Much stronger than foamcore, but about the same weight.
Gatorfoam has a very ridgid coating which is resistant to moisture,unlike foamcore board which is foam covered with lightweight card.
Gatorfoam is not an acid free material, so you should check before using it for items which will be displayed in museums or other permanent archives.
Gatorfoam is an extruded polystyrene foam mounting board encased between layers of a melamine and wood fibre veneer. Gatorfoam/Gatorboard has a harder outer surface than other foam core boards and resists warping.
For miniature builders, Gatorboard is often used as a backing for wet materials like paperclay or stucco finishes which require a water resistant backing while the coating dries.
Gatorboard is more durable than foam core boards and is a good choice for non archival applications, where strength and light weight are important. It is not suitable for archival applications as the facings offgas.
Gator board is available in a white, black or natural (kraft) finish. For special applications (mounting photos and posters) it is available with an adhesive coating already applied. Black Gatorboard is not recommended for outdoor use as the color accelerates UV breakdown. Working With Gatorboard
The outer surface of Gatorboard is strong and chips unless cut by fine sharp blades. Handcutting of Gatorboard is not recommended although it can be handcut after scoring it with a very sharp, short craft blade. (Something similar to the knives used to cut melamine countertop material.) Hand jig saws or coping saws are preferable for handcutting simple shapes, more elaborate cuts should be done with power tools.
Gatorboard is easily cut with a power saw or router using sharp, fine tooth blades. It can be glued to the face of a structural framework, or held together with wooden dowels or biscuits to build without a frame.
Before gluing or painting make sure the surface is clean and dry. If necessary, scuff the top surface using 180 or finer grit sandpaper to create a better surface for bonding (when using glues other than contact cement).
Large sheets of Gator Foam Core available in
3/16 inch 1/2 inch , 3/4 inch ,1 inch,1-1/2inch, 2 inch thickness.
If you are looking for the optimal in lightness and strength, choose
the thicker sizes.
They are incredibly warp resistant.
OVERSIZE
Oversize items require higher shipping charges then normal UPS because they go by truck shipment.
The price upon checkout will state "truck shipment" and the shipping cost.
The shipping cost will be calculated on the checkout page when the order is placed.
In some special cases the actual shipping cost may be lower or higher then
what is calculated on the page.
In this case we will email or call you beofre the order is finalized.
Please note: In cases of oversize residential deliveries , the carriers will bring the
box to the end of the truck, but usually will not off-load the box or bring it in to
the house. They want a special fee for what they call 'gate lift' change and indoor charge.
This charge does not go to us and is not part of the shipping charge you see on the checkout page.
We recommend that in order to save this high off loading fee that you have helpers there
yourself to get the box off the truck and indoors.
If you have any questions regarding
our shipping policy please call Lucy, our customer service specialist at 1-800-937-4278.
OVERSIZE