Foam Board, Fomecor®

Updated 7/5/10 PAB: MMSS 6-26-10 v0

Alternate names
Foamboard, Foam core, Pacon®

Characteristics
A closed-cell foam between two skins of paper available in both archival and non-archival grades. The non-archival is the most readily available. It is quite rigid but can be cut with a knife. Not recyclable. Fome-Cor brand (International Paper Co.) has an acid-free polystyrene core, but paper (wood fiber), may become acidic over time.
An "archival" version with buffered paper is only available in the 3/16" thickness.


Forms/Sizes
Comes in white, black and colors. Thicknesses range from 1/16” up to 1”. Precut 8 ½ x 11 up to 48 x 96 sheets. Also comes pre-primed with adhesive.

Illustrations

Application
The 3/16" size is commonly used as a backing board for paintings, and maybe incorporated into framing packages for works on paper (normally separated by a vapor barrier). The 1/2" thickness is frequently used as a material for tray-pack style crate interiors or to fabricate lightweight inner boxes for both 2D and 3D objects. sometimes used to provide a support in storage where extra rigidity is required. Product grade needs to be carefully chosen to suit the application.


Sources
Uline
Talas
Gaylord
University Products
Archivart
Ashley Distributors