Foam board background
Aug 15, 2013 14:48:06 #
DaveJS
Loc: Philadelphia, PA area
So I read today somebody was looking to paint a small room to turn it in to a studio. I responded with why paint the walls, buy foam core boards and paint them. I shoot at one studio that has some of them and they are great for a quick easy background. I've been thinking about getting some for a while now, but today I started looking it up.
Now here's the problem, I'm not finding a good source for them. The studio has them in 4'x8' sheets. I know, ask the studio, right? Problem is I don't shoot there often and don't have a contact there to ask. Plus I figured this would be a good group to both get and share the info. Uline.com has one that is white on one side and black on the other, which would be great! Except they sell for 21.55 a sheet and are only sold in boxes of 25 sheets.
So does anybody use these? And if so where do you get them from? Staples and art stores only seem to sell them in 3'-4' squares.
Oh and yes I have searched UHH and Google.
Now here's the problem, I'm not finding a good source for them. The studio has them in 4'x8' sheets. I know, ask the studio, right? Problem is I don't shoot there often and don't have a contact there to ask. Plus I figured this would be a good group to both get and share the info. Uline.com has one that is white on one side and black on the other, which would be great! Except they sell for 21.55 a sheet and are only sold in boxes of 25 sheets.
So does anybody use these? And if so where do you get them from? Staples and art stores only seem to sell them in 3'-4' squares.
Oh and yes I have searched UHH and Google.
Aug 15, 2013 14:58:00 #
Dave, I bought single sheets at Michael's craft store in the framing area. See if they're in NE.
Aug 15, 2013 15:01:46 #
DaveJS wrote:
So I read today somebody was looking to paint a sm... (show quote)
Dave, I saw your post in that thread, and first thing I thought was, where do you get 4x8 sheets of foam core? I even thought to PM you. But I see you don't know either.
Let's see if anyone else does.
One could get large pieces of cardboard or other lightweight material and paint it. SS
Aug 15, 2013 15:10:02 #
DaveJS
Loc: Philadelphia, PA area
I was even thinking about putting wall paper on them to make fake walls. I have a few ideas for sets I'd like to try out one of these days. But I just bought another lens so the backgrounds seem to get pushed back. lol
Aug 15, 2013 15:24:14 #
DaveJS wrote:
So I read today somebody was looking to paint a sm... (show quote)
Insulation board.
Home Depot and Lowes.
Aug 15, 2013 15:27:54 #
DaveJS wrote:
I use them. 36"x48" is the most common size. But the 48"x96" (4x8ft) are available in a number of places, but rarely in a retail store.So I read today somebody was looking to paint a sm... (show quote)
Uline's price for the black and white sided 4x8' sheets is good.
$539 for 25 boards ($21.55 ea) may be more than you need, but shipping a lesser number would undoubtedly create damage or require expensive packaging.
The package they ship is about 6" thick and arrives in great shape via truck freight.
http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-19382/Foam-Board/48-x-96-Black-White-Foamboard
Aug 15, 2013 15:31:01 #
DaveJS
Loc: Philadelphia, PA area
I'm still thinking about that option, Festina. I might try to find some other local photogs that might want a sheet or two as well. Maybe even the studio I go to might want some. The price does seem good, I'd just hate having to store 20 sheets in my apt with nothing else to use them for.
Aug 15, 2013 16:32:25 #
DaveJS wrote:
You do have an option if you don't need both the black and white sides. I'm still thinking about that option, Festina. I might try to find some other local photogs that might want a sheet or two as well. Maybe even the studio I go to might want some. The price does seem good, I'd just hate having to store 20 sheets in my apt with nothing else to use them for.
When it comes to the 4x8' size I prefer the 1/2" thick board as it is more rigid. I also prefer Gator Board as it is much stronger and can take more abuse.
U-Line sells black 4x8' 1/2" Gator Board for $32.66 a sheet with a carton quanity of 3 sheets. Hard to beat for $98.
http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-19306/Foam-Board/48-x-96-Black-Gator-Board-1-2-Thickness?model=S-19306
And rather than buy 25 3/16" paper-backed foam core boards for $550 you can get six 1/2" Gator Boards for $196.
It all depends on what you use them for.
Mine tend to move around for different settings so durability is valuable. The 3/16" boards can be flimsey (but I think you are attaching them to the walls of your studio, so no real advantage there)
I also use them out doors to alter backgrounds (black) or as reflectors (white).
1/2" Gator Boards will tolerate some light breezes, while the 3/16" require a wood frame.
I usually tape two or more together edge-to-edge using gaffers tape forming a hinge. That makes them self-standing and easy to fold up and load for the trip back.
Good luck.
Aug 15, 2013 17:19:07 #
Sign shops often use foam core sheets, which goes by different names. The sheets come in 4 x 8 sheets if that's what you want.
Check with local sign shops and you'll probably find one that will sell you a sheet or two. You might also have a sign supply company nearby that will sell you some sheets ... especially since you live in the Philly area. I know from past experience that you can get anything you need in Philly. I used to work for an exhibit design company in New Jersey, and we got a lot of unusual things from suppliers in Philly.
Check with local sign shops and you'll probably find one that will sell you a sheet or two. You might also have a sign supply company nearby that will sell you some sheets ... especially since you live in the Philly area. I know from past experience that you can get anything you need in Philly. I used to work for an exhibit design company in New Jersey, and we got a lot of unusual things from suppliers in Philly.
Aug 15, 2013 17:37:48 #
If you're doing a wide shot, what about the seams? Don't they show?
Aug 15, 2013 19:13:33 #
Aug 15, 2013 23:53:46 #
http://www.binding101.com/plain-foam-board.html
Has boards 48" X 96" in white and black. Those things are expensive!
Has boards 48" X 96" in white and black. Those things are expensive!
Aug 16, 2013 01:18:26 #
jdubu
Loc: San Jose, CA
The art framer we use for our clients can order sheets of foamcore in full sheets in whatever colors and sizes can be cut.
Check with your local art framers to see if you can piggyback on an order.
Check with your local art framers to see if you can piggyback on an order.
Aug 16, 2013 02:10:57 #
Dave66
Loc: Vancouver, Canada
Our local retail building supply chain store sells 4x8x4mm sheets of "Tenplast" hollow (corrugated inside) smooth plastic panels. Various colors including white. You would have to spray paint one side black. These are very light and come in handy for poster boards for talks and school projects. Recent quote for 9 boards was $22.33 each. Regular price $31.99 each for one. The real problem is how to store them in a small apartment!
Aug 16, 2013 05:38:48 #
DaveJS wrote:
So I read today somebody was looking to paint a sm... (show quote)
Reply...
I look at this from a quilters point, what about having a curtain track at the top, and hanging plain curtain fabric, sewn in drops to the width required, weighted at the bottom so it will hang straight, or have thin ply sheets covered with wallpaper that suits. Just a thought. Cheers, Nancy J
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