Gatorfoam
Description
[3A Composites, formerly owned by International Paper Co.] A registered trademark for a laminated foamboard used for graphic arts. GatorFoam® is made from a rigid, extruded Polystyrene foam core laminated between two facing papers consisting of wood fiber impregnated with resin. The strong, flat panels are water-resistant and dimensionally stable. Direct sunlight will cause bleaching and degradation of any unprotected foam. GatorFoam® is not made as an archival product and may emit acidic vapors. The rigid board has very good dent and scratch resistance.
Available Products:
- GATORFOAM: Original graphic arts foamboard with extruded polystyrene bonded between two layers of paper veneer
- GATORFOAM Pro: Standard board with an enhanced printing surface on one side
- GATORFOAM Self-adhesive: Standard board with a high tack pressure-activated adhesive coating on one side
- GATORFOAM Exterior: Standard board designed for outdoor durability using a different adhesive to adhere facers
- GATORPLAST: Polystyrene core with high impact polystyrene facers that is very lightweight and water resistant
- GATORBLANK: Thick panels of extruded polystyrene foam without any facers; easy to cut and form
Synonyms and Related Terms
Gator-foam (sp); Gatorboard
- Related materials: Gatorplast; Fome-Cor; Jetmount
- 3A Composite: Board comparison table
Applications
- Used as a working surface for artist to support pastels, paintings and other media. It is commonly used to stretch water color paper.
- Used in exhibition and displays as a backing board and mounting surface.
Personal risks
- Under high heat can produce aromatic hydrocarbons including, styrene, ethyl benzene and other polymer fragments.
- May contain minute amounts of Formaldehyde.
- Skin and Eye Contact, Inhalation: Dust may cause irritation.
- Combustible
- 3A Composites: Safety Data Sheet
Collection Risks
- May emit acidic vapors. Increased off-gassing can occur with high heat and moisture.
- Oddy Testing Link: http://www.conservation-wiki.com/wiki/Oddy_Test_Results:_Case_Construction_Materials
Environmental Risks
Material is not recyclable or biodegradable.
Working Properties
Gatorfoam can be cut with a utility knife, saw or router.
Exhibit Construction Reviews/Tips/Case Studies
AIC Link about Backing Inserts (http://www.conservation-wiki.com/wiki/Stretchers_and_Strainers:_Materials_and_Equipment )
Forms/Sizes
GatorFoam® is available in black and white colors in a range of thicknesses (3/16", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1.5", 2 in), widths (48" or 60") and lengths (96", 120")
Resources and Citations
- Abby Schleicher, contributed information, MWG group, 2020.
- https://www.dickblick.com/products/gatorfoam-board/
- https://www.gogsg.com/ASSETS/DOCUMENTS/ITEMS/EN/GATBLK12-4896%20sds.pdf
- Pam Hatchfield, Pollutants in the Museum Environment, Archetype Press, London, 2002
- 3A Composites Product sheet: https://d371dyuip757b1.cloudfront.net/downloads/3A_SalesSheet-GATOR.pdf%7C