5mm Polyboard
When a board has to hang from something, every gram counts. 5mm Polyboard gives a panel enough stiffness to stay straight, at a weight thin line can carry.
Planning a hung panel, step by step.
- Find out what you can hang from. Suspended ceilings, beams and rails all have their own limits, and many venues have rules on anything hung above people. Ask the building manager before you design anything.
- Settle the size. A larger panel swings more in moving air and is more likely to bow. A1 and A0 are comfortable sizes for hanging, and bigger pieces need more thought.
- Decide if it is double-sided. A hanging sign is often seen from both directions, so a print on each face also balances the board. Mention this when you ask for a price.
- Plan where the fixing points go. Foam-centred board is soft, and a line pulling on a small hole can tear through. Keep holes well away from the edges, and ask us about reinforcing them, or use a bar along the top.
- Keep lines even. Use at least two lines, and set them the same distance from each side. A panel on one line will spin.
- Hang one as a test. Check its line of sight from the entrance and make sure it clears lights, sprinklers and air vents.
Why not just use 3mm?
A 3mm board is lighter still, but it bends more readily. At anything above about A1, the extra body of 5mm helps a hung panel keep its shape, and at this size the difference in cost is small. See lightweight boards for hanging for a wider comparison.
Where it works best
This board is at home in dry, stable, indoor spaces: shops, libraries, schools, exhibitions and offices. Warm air from a vent can make a board curve, so keep it clear of heaters. It is not a choice for damp rooms or outside.
| Size | 5mm Polyboard | 5mm Foamex |
|---|---|---|
| A2 | £8 | £8 |
| A1 | £14 | £14 |
| A0 | £25 | £25 |
| 30in x 20in | £11 | £11 |
| 40in x 30in | £22 | £22 |
| 60in x 40in | £35 | £37.50 |
Guide prices from our price list. They exclude VAT and delivery and assume print-ready artwork.
The two boards share prices until the largest size, where Polyboard comes in a little lower. Foamex is the tougher board, so it may still be the better choice for a panel at hand height, but overhead nobody will touch it and the lighter weight wins.
Other ways to hang
A drop system is worth a look for panels that hang down a wall and need changing. Tell us about the space and we can talk it through. For finishing details, see Polyboard mounting.
Panels seen from below.
Your questions.
Can you add holes to Polyboard for hanging?
Tell us where you want them. We can advise on positions and whether the board needs anything extra to stop them tearing.
Can I fix it to a wall as well?
Yes. Velcro or foam pads work on smooth, clean walls, since the board is so light. Test on the paint first, as it may lift.
Does double-sided printing cost more?
Yes, it involves two prints. Ask us for a quote with your sizes and quantity.