Foam board printing

Print on foam board

Foam board printing or Foamex printing has taken off over the last few years as this light and durable material proved to be a great alternative to standard canvas or cardboard printing. Professionals in graphics industries have been using it for some time now, but recently the marketing and corporate world also started to take advantage of affordable and large foam board prints.

Foam board is ideal for signage, posters and advertising boards for your shop, office or exhibition stand. Printed Foamex produces great colours and clear graphics as it is HD digitally printed with the state-of-the-art printing technology.

When it comes to advertising communication, Foamex is one of the most versatile solutions available. It is a semi-expanded PVC plastic material suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, with a smooth and compact white surface that delivers sharp, vivid print results. Lightweight and easy to transport, it is particularly practical for use in shops, display spaces and temporary installations. It also offers excellent resistance to sunlight and weather conditions, with outdoor durability of up to 3 years depending on use and exposure.

Foam Board Printing - Customisation

When you print on foam board with Pixartprinting, you are in control of the final product thanks to a wide range of customisation options. You can choose from three thicknesses (3 mm, 5 mm or 10 mm), a vast range of sizes and you can also enter your own dimensions by choosing the ‘Custom Format’. You can print on the front only, have the same back and front or a different back and front. There is also the choice of a rectangular board or you can opt for your own custom shape. You can also add scratch-resistant varnish for added protection.

There are two cutting options available: a standard square or rectangular cut, or a custom shaped cut following a path provided in your artwork. For double-sided printing, the maximum size for a single panel is 280 x 180 cm for the 3 mm and 5 mm thicknesses, and 140 x 140 cm for the 10 mm thickness.

Metal hangers are available to fix your panels to the wall but the foam board prints can also be supplied without them. Accessories may vary depending on the chosen panel size and are verified during the quote phase.

Foam Board Formats

When you print on foam board with Pixartprinting, you can choose from multiple square and rectangular formats, as follows:

• 50 cm x 50 cm
• 50 cm x 70 cm
• 70 cm x 50 cm
• 70 cm x 70 cm
• 70 cm x 100 cm
• 100 cm x 70 cm
• 100 cm x 100 cm
• 100 cm x 140 cm
• 110 cm x 110 cm
• 140 cm x 100 cm
• 140 cm x 140 cm

These formats include portrait, landscape and square options, as well as a fully custom format.

Alternatively, you also have the option to print on foam board in your own preferred shape and size. The only stipulations are that the width and height must both be a minimum of 10 cm. The maximum printable size for a single panel is 190 cm x 290 cm. Beyond this size, the design will be divided into multiple panels. The panelisation will maintain equal proportions, but it is defined during the production phase.

Foam Board Materials

The specific material used when you print on foam board with Pixartprinting is Foamex PVC Eurolight. This is a durable plastic made of semi-expanded PVC with a compact white surface and it is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It is therefore ideal for shop signs, advertising boards or display spaces. It is available in three different thicknesses (3 mm, 5 mm or 10 mm) and the minimum printable size varies according to the thickness. The maximum size of the panel is 190 cm x 290 cm so if you need a larger size for your print on foam board, your design will be printed on multiple panels.

Foamex is durable yet easily workable, making it suitable for a wide range of communication applications, from promotional signs and outdoor signage to cladding panels, display boards and stage design elements. Please note that, regarding the material’s fire-resistant properties, no certification can be provided on the finished printed product, as the production process and ink application alter the original raw material characteristics.

Why choose foam board printing?

Foam board printing is an excellent choice for indoor signage and advertising boards. If you have a retail space or hospitality venue, you can use Foamex signs to draw attention to certain products or promote offers and special events. While if you are holding an event or exhibition, they can be used as signage to direct visitors. At trade fairs, they can be used to decorate your stand and make sure you get noticed! This does not only apply to corporate events but also weddings and other celebrations, where you can provide need-to-know information at the door to make sure that everything runs smoothly.

Foamex is also one of the best choices for large promotional signs, outdoor signage, posters, movable walls, shop displays and all kinds of interior setups. Its combination of rigidity, low weight and durability makes it ideal for communication materials that need to look professional and be easy to handle.

In addition, Foamex is an excellent material for high-definition photographic printing. Photo panels printed on Foamex can bring displays and interiors to life with bright colours, faithful detail reproduction and an affordable overall solution.

Order your print on foam board

Once you have configured your Foamex panel, we recommend downloading the Instructions and Template files before sending us your artwork. They contain guidelines on how to make sure that your file is print-ready and the foam board printing project runs smoothly. A standard check of your file is included in the price but if you would like our Graphic Designers to perform an enhanced check, you can select the “Professional File Check” option for a small fee.

During the configuration process, you can also select accessories such as metal hangers to simplify installation. Once you have entered all the required specifications, you can get your online quote quickly and complete your purchase by uploading your print file.

When you have completed your order, you can sit back and enjoy our fast and punctual shipping service. Of course, if you have any questions about the product or the ordering process, our Customer Support teams will be happy to help.

Foam board printing tips

New to foam board printing? Want to make sure that your project is a success? Here are some tips to help ensure that you get the results you want from your new Foamex signs. One of the most important factors is to make sure that your images are high resolution to get the best possible definition and clear details. Signs and advertising boards are all about getting your message noticed, so opt for bold fonts and colours, and try to limit the amount of text so that it encourages people to read short bursts of information without getting distracted.

In the instruction file downloadable from this page, you will find all the information needed to set up your print file correctly. Please remember that files are processed in PDF format at a 1:1 scale. For single-sided Foamex panels, add 1 mm bleed on each side; for double-sided printing, add 5 mm bleed on each side. For a standard square cut, you do not need to include a cutting path in the file, while for a shaped cut, the cutting path must be placed on a dedicated layer. Using the template file is the easiest way to make sure all settings are correct.

Foam board care and installation

Foamex prints are weather-resistant and easy to clean. For routine cleaning, use a soft cotton cloth and warm water. For more stubborn dirt, a mild detergent can be used, but alcohol-based cleaners should be avoided, as harsh products may damage the printed colours.

To attach your print on foam board to a wall or flat surface, you can use different solutions depending on how permanent the installation needs to be. Strong adhesives are suitable for permanent fixing, while silicone can be used on smooth surfaces when easier removal is preferred. Alternatively, you can choose our hanging kit and mount the panel using a screw or nail.

FAQ: The most frequently asked questions about printing on Foamex

What material is Foamex? Foamex is a durable plastic material made from semi-expanded PVC. It is ideal for signs, shopfitting and displays, and it guarantees sharp, high-quality printing results.

What is Foamex printing and what is it used for? Foamex printing is commonly used for informational signs, wall signs, panels, custom-shaped boards and displays for trade fairs and retail spaces. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use thanks to its resistance to weather conditions.

How do you clean Foamex? Foamex is easy to clean using a soft cotton cloth and warm water. For tougher dirt, use a mild detergent and avoid alcohol-based cleaners or aggressive products that could affect the print.

How do I attach my Foamex print? Foamex can be fixed using adhesives, silicone on smooth surfaces, or a hanging kit for wall mounting with a screw or nail.

Related products

If you would like to explore alternative options to foam board prints, we have a wide variety of Rigid Media that you can print on such as aluminium, cardboard and Plexiglas.

Alongside Foamex, cardboard is a practical choice for indoor signage that needs to be easy to move and transport, while Plexiglas is a strong alternative for shop signs thanks to its light weight and resistance to sun and rain. If you are unsure which material best suits your project, Pixartprinting also offers a sample kit of rigid materials so you can compare the available options and print quality more closely.