1mm Foamex boards
At 1mm, Foamex bends in your hand. Treat it as a tough, plastic alternative to card, and do not expect it to behave like a sign board.
Thin on purpose.
Most boards are bought for their stiffness. This one is chosen for what it does without stiffness: it flexes, it weighs next to nothing and it can be trimmed with a sharp knife. A sheet will flop if you hold it by one corner. Give it a flat surface to lie on, or a frame to sit in, and it becomes very useful.
Good jobs for 1mm
- Shelf and counter displays. Small point-of-sale cards that need more body than paper.
- Inserts for existing frames. A rigid backing that does not take up much depth.
- Gentle curves. It can follow a broad column or curved counter when it is fixed along the whole length.
- Panels stuck to a wall. Double-sided tape or Velcro holds a light sheet with little strain, and the wall does the supporting.
- Templates and stencils. A cut sheet can be reused where card would soon go soft.
Jobs to steer clear of
- Anything that has to stand up by itself
- Hanging from two corners, which makes it sag between them
- Large sizes with only a few fixing points
- Screw fixings, which can tear through or dimple the sheet
- Outdoor signs that may catch the wind
A size warning
A2 at 1mm is easy to handle. By A0 or 60in x 40in you have a large floppy sheet, and it can crease if it is lifted carelessly. A sharp fold leaves a permanent white stress mark. Carry big pieces with two people, and lift rather than drag.
Compared with the next size up
| Size | 1mm Foamex | 3mm Foamex |
|---|---|---|
| A2 | £7 | £7 |
| A1 | £10 | £12 |
| A0 | £15 | £20 |
| 30in x 20in | £10 | £10 |
| 40in x 30in | £18 | £20 |
| 60in x 40in | £30 | £35 |
Guide prices from our price list. They exclude VAT and delivery and assume print-ready artwork.
The two prices are the same at A2 and 30in x 20in, so unless you specifically need flexibility or thinness, 3mm Foamex is the sensible default at those sizes. If you still need help with the choice, read choosing board thickness.
Fixing to a surface
Because the sheet is so light, tape usually works, as long as the wall or counter is clean and sound. On a dusty or flaky surface, even a light sheet will let go. Our note on Velcro fixings explains how to use it.
Thin panels on walls and counters.
Your questions.
Can 1mm Foamex go around a column?
A wide one, sometimes, if it is fixed all the way along. Tell us the diameter, as a tight curve can crease the sheet and a vinyl may suit it better.
Can I cut it myself?
Yes. A sharp craft knife and a metal rule, with a few light passes, will cut a clean line. Protect the print and the surface beneath.
Is it strong enough for a door sign?
If it is stuck flat to the door, yes. It should not be expected to hold itself rigid if screwed at the corners only.