Here’s a quick question. How would you want your artwork/print, in a frame or in a foam board print?
Don’t be so quick to answer.
Untrained eyes aren’t quick to notice the differences between a print that is framed or printed in a foam board.
Not to worry, in this article, we hope to give you easy and straightforward differences between framing and foam board printing.
Framing
Framing is a packaging strategy for artwork that helps to lengthen its span. It has several components with specific purposes. Some of its components include the frame itself which can either be acrylic or glass, the mat board as well as the mount board.
The choice of using either an acrylic or glass frame is dependent on several factors such as: transportation, cleaning, cost, size and placement position of the frame.
The acrylic frame is light, optically pure and shatter-resistant hence it is the ideal choice for security purposes if the work is to be shipped. However, it is not without its shortcomings which are the areas of strength for the glass frame.
The glass frame on the flip is relatively cheaper, does not bow hence unaffected by humidity, as well as have a superb scratch resistance which is found lacking in acrylic frame although it is heavy.
Just below the glazing frame and in front of the artwork is the mat board.
The matboard is multi-functional. It serves the purpose of protection, creating a barrier as well as adding aesthetic value to the artwork. Although, there are a variety of colours with which it can be found, the most common colour is white.
The protection provided by the mat board for the artwork is a function of the material with which it was made. Some of the materials include cotton rag, a wood-based paper which may be seen on top, alpha-cellulose as well as several other materials.
The third component of a framing package is the mount board. The mount board is similar to the mat board in functionality such that it provides rigid protection for the artwork. In addition, it also helps to restrict the movement of the artwork.
However, the mount board is in contrast to the mat board in its positioning. The mount board is located at the back of the artwork. The mount board is more often made with polystyrene (a component of foam). Occasionally, it may be made with paper on both sides in order to increase its longevity and preservation power.
Advantages
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Times have changed and you should get packaging materials with both aesthetic beauty and also preservatives. If this is work you are looking for, then framing made with acid-free mat boards would do the job perfectly.
In addition, framing especially those with acid-free mat boards have superb durability, and it’s colour fading resistant.
Foam Board Printing
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You may be wondering, what is it with the lightweight, aesthetic packaging tool that gives your work an extra touch of creativity?
Foam board is also known as foam core and it is made from polystyrene which is made up of 95% air.
Foam core or foam board as you may choose to call it, is a printing or display material made core foams (polystyrene) placed between two matte papers. The design of form board printing is such that it is rigid hence it is very versatile and can be used for multiple purposes.
Advantages
Foam core also has several advantages that make it a great idea for your artwork packaging. Aside from the fact that it is less expensive, the foam core is sturdy. It has the ability to stand on its own as well as lay flat on the floor. Its rigidity gives it the power to resist bending or distortion.
In addition, the material content of foam core printing notably polystyrene is lightweight although not malleable. It also comes to a relative stressless process in its printing and cutting, unlike framing.
The diversity of options it provides is also another option to consider using a foam board printing for your artwork. It can be laminated, framed. It is an ideal option if you consider using it for a poster board.
However, on the flip side, there are several shortcomings it has compared to framing.
- Slightly Acidic: The acidity of frame board printing makes it susceptible to damage although it provides temporary protection. In addition, the slight acidity signifies that it can not last long before the colour starts fading unlike framing made from acid-free mat board which is colour fading resistant.
- Not Wear or Tear Resistant. Foam board printing unlike glasses framing is not resistant to wear and tear hence it requires a lot of care and tear and must be handled with care if the aesthetic effect would be sustained.
- Not Bow Resistant: Another shortcoming of board printing is that it is susceptible to bowing. It can be influenced by relative humidity and bow, unlike glassed framing that is stiff and not susceptible to bowing.
- Not Resistant to Sunlight or Water: Sunlight has the ability to cause fading of colour which will in turn cause damage to packaging tools. Foam board printing in all its numerous advantages will fade away when exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period of time. It can also be easily damaged by water, unlike framing.
Conclusion.
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There is no perfect packaging tool. Framing is expensive compared to cheap foam board printing as well as relatively heavy compared to the lightweight foam board printing. However, it is bow resistant, more durable compared to the straightforward, stress-free foam board printing.
In the end, several factors such as your budget, the size of the artwork, where the artwork is to be placed as well as several others influence your choice. However, both choices will serve your purpose effectively.
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