Chicago foam board printing services for bold, custom event signage that stands out.
Getting Started With Custom Foam Board Printing
It’s not hard to understand why foam, in general, is a popular material to work with. Thanks to its high thermal resistance, easy installation, and decent moisture resistance, foam is an ideal choice for DIY projects. At the same time, foam also makes for high-quality and fantastic custom signage as a great material in the custom printing field. Whether it’s for an important event, representing the brand at a conference or trade show, or just directing customers where to go—custom foam board signage printing can be an independent business owner’s secret weapon.
The great thing about custom foam board printing is that all types are made under one roof. Events, businesses, and storefront signage all have one thing in common—they are needed to deliver an essential message to clients and potential clients. There will be some different design choices based on their use. An example would be a gala sign being more attractive than professional branding at a business conference. You don’t need access to state-of-the-art design tools or break the bank to make the perfect foam board custom signage that stands out. You just need to know where to look and what you are looking for.
Benefits of Foam Printing For Events
Let’s go into a little more detail about why event planners and entrepreneurs are picking foam board signs over personalized banners and yard signs. For one, it’s how light foam is. When a banner rolls up, its weight becomes focused—with the bigger it is, the heavier it is. Meanwhile, retractable banners are more or less lugged around before they are set up. Because of this, custom foam signs can be moved around, placed, and stored with ease. Foam is so lightweight as a material that it can be cut or shaped more easily than any other custom print material.
This brings us to its usage. For the most part, custom foam signs are largely for indoor use. Unless they’re secured outside, the wind may blow them away, and stormy weather may ruin them. However, they aren’t referred to with “indoor excellence” for nothing. Event planners often choose foam board poster printing because they are the easiest sign to move around as attendees move throughout the event. They can be real lifesavers for large venues. Businesses can also move foam signage around stores and offices on the fly. Being able to be cut into different shapes, custom foam signs can literally be shaped to their environments.
Despite its largely indoor use, foam is still a durable and even self-preserving material. Foam offers thermal resistance and is an excellent insulator for electricity. Some even use it in their homes to save energy costs. Foam is also resistant to moisture, so no mold will grow on it. So much so that foam signs can be stored in basements and forgotten about. Color UV printing and dry-erase lamination are the best custom printing methods for foam by offering the best resolution and extended lifespan, respectively.
Creative Custom Foam Board Printing Options
Your business, event, and brand should be the driving factors behind the creative choices you make. The following are some creative options you have for your custom foam board poster printing:
- Different sizes and formats — As said before, a custom sign at a gala may have a more elegant feel compared to one being used for a booth at a trade show. The event company branding may also take a backseat to the hosts’ event name or title, while a business’s brand is the main message of the trade show sign. The main design principle when designing custom signs is juxtaposition by leaving white space and appropriate sizing of custom designs or full color photos.
- Color — A good rule of thumb when working with colors is not to have more than three primary colors in a logo or branding. You’ll see that some of the best logos out there tend to use two. Foam printing offers vibrant colors that can bring these designs to life.
- Finishes — Foam board printing has the option of either gloss or dry-erase finishes. Gloss is a popular choice for high-visibility settings, which makes it popular with event planners. Meanwhile, dry-erase, or matte, offers less glare and doesn’t accumulate scratches like gloss would over time. This is how it gets its name because it looks as clear as the surface you would use dry-erase markers on.
Large-Format Foam Board Printing
As you shop for foam board printing services, you’ll notice that some have the option of large-format printing. As foam signs can come in many shapes and sizes, most are larger than 12″x18″. This is an important distinction from the kind of printing that the custom print shops do for t-shirts and business cards. Printing on this scale requires larger, specialized printers and heavier-duty material like vinyl, metal, and foam.
This is a printing service that is the most economical for billboards, banners, and entire window and vehicle graphics. Construction and architecture companies also use it for their site and design plans. Of course, event planners and businesses can benefit from large-format printing as it can create valuable and long-lasting marketing solutions. This can be the case for custom signage. You may have one trade show or event appearance in mind at the time, but such signage can last you for several.
The best part about large-format printing custom foam signage is the cost. Foam is actually considered cheaper than other materials like vinyl. This makes it the optimal material for large-format printing on tight budgets. This can also make buying them in bulk a good option, ideal for a new business looking to get a handful of affordable signs.
Fast Foam Board Printing Services
Quick turnaround is always important to consider for custom print orders, especially if they are last-minute. As daunting as it seems, large-format foam board printing can have good turnaround times. While larger quantity orders may take a little while longer, quality foam signage of custom sizes and designs should suit any urgent situation. This kind of turnaround can also be convenient, especially if the print shop is local and offers pickup.
That brings us to one of the most important things you can do, and that is shop locally. The most reliable printing services may seem like those faceless online entities that you can submit custom designs to, but you’ll find local print shops offer more flexibility and personal reliability that can’t be found anywhere else. Looking for the best bang for your buck is always a good approach, but why not see what your community has to say?
If you simply must order online, last-minute orders are not recommended. While there are some services that specialize in such, they have a higher margin for error with little time to correct it. The most efficient custom print orders are placed well ahead of time because you really never know what could happen. Be it an unforeseen delay or managing a large-format printing order, ordering in advance is the unspoken rule.
Foam Board Signs From Midwest Custom Print
Start your search for foam board printing services with Midwest Custom Print. Give your event, trade show booth, or business high-quality and transformative signage made from sturdy 3/16 foam core material. We offer both finish options of gloss and dry erase, and a wide range of sizes from 12″x18″ to 48″x48″. We also proudly offer a counter cut option as we take advantage of how easy this material is to shape. A heart-shaped sign may look lovely at a wedding.
Give us a call at 844-928-7866 or visit us in Chicago at 110 W. Cermak Rd, Suite 731, and connect with our in-house design team. With us, ordering your custom foam board signs is more than a shopping chore. It’s a collaborative effort between us as we work to bring your vision to life and optimize it for greater results. Get your free quote with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Foam Board Printing
How Are Foam Board Signs Installed?
Foam board signage can be placed on a stand or simply secured to a surface by command strips.
How Are Designs Printed on Foam?
Printing methods used on foam include UV inks, screen printing, and solvent ink printing. UV is vibrant and best for resisting fade, while screen and solvent are more bold.
Can a Foam Board Sign be Outside?
A custom sign made out of foam can be displayed outside, but not for long. Moisture from inclement weather can push past its resistance, and UV damage can affect those without the appropriate inks.
