080 mounting board

What the name tells you.

Trade names like this one are usually a thickness in thousandths of an inch. Read that way, 080 means 0.080in, which is about 2mm (0.080 x 25.4 = 2.03mm). That makes it a slim backing, thinner than any of the 3mm foam boards on our list. Ask us to confirm the exact board for your job, and to show you a piece if you can, because a number will not tell you how a board feels.

Price against the popular boards

Guide prices from our price list. They exclude VAT and delivery and assume print-ready artwork.

Two things stand out. At A2 all three cost the same, so the choice is about finish alone. Above A2, 080 is the dearer option, and the gap widens at the largest sizes. So if you just need a stiff panel at A0 or above, 3mm Foamex or Polyboard is likely to be better value.

When a slim board makes sense

• Limited depth. A frame with a shallow rebate may have no room for a 3mm foam board.
• Portfolios and folders. A slim mount takes up less space when several prints are stacked or slid into a case.
• Small to medium prints. A thin backing is at its best on sizes you can hold comfortably.
• Prints that will be framed later. It keeps a print flat and protected for now, though you should check with your framer first.

Mistakes to avoid

1. Treating it as a sign. Thin backing is not meant to hang or stand on its own at a large size. Give it a frame or a flat surface behind it.
2. Assuming it copes with damp. Tell us about the location, and check before using it anywhere other than a dry room.
3. Ignoring conservation needs. If the print is valuable or part of a collection, ask about the board's make-up before mounting, as mounting is hard to undo.
4. Ordering it by habit. A designer's spec from years ago may not match today's job. Our guide to choosing board thickness can help you check.

You might also compare the similarly priced 060 board. For the wider range, see mounting and laminating.