Forex foamboard

[Not your average framer]

I've just had to frame a print which was supplied dry mounted onto an oversized piece of Forex. I not come across this before, but while having to trim it to size I realised that it cuts very well and has a much denser core than normal foamboard.

The thought crossed my mind that this might be better than normal foamboard for producing wrapped deep bevelled mount strips as the core material is so dense and would allow deep bevel tapes to be burnished down without crushing the core material.

Does anyone know anything about this type of board, like where it can be got and what kind of price it sells for?

[Roboframer]

Well you're one up on me Mark - you've heard of it!



Edit

http://www.roberthorne.co.uk/products/f ... -foam-pvc/

Is this not similar to Gator board? I think PEL sell gator board.

[Jonny2morsos]

I think sign makers use this type of board. I was given a piece by a sign maker we deal with but it was a bit too dense but it sounds like the one you have might be more suitable. If you know a sign maker they might point you in the right direction.

John.

[Dermot]

http://www.envirorange.co.uk/page1/page1.html

http://www.roberthorne.co.uk/products/forex-smart/

[Not your average framer]

The Forex I've got appears to be the polystyrene variety. It certainly got a good solid core, which doesn't dent like the core of normal foamboard, but from what I've been told there's a rather high mimimum order value, so it may well be a non-starter.

[prospero]

This stuff sounds like it could have many uses in the framing trade. Maybe a framing wholesaler would consider taking it on.

[Moglet]

I for one would dearly love to have a product similar to the foamcore that Bainbridge bevel accents are made from, so that I could wrap my own deep bevels.

Martin H, any chance that you might look at an alternative to the foamcore you currently use for your pre-bevelled strips for the future? If yes, please keep us posted!

[Steve Goodall]

Hi Guys - not been on here for a few weeks - what with all the trade shows etc....

Now Forex...
Forex is one of many brand names for "rigid plastic board" or "thermally expanded pvc board" - there are tons of brands around - Foamalux by brett martin being the most common - but Forex is virtually identical - you can get it in thicknesses from 2mm right up to 25mm.

Don't waste time looking around for it - go straight to amari plastics - who have depots all over the UK & Ireland. They will cut it / deliver next day / supply any waste from your cutting order etc...

One word of caution - though this type of board is used widely for mounting & laminating jobs - it does not like heat - there is a bit of a clue in the description "thermally expanded"...

But it is great through roller laminators - especially being so smooth - it is ideal for glossy photos.

Final note - it is very chemically inert - so no acid problems etc...

Hope that helps - Steve

[Moglet]

Hi Steve!

Long time no read! Thanks again for the really helpful information!

Quick question: could you use PMA as an adhesive for drymounting to said board, and vacuum only on one's press for bonding?

[Steve Goodall]

Hi Steve!

Long time no read! Thanks again for the really helpful information!

Quick question: could you use PMA as an adhesive for drymounting to said board, and vacuum only on one's press for bonding?

The PMA doesn't breathe & neither does the board - so "bubble mania" would be the result - sorry - the truth sometimes is painful...

PVA might be a better bet - watered down 50/50 so it flows well... lightly brush on - not too thick - apply print - run over with a hand print roller - wipe away excess pva that seeps from the edges - press at around 45 degrees c for 5 minutes - wipe away excess pva again...

simple

[Moglet]

Thanks for that, Steve.

Final question, do you (or does anyone) know where I can get the stuff (can't remember the technical term) that you place over high gloss images to stop them going dull in the press.

[prospero]

I've used PVA to mount things. Mainly canvases. Rather than water down PVA glue, I've used Unibond straight out the tin. Brushes on nicely. If the piece is smallish, I put it in my old hardbed press (cold) and leave it a few hours. I think the secret to a good bond is to get even pressure. If the piece is biggish and a press is not available, two solid boards with a hefty weight on top is good, especialy if you use silicon paper and a foam blanket on top. The blanket will even out the hills and hollows and spread the weght evenly over the surface.

I have a roll of PMA somewhere. I wasn't impressed with it. PVA is less messy all round.

[Steve Goodall]

Thanks for that, Steve.

Final question, do you (or does anyone) know where I can get the stuff (can't remember the technical term) that you place over high gloss images to stop them going dull in the press.

The technical term is "silicone release film" - people used to use "overlay foil" as "silicone paper" caused mottling. The reason for the mottling is simple "silicone migration" - silicone likes shiny surfaces & the base paper of "silicone paper" is dull - hence it migrating to the glossy print...

Twenty years ago - when Hot Press first came on the scene this was the practice - paper for dull work & overlay foil for shiny work...

But twenty years is ancient history in Drymount terms & anyone who thinks their knowledge from twenty years ago is useful wants to wake up & get themselves trained for today's market place!!!

For a good while now "silicone film" which has a glossy base has cured this problem rendering overlay foil obselete - we still offer it - as we still offer "silicone paper" - for those poor souls living in the past - but properly trained operators know that this one film does the job of both the others & it lasts ages too!!!

If you would like a sample to try Mog - just let me know by email & I'll sort it for you xxx

[WelshFramer]

For a good while now "silicone film" which has a glossy base has cured this problem rendering overlay foil obselete - we still offer it - as we still offer "silicone paper" - for those poor souls living in the past - but properly trained operators know that this one film does the job of both the others & it lasts ages too!!!

I bought a roll of glossing film when I first got my press and it stayed unopened until last week. Steve had told me it was useless when I spoke to him about it at the Spring Fair but I was doing some gloss laminating so thought I'd give it a try.

I now have an opened roll of glossing foil looking for a use. Steve suggested it would be good for wrapping mounted prints and that's probably what I'll use it for.

[Steve Goodall]

I don't know about "useless" - fiddly / unpredictable / one shot & it's in the bin - get a fresh piece for the next job / old fashioned - but not "useless" - it's great for wrapping bouquets of flowers

[WelshFramer]

- but not "useless" - it's great for wrapping bouquets of flowers

If only you'd said that before Saturday.

[Moglet]

I'm really confused now. I was supplied a roll of release film when a supplier didn't have any release paper in stock. Granted, I didn't use it for any "high gloss" jobs at the time, but I found it an absolute b*gger to work with. I had far more creasing problems with the film than I did with release paper, so needless to say it didn't last ages in my case. I ended up using the remnant of the roll to cover the bench for HF work. Where am I going wrong???

[WelshFramer]

Do you have the Hot Press DVD? If not then you really need to ask Steve for a copy. It shows how to handle the release film to keep it crease free.

It does need careful handling. You need to sort of roll it back to place or remove the artwork. If you watch the video you'll see more or less how it's done.

[Moglet]

Do you have the Hot Press DVD?

Nope.

If not then you really need to ask Steve for a copy.

St-eeeeee-ve!!!

[Steve Goodall]

Hey Moggy - just email me your address & I'll send the DVD & a whole kit & kaboodle of goodies to mess with as you watch...
...it's all free from a "proper manufacturer" who really cares about the customers - Hot Press that is...
here's the address stevegoodall@hotpress.co.uk - anyone else for a free lesson in how it's done nowadays