Gator Board

Gatorfoam has a very rigid coating which is resistant to moisture, unlike foamcore board which is foam covered with lightweight card. Gatorfoam 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. Gatorfoam is an extruded polystyrene foam mounting board encased between layers of a melamine and wood fibre veneer. Gatorfoam/Gatorboard has a harder outer surface than other foam core boards and resists warping. For miniature builders, Gatorboard is often used as a backing for wet materials like paperclay or stucco finishes which require a water resistant backing while the coating dries. Gatorboard is more durable than foam core boards and is a good choice for non archival applications, where strength and light weight are important. It is not suitable for archival applications as the facings offgas. Gator board is available in a white, black or natural (kraft) finish. For special applications (mounting photos and posters) it is available with an adhesive coating already applied. Black Gatorboard is not recommended for outdoor use as the color accelerates UV breakdown. Working With Gatorboard

The outer surface of Gatorboard is strong and chips unless cut by fine sharp blades. Handcutting of Gatorboard is not recommended although it can be handcut after scoring it with a very sharp, short craft blade. (Something similar to the knives used to cut melamine countertop material.) Hand jig saws or coping saws are preferable for handcutting simple shapes, more elaborate cuts should be done with power tools.

Gatorboard 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).