In need of Gator aid

[dknelson]

Has anyone found a source for the Gatorfoam/Gatorplast mentioned in the latest MR? I'd like to check it out since I agree with the author that standard foam core board is prone to warping due to the paper used.
Dave Nelson

[cacole]

I performed a Google search for that when I read the article, and it apparently is available only to people in the sign business. It comes in 4x8 sheets and is made by International Paper. Dealers were only in the southern states; i.e., Texas, Louisiana, Florida. Costs $80+ per sheet.

If you read that article carefully, you'll see that the backdrops shown were printed and then glued to the Gatorplast, which is very similar to Foam Core board, and were not actually made out of Gatorboard. Gator and Foam Core are made by the same company.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Check art supply stores, they might have some, though their quantities and selection may be limited. Going to the source is probably going to be cheaper, if they will sell it to you.

There must be a distributor in most major cities that sells to the sign making industry. Check for screen printing suppliers and you might get lucky. I can think of a place locally that might stock it, but that won't help you. You need a source in your area.

Warping is a huge problem with the paper coated stuff. I used to work with it back when I built architectural models professionally. If a latex paint was to be applied, both sides had to be coated evenly to keep it from curling up. The thinner the foam , the tighter the curl.