Eco Friendly Foam Board Printing and Plastic-Free Eco Board

Eco Friendly Printer prints signs, posters and displays on foam board for trade shows, conferences, weddings, real estate, retail and office use. Standard foam board has a plastic foam core, so we offer two alternatives: recycled foam board, and eco board, a rigid board made from 100% post-consumer recycled material that contains no plastic. Both are light, stiff and easy to carry, and both can stand on an easel or hang on a wall.

Common uses for foam board signs

• Trade show and conference signs, schedules and booth graphics
• Wedding welcome signs and seating charts
• Lobby, reception and directional signs
• Real estate open house and property signs
• Presentation boards, research posters and school projects
• Retail displays, menus and promotions
• Photo enlargements and event displays

Foam board sizes

Common sizes are 11 x 17 in, 18 x 24 in, 24 x 36 in and 36 x 48 in. 18 x 24 in and 24 x 36 in are the most popular sizes for easels and tabletop signs. 36 x 48 in is often used for research posters and large event signs. We also cut custom sizes and shapes. Large boards can be printed up to the full sheet size, and very large displays can be made from more than one panel. For one event, we produced twelve 4 x 4 ft posters on eco board, each with two drilled holes so they could be hung from overhead wires at the venue.

Board options

Eco board. A plastic-free board made from 100% post-consumer recycled material. It has the stiffness of foam core and is our first recommendation for indoor signs.

Recycled foam board. A foam board made with recycled content, for jobs that call for a traditional foam board look and weight.

Honeycomb board. A paper board with a honeycomb core. It is very light for its size and works well for large displays and freestanding signs.

Signs can be printed on one or both sides, cut to shape, drilled for hanging or fitted with an easel back so they stand on a table. For signs on a built-in stand, see easel back prints.

How the eco choices apply to foam board

A standard foam board sign is paper on the outside and plastic foam on the inside, which makes it hard to recycle. Eco board and honeycomb board are paper-based, so they avoid the plastic core. Many signs are used for a single day, so we also suggest keeping dates out of the design when you can. A sign that says "Welcome" or shows your logo and booth number can be used again at the next event. Our guide to eco friendly signage covers more ways to reduce sign waste.

Indoor and outdoor use

Foam board, eco board and honeycomb board are made for indoor use. They can be used outside for a short time in dry weather, such as at an outdoor wedding ceremony, but they should be kept out of rain and direct sprinklers. For signs that will stay outside, see yard signs or signs and banners.

Design tips

• Use large, high-contrast type. A sign should be readable from at least 10 feet away.
• Set up the file at the full board size, with bleed if the design runs to the edge.
• Use images at 150 dpi or higher at the final printed size.
• Tell us if the sign will stand on an easel, sit on a table or hang, so we can finish it the right way.

How ordering works

Send your artwork, the size, the quantity and how the sign will be displayed. You can start your order online. We will recommend a board, confirm the finishing and give you a price before anything is printed. Most orders are ready in one to two weeks from artwork approval. For paper posters, see poster printing. For full booths, see printing for events and trade shows.

Common questions about foam board printing

What is eco board?

Eco board is a rigid board made from 100% post-consumer recycled material. It is used in place of foam core or Gator Board for posters and signs and contains no plastic.

What size foam board sign should I get for an easel?

18 x 24 inches and 24 x 36 inches are the most common sizes for easel signs. 24 x 36 inches is easier to read from a distance.

Can foam board signs be printed on both sides?

Yes. Signs can be printed on one or both sides. Double-sided signs are useful for hallways and signs that hang in open spaces.

Can foam board be used outside?

Foam board and eco board are made for indoor use. They can be used outdoors for a short time in dry weather, but they should be kept out of rain.

Can you cut foam board to a custom shape?

Yes. We cut boards to custom sizes and shapes and can drill holes for hanging.

• Plastic-free eco board made from 100% post-consumer recycled material
• Recycled foam board and honeycomb board options
• 11 x 17, 18 x 24, 24 x 36, 36 x 48 in and custom sizes
• One or two sides, custom shapes, drilled holes and easel backs
• For trade shows, weddings, lobbies and presentations