pressing the two together smoothly, without bubbles or dust trapped underneath, then trimming the edges flush.
The alternative is printing straight onto the board, which some printers can do. Both look good. Mounting lets us pick the best print material and the best board separately, and lets a laminate go over the top.
Picking the board
- Foam board for light, indoor, short-term signs: easel signs, presentations, event signage.
- Gator board when it needs to be tougher or might see some weather.
- PVC for a smooth, rigid sign that lasts, inside or out.
- Acrylic for a glossy, finished look.
See rigid sign materials compared for the full rundown.
Put it to work
Related
Rigid sign materials comparedFoam board, Gator board, corrugated plastic, PVC and acrylic side by side: weight, toughness and where each belongs.Foam boardA light board with a foam center between two paper faces. The go-to for indoor easel signs and event displays.PVC boardA solid, smooth plastic sheet that holds up indoors and out. Common for wall signs and trade show counter fronts.
