Looking to create eye-catching displays that combine strength, versatility, and vivid imagery? Gator board and Ultraboard are two of the best materials for high-impact signage, retail graphics, and custom installations. At Graphic Impact, we specialize in large-format digital printing and precision cutting, bringing your creative vision to life—just like we did for the Children’s Museum exhibit displayed at the Tucson International Airport.

Showcase: Children’s Museum Display at Tucson International Airport

This impressive project featured a colorful, digitally printed background on rigid board, enhanced by three-dimensional, custom-cut shapes. The layered construction added depth and interactivity, ideal for a fun, educational environment. This application highlights one of the key advantages of Gator board and Ultraboard: they’re perfect for combining flat graphic surfaces with 3D visual elements, whether for museums, retail stores, or trade shows.

What Are Gator Board and Ultraboard?

Both Gator board and Ultraboard are rigid foam-core display substrates designed for printing, mounting, and custom cutting. These boards are commonly used in professional signage, interior displays, promotional graphics, and photo mounting. While they may seem similar at first glance, their outer coatings and handling characteristics make them suitable for different types of installations.

The Key Differences Between Gator Board and Ultraboard

• Gator Board (also known as Gator Foam): This board has a core of polystyrene foam, but what sets it apart is its outer facing. Gator board is finished with a durable veneer made of melamine and wood fiber. This surface is extremely rigid, providing outstanding strength and making it highly resistant to warping. It’s ideal for permanent or semi-permanent installations where durability and structure are crucial.
• Ultraboard: Also built around a foam core, Ultraboard is covered in a thick layer of polystyrene plastic. This coating offers a smoother finish and slightly more flexibility than Gator board, making it more forgiving in some custom applications. Ultraboard can be used where some give is needed in the substrate without compromising visual quality.

Print Quality and Visual Impact

Both Gator board and Ultraboard support high-resolution digital printing, allowing for photographic-quality images and vibrant colors. Whether printing fine art reproductions, large-scale photographs, or promotional messaging, the smooth surface of these boards ensures crisp, clean output. At Graphic Impact, we use advanced UV printing techniques to deliver stunning visuals on either material.

Custom Shapes and Dimensional Elements

One of the standout features of using these substrates is the ability to laser or CNC-cut them into virtually any shape. From logos and product cutouts to life-sized characters and wayfinding signs, Gator board and Ultraboard are perfect for creating dynamic three-dimensional presentations. The Children’s Museum display, for example, included layered graphics with multiple depths and outlines—made possible by precise custom cutting.

Durability and Longevity

Gator board is exceptionally strong and ideal for displays that need to last. It resists dents, scratches, and warping, making it a favorite for long-term indoor use. Ultraboard, while slightly more flexible, is still very durable and performs well in most controlled environments. It’s especially well-suited for displays that require some handling or occasional repositioning.

Common Uses for Gator Board and Ultraboard

• Exhibit and museum displays
• Retail point-of-purchase (POP) signage
• Trade show booth backdrops and props
• Corporate presentations and graphics
• Fine art and photography mounting
• Interior directional and branding signage

Why Choose Graphic Impact for Your Rigid Board Displays?

With decades of experience and advanced production capabilities, Graphic Impact is Southern Arizona’s premier provider of custom signage and displays. We offer in-house design, direct-to-substrate printing, and precise CNC routing—everything you need to create vibrant, durable Gator board and Ultraboard displays tailored to your exact specifications.

Whether you're designing an educational exhibit like the Children’s Museum or preparing for your next big trade show, we’re here to help you stand out. From concept to completion, we handle the entire process under one roof, ensuring fast turnaround times and superior quality.

Get Started with Custom Gator Board and Ultraboard Displays

Have an idea you want to bring to life? Reach out to Graphic Impact to learn more about how Gator board and Ultraboard can transform your space. Whether you need simple signage or intricate dimensional graphics, we’ll guide you through the materials, design, and fabrication options to deliver the perfect result.

Contact us today and discover how custom rigid board displays can enhance your brand and wow your audience.