Gator Board Prints

What is Gator board Printing?

Gator board printing offers a cost-effective, high-quality solution for displaying matte-finish images such as collage art, photography, and retail signage. Known for its rigid structure and durability, gatorboard features a black-sided edge, a wood-like core, and a smooth clay-coated surface. Its matte finish enhances image clarity while reducing glare, making it an excellent choice for professional indoor displays that require both strength and style.

Gator Board vs. Foam Core: Which One is Right for You?

Foam core board is a lightweight, budget-friendly option commonly used for temporary signage. Made from a foam center sandwiched between two sheets of white paper, it’s ideal for school projects, presentations, and short-term displays. However, foam core is highly susceptible to moisture, often warping within 60 days and easily bending, creasing, or tearing with minimal force.

Gatorboard, on the other hand, is far more durable while remaining lightweight. Unlike foam core, gatorboard features a wood-fiber veneer that provides enhanced strength and rigidity, preventing warping and increasing its lifespan to two years or more with minimal upkeep. It resists bending, creasing, and tearing, making it a better long-term investment for signage that needs to withstand everyday handling and environmental factors.

If you need a short-term, disposable solution, foam core is a cost-effective option—provided it’s handled with care. But for long-lasting, professional-quality signage that can endure wear and tear, gatorboard is the superior choice.

What is Gatorboard Mounting?

Gatorboard mounting is a traditional two-step process where artwork is first printed on vinyl and then mounted onto a gatorboard substrate. This method requires additional time and labor, making it more expensive compared to modern alternatives. While once considered the industry standard, advancements in flatbed printing technology have largely replaced this approach.

At Print420, we use grand format digital LED direct printing, which allows for high-quality images to be printed directly onto gatorboard. This eliminates the need for vinyl mounting, reducing costs and ensuring crisper, more vibrant prints. Our fully automated facility enables us to offer affordable gatorboard printing, making it easy to create stunning, durable signage for any purpose.