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Ultraboard is a rigid display board with a smooth plastic surface and a foam core. It stays flat and holds its shape, which makes it a reliable choice for indoor signage and mounted graphics.
The plastic surface gives you sharper print detail and a cleaner look compared to paper faced foam board. You’ll see it used for wall graphics, retail displays, corporate signage, and exhibit panels where appearance matters.
Beyond standard printing, Ultraboard can be cut into custom shapes, dimensional letters, and fabricated display elements. It can also be painted or finished with vinyl overlays for logo signage and branded installations.
If you are comparing it to Gator Board, the difference really comes down to surface and use. Ultraboard has a smoother surface that works better for mounted graphics and clean presentation. Gator Board is more suited for heavier handling and repeated transport. See the Board Comparisons tab for a full breakdown.
Feature:
Size
See all paper sizes
Perfectly sized--not too large, not too small--and right on budget!
Perfectly sized--not too large, not too small--and right on budget!
Perfectly sized--not too large, not too small--and right on budget!
Perfectly sized--not too large, not too small--and right on budget!
Perfectly sized--not too large, not too small--and right on budget!
Perfectly sized--not too large, not too small--and right on budget!
Perfectly sized--not too large, not too small--and right on budget!
Perfectly sized--not too large, not too small--and right on budget!
Perfectly sized--not too large, not too small--and right on budget!
Ultraboard Vs Gatorboard
These are the two most common premium display boards we carry, and clients ask us to compare them all the time. Here is the straightforward breakdown.
The main difference comes down to the surface.
Ultraboard Plus has a smooth plastic surface. Gator board has a textured wood fiber surface. That difference affects how each board prints, how it handles, and what you can do with it beyond standard printing.
When Ultraboard Plus is the better choice:
You want a clean, polished surface with strong color. Ultraboard prints sharper and more consistent than gator board.
Your project involves custom fabrication. Dimensional lettering, vinyl overlays like chrome or gold, and painted edges are all possible with Ultraboard.
You need a strong indoor display without stepping up to the cost of gator board.
When Gator Board is the better choice:
Your display will be packed, transported, and reused. Gator board is more rigid and resists edge damage better.
You need a board that stays completely rigid. Ultraboard can have slight flex on larger sizes. Gator board does not.
Your application involves frequent handling or repositioning. Traveling exhibits, trade shows, and installations that move between locations are better suited for gator board.
The one thing people get wrong:
A lot of people assume one board is simply stronger than the other. That is not the case.
They are strong in different ways. Ultraboard is better for surface quality and fabrication. Gator board is better for rigidity and impact resistance.
The right choice depends on how the board will actually be used.
Side by Side
If you are deciding between Ultraboard and Gator Board, the difference comes down to surface finish and how the board will be used.
Use Cases
Where Ultraboard Plus Is Used
Ultraboard Plus is used when surface quality, print clarity, and long term durability matter more than edge strength. It is the right choice when the display needs to look clean, sharp, and professional for months or years, especially in applications that involve custom cutting or fabrication.
Museum and Exhibit Displays
Used for museum panels, gallery installations, and traveling exhibit graphics. The smooth plastic surface prints sharply and holds up through repeated installation and removal. Lighter than gator board, making it easier to handle for large format panels.
Corporate Lobbies and Wayfinding
Ideal for lobby signage, directional systems, and branded wall displays. Ultraboard Plus delivers a polished look that holds up in high traffic environments. Available in multiple color options when edge detail is part of the design.
Trade Shows and Conferences
Used for booth graphics, presentation panels, and event signage where close-up print quality matters. Clean surface printing and the ability to custom cut shapes make it a strong option for higher-end booth builds.
Retail and Point of Purchase
Used for retail displays, wall graphics, and branded panels that need to last beyond short term promotions. Holds up better than paper faced foam board in active retail environments.
Dimensional Lettering for Events
A standout application. Ultraboard Plus can be CNC cut into individual letters and shapes for dimensional branding. Used in event backdrops, product launches, and brand activations. Finishes include UV print, painted surfaces, and premium vinyl overlays including chrome and gold.
Partitions and Structural Displays
Thicker options at 3/4", 1", and up to 2" can be used for freestanding panels, partitions, and structural display elements. Best suited for indoor environments where weight and clean edges matter.
Photography and Mounted Art
Used for mounting photography, artwork, and presentation prints. The smooth surface and clean edges create a finished, gallery-ready look suitable for corporate and retail environments.
Color and Material
Ultraboard Plus is available in several face and core color combinations depending on the look you want and whether the board edge will be visible in the final display. Choose from all white, all black, or black core options for a cleaner edge detail and more premium appearance. We offer both single sided and double sided UV printing with sharp detail, vibrant color, and a smooth finished surface.
Custom Shape Contour Cut
We can contour cut Ultraboard Plus into almost any custom shape using our digital flatbed cutter. This includes logos, lettering, silhouettes, product outlines, and freeform designs. Custom shape cutting is available on Ultraboard Plus up to 2" thick.
To order, select Custom Shape Contour Cut during checkout and upload your vector cut file separately from your print artwork.
Accepted vector formats include AI, EPS, and PDF files with live vector paths.
Dimensional Lettering
Dimensional lettering is one of the most popular fabrication applications for Ultraboard Plus. Individual letters are precision cut from Ultraboard Plus sheets to create three-dimensional branding for events, stage backdrops, retail displays, office lobbies, and branded installations.
Each letter is cut from your vector artwork using our digital flatbed cutter and can be finished in several ways depending on the look of the project.
Full color or solid color UV printing applied directly to the face of each letter before cutting. Best for logos, brand colors, and detailed graphics with sharp print quality.
Letters are cut to shape and professionally painted for a clean, uniform appearance. Edge painting creates a finished look from every angle and works well for solid color dimensional lettering.
Premium vinyl films including chrome, gold, brushed metal, and specialty finishes applied to the face of each letter. Edges are painted to match or complement the finish for a seamless high-end appearance. Frequently used for luxury events, product launches, and branded activations.
All dimensional lettering projects are handled through custom quote. Send us your artwork, sizing, finish preferences, and installation details and we will build a quote for your project.
Custom Painting
Custom painting is available on Ultraboard Plus boards, shapes, and dimensional lettering for projects that require a specific color match or finished appearance. We can paint faces, edges, or full surfaces to match brand colors, event themes, or design specifications.
Available through custom quote. Contact us with your project details, sizing, and color requirements.
FAQ
Yes. Ultraboard can be layered and built up to create thicker dimensional signage. We can combine multiple boards to produce pieces up to 3 inches thick. This is commonly used for logo signage, dimensional lettering, and display elements.
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