What are Custom Gator Board Signs?
Custom gator board signs are printed on Gatorfoam boards. This material is industry-standard signage consisting of a lightweight polystyrene foam core sandwiched between 2 stabilizing high quality, rigid wood-fiber veneer faces.
It offers customers the lightness of foam board with a touch-sleek, glossy, and vivid print surface that is super strong. If you’ve only ever used foam boards in the past, you’ll be amazed at how attractive your next project will look with gator board signs.
Gatorboard is known for its excellent durability, rigidity, and attractive look. If your next indoor project requires long term display and mounting or transportation of signage, gator board prints are an excellent option.
We call it gator board, but you may have also seen it referred to as a single word “gatorboard” or even gator foam. Any way you cut it, it refers to the standard Gatorfoam Board.
Top Benefits of Custom Gator Board Signs
Foam core products are known for being lightweight, but gator board brings the added benefit of a dense, stiff surface face that does not warp, dent, or bend.
Plus, gator board prints look good, and we mean really good. High-quality inks are one thing, but when printed on a glossy gator surface, images turn out super vibrant and sleek. Invented especially for permanent signs and as backing for artwork, gator board prints have an aesthetic beauty far superior to other print surfaces.
Its affordability makes it a top choice for small businesses. For indoor signage, it is a far better and cheaper alternative than rigid plastic or aluminum signs. It’s efficient for a number of practical uses including:
- Promotional, point of purchase displays
- Directional or instructional signage
- Displaying menus or specials
- Trade show, conference, or event signage
- Registration or welcome signage
- Handheld signage at campaign rallies
Another bonus, gator board material is incredibly easy to transport or move around. It is an ideal choice of material for mounting exhibits and signs, for those moments where rigidity, lightweight, and warp resistance are a must. Plus, it is durable enough to be held up and waved around but light enough to be held for extended periods.
If you are interested in more indoor sign or display options, our dimensional lettering signage would be worth checking out!
Winning Features of Custom Gator Board Signs
- Dense polystyrene foam core for internal durability
- Solid wood-fiber veneer for added strength
- Resistant to scratches, dents, water, and bends
- Lightweight & portable signage
- Long term indoor use
- Fade-resistant UV inks
- Custom design and cut
- Double-sided print option
- Laminate finish available
- Incredible range of custom sizes
- Direct digital printing and direct screen print surface
- Choose your desired core and facing color options: Black or White
Gator Board vs Other Sign Materials
Confused by similar sounding products, and don’t know which to use? Have no fear! We’ve put together this handy table which shows common sign materials compared, with links to our other product pages you can check them out!
Name | Cost | Weight | Durability | Exterior | Finish | Outdoor Use? |
Gator Board | $$ | Very Light | *** | Wood Veneer | Glossy | No |
Foam Board | $ | Ultra Light | ** | Paper | Matte | No |
Ultra Board | $$ | Very Light | *** | Plastic | Glossy | No |
Sintra Board | $$ | Light | ***** | PVC | Low Gloss | Yes |
Coroplast | $ | Ultra Light | **** | Plastic Sheeting | Low Gloss | Yes |
Dibond | $$$ | Light | ***** | Aluminum Sheeting | Metallic | Yes |
Sizing for Custom Gator Board Signs
We offer gatorboard in sizes ranging anywhere between a minimum of 4”x4” to a maximum of 48″x96″. Popular project sizes include gator board signs of 4”x8”, 16”x20”, and 24”x36”.
We always advise clients to leave room for a trim, so if you are choosing the maximum size option available, your final art will be printed at a size of 47″x95″.
There are 2 thickness options for our custom gator board signs: 3/16″ and 1/2″.
Of course, if you have a specific size request, reach out to us and we can work with you to get you what you need!
Cutting Options for Custom Gator Board Signs
Your custom gator board sign can be cut into any shape you desire. Often we cut signs into square or rectangle shapes with optional rounded corners (1″ radius), circle or oval’s, and a wide range of custom (with or without border).
When cutting your board into a custom shape, please note that any portion of the sign cannot be smaller than ¼” in width.
Some customers ask if they can cut their own signs. If you choose to do this, we are not responsible for any damage that may be caused to the sign. Our recommendation for the best results is to be sure that you use a sharp blade or knife. Avoid using large hand saws, as they will not leave a smooth edge.
Installation
Installation of custom gator board signs is super simple and there are many different methods to do so whether indoors or out. Their lightweight profile makes them a good fit for interior walls and or even for hanging on ceiling supports.
- Here are some of the common ways to install Dibond signs:
- Mechanical installation with screws, drills, or nails
- Fixing with very strong adhesive or bonding glue
- Hanging or suspending with rope, string, or bungee cords
- Placing on a stand
- Framing
Be sure to specify if you need us to drill holes for you so you can hang your sign properly.
Many customers also use gatorboard to create 3D displays. Configuring multiple gatorboard pieces serves as the foundation and building blocks for these types of displays. You can speak with a member of our team if you are interested in this type of project. We are more than happy to help you design a custom display made of custom gator board signs.
Lifespan of Custom Gator Board Signs
Custom gator board signs are made of a lightweight, yet extremely rigid and dependable materials that can last for years if used indoors. Proper care and use will ensure the longest life for your signage.
Gatorboard is dent resistant, however, extreme weather will affect the quality of your signs.
Be sure to install, use, and care for them properly to increase their lifespan.
Gatorboard is not recommended for outdoor use.
For an excellent outdoor option, you might want to check out sintra printing.
Caring for Your Custom Gator Board Signs
The first rule with gator board signs is to reserve them for indoor usage.
Gatorboard is not waterproof or resistant to moisture damage. If exposed to large amounts of moisture or persistent humidity, the wood veneer could become warped and begin to separate from the foam core.
When cleaning the surface of your custom gator board sign, only use a dry, non-abrasive cloth. Do not use any liquids or cleaning solutions.
Should you need to store your signs, place them carefully in an upright position, away from sharp objects, and do not place any objects on the surface of the board.
Local Delivery Services
We are happy to deliver our custom gator board signs anywhere in San Diego.
For certain corporate and enterprise projects we are happy to discuss additional options with you. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Nationwide Shipping
Once we’ve completed your custom gator board sign project, we’ll ship it to you anywhere within the United States. Depending on your order size we may offer free or expedited shipping. Please contact us using the form to get the exact details, and we’ll ensure your experience is amazing!
Embassy Suites La Jolla –
We have used Coastal Creative a couple of times for some signage and have been very pleased with the Products. The signs were made very quickly and hand delivered in person. We would definitely use them in the future.