| Article number: | 661670890003 |
| Availability: | In stock (6) |
The watercolorist's choice for stretching paper. Lightweight, durable polystyrene foam core with moisture resistant veneer. Warp resistant board perfect for making an original model or sturdy mold walls. 1/2in. thick. Made in the U.S.A.
Gator Board has a very rigid poly surface which is resistant to moisture, unlike foam board which is foam covered with lightweight paper stock.
Gator Board has an extruded polystyrene foam encased between layers of a melamine and wood fiber veneer. Gatorfoam / Gator Board has a much harder outer surface than other foam core boards and resists warping. Gator Board is not an acid free material, so you should check before using it for items which will be displayed in museums or other permanent archives. The firm surface of Gator Board is it's advantage and is a very durable permanent board useful for building displays, and as a backing for more permanent signs, and as a backing for artwork .
For miniature builders, Gator Board is often used as a backing for wet materials like paper-clay or stucco finishes which require a water resistant backing while the coating dries.
Working With Gatorboard
The outer surface of Gatorboard is strong and chips unless cut by fine sharp blades. Hand cutting of Gatorboard is not recommended although it can be hand cut after scoring it with a very sharp, short craft blade. (Something similar to the knives used to cut melamine counter-top material.) Hand jig saws or coping saws are preferable for hand cutting simple shapes, more elaborate cuts should be done with power tools.
Gator Board is easily cut with a power saw or router using sharp, fine tooth blades. It can be glued to the face of a structural framework, or held together with wooden dowels or biscuits to build without a frame.
Before gluing or painting make sure the surface is clean and dry. If necessary, scuff the top surface using 180 or finer grit sandpaper to create a better surface for bonding (when using glues other than contact cement).