We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
DIY

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Foam Board?

By Jane Harmon
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 66,288
Share

Foam board, also known as foamcore or foam core, is a backing material widely used in framing art. It is made of a type of Styrofoam™ covered on both sides with paper or plastic so that the foam is the core of the sandwich. This material is usually white, although some manufacturers also offer it in black. It is 1/8 or 3/16 of an inch (0.3 or 0.5 centimeters) thick.

This material is very lightweight as well as strong, which makes it ideal for framing large works of art or posters, since it adds so little weight to the overall piece. Its rigidity stabilizes paper art, but be warned — it is not truly archival. Styrofoam™ does break down over long periods of time, and a byproduct of this decay may be acidic and could hasten the aging of the art it is framed with.

Foam board can be purchased in very large sheets, which has led to its second-most prevalent use as display boards for school projects and science fairs. Three large boards can be hinged together by applying white artists' tape to the joins on one side to make a trifold or triptych display.

Because the surface can be pierced with thumbtacks or pushpins, foam board can make a great disposable bulletin board for a fraction of the cost of corkboard. When the surface gets too full of pinholes to be used any more, throw it away and buy a new board. If the surface is slick enough, dry erase markers can be used on it as well to create a makeshift whiteboard. One piece on a dorm room door makes an all-purpose bulletin board/whiteboard combo.

The foam is easily cut into shapes with a razor-type knife. It accepts paints and felt-tip markers and fabric can be glued to its surface. For these attributes, foam board has replaced balsa wood as the modeler's choice for building material. If your collection of pewter knights needs a castle battlement or your action-figure star pilots need a space dock, this material, a knife, paint, and glue can create the backdrop and props for your specific needs.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon42709 — On Aug 23, 2009

I plan to use foam board to mount my 11 x 14 photos. What is the best way to hang the foam board? What will adhere to the back to add a wire? Thanks. nzkh

By anon40999 — On Aug 12, 2009

A "kiss" of silicone, create a loop or knot with the wire at each end -- gently lay the end in the "kiss" leave alone for several hours laying flat. Good Luck.

By anon6173 — On Dec 18, 2007

I plan to use foam board to mount my 11 x 14 photos. What is the best way to hang the foam board? What will adhere to the back to add a wire?

Thanks.

Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-foam-board.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.