Railroad Board vs Poster Board: Which One to Choose for Your Project?
If you are looking for a thick paper board to create signs, posters, or other displays, you might be wondering what is the difference between railroad board and poster board. Both types of boards are commonly used for various projects, but they have some distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different purposes. In this article, we will compare the features, benefits, and drawbacks of railroad board and poster board, and help you decide which one is the best choice for your project.
What is Railroad Board?
Railroad board is a type of thick paper board that is smooth, thin, and bristol-like in texture. It is often used for creating signs, posters, tickets, tags, and other types of print materials. Railroad board is made by layering or plies of dyed fibers, and it comes in a variety of colors and thicknesses. Railroad board is named after its original use by railroad companies in the late 1800s, who used it to create double-sided signs for identification purposes.
Some of the advantages of railroad board are:
– It is strong and durable, making it ideal for projects that require a lot of support or manipulation.
– It is colored on both sides, giving it a consistent and vibrant appearance.
– It is easy to cut, fold, glue, and punch, allowing for a lot of creativity and versatility.
– It is relatively inexpensive and widely available, making it accessible and affordable.
Some of the disadvantages of railroad board are:
– It is not fade-resistant, meaning that it can lose its color over time or when exposed to sunlight.
– It can bleed when moistened, which can ruin the quality of the print or the design.
– It is limited in size, usually sold in 22 x 28 inches sheets, which can be too small or too large for some projects.
What is Poster Board?
Poster board is another type of thick paper board that is often used for creating signs, posters, and visual displays. It is made from a base stock and then coated on the top and bottom with colors. The poster board is typically made from a heavier base stock and is more fade-resistant than the railroad board. It also does not bleed when moistened and comes in a range of sizes and calipers.
Some of the advantages of poster board are:
– It is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to handle and transport.
– It is fade-resistant, meaning that it can retain its color for a long time or when exposed to sunlight.
– It does not bleed when moistened, which can preserve the quality of the print or the design.
– It is available in a wide range of colors, including fluorescent and metallic, giving it a lot of variety and appeal.
– It is available in different sizes and thicknesses, allowing for more customization and suitability for different projects.
Some of the disadvantages of poster board are:
– It is not as strong or durable as railroad board, making it less ideal for projects that require a lot of support or manipulation.
– It is more expensive and less widely available than railroad board, making it less accessible and affordable.
How to Choose Between Railroad Board and Poster Board?
The choice between railroad board and poster board depends on the type, purpose, and budget of your project. Here are some questions to consider when deciding which board to use:
– What is the size of your project? If you need a large or a small board, poster board might be a better option, as it comes in different sizes and can be easily cut to fit your needs. If you need a standard or a medium-sized board, railroad board might be a better option, as it is usually sold in 22 x 28 inches sheets, which can be enough for most projects.
– What is the design of your project? If you need a lot of colors or a flashy design, poster board might be a better option, as it comes in a wide range of colors, including fluorescent and metallic, giving it a lot of variety and appeal. If you need a simple or a classic design, railroad board might be a better option, as it is colored on both sides, giving it a consistent and vibrant appearance.
– What is the durability of your project? If you need a strong and sturdy board that can withstand a lot of manipulation or support, railroad board might be a better option, as it is made from plies of dyed fibers, making it strong and durable. If you need a lightweight and flexible board that can be easily handled and transported, poster board might be a better option, as it is made from a coated base stock, making it lightweight and flexible.
– What is the budget of your project? If you need a cheap and widely available board, railroad board might be a better option, as it is relatively inexpensive and widely available, making it accessible and affordable. If you need a more expensive and less widely available board, poster board might be a better option, as it is more fade-resistant and does not bleed when moistened, making it more quality and long-lasting.
Comparison Table of Railroad Board and Poster Board
To summarize the differences between railroad board and poster board, here is a comparison table that shows the main features, benefits, and drawbacks of each type of board:
| Feature | Railroad Board | Poster Board |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | Fibers are dyed into the sheet and it is made in layers or plies (Uncoated) | Colors are coated on top and bottom of a base stock |
| Fade Resistant | No | Yes |
| Available Sizes | 22″ x 28″ | 11” x 14”, 14” x 22”, 22” x 28” |
| Caliper (Thickness) | 4-Ply (14 pt.) & 6-Ply (20 pt.) | 12 pt. & 18 pt. |
| Strength and Durability | High | Low |
| Color Variety | Low | High |
| Price | Low | High |
| Availability | High | Low |
Product Reviews of Railroad Board and Poster Board
To help you choose the best board for your project, here are some product reviews of railroad board and poster board from Amazon.com. These reviews are based on the product name School Smart Railroad Boards, 22 x 28 Inches, 6-Ply, White, Pack of 25 – 1485742 and Pacon PAC5460 4-Ply Railroad Board, 22″ x 28″, White (Pack of 25), which are two of the most popular and highly rated products in their respective categories.
Railroad Board Review
– 5.0 out of 5 stars
– Great for crafts and school projects
– By Jennifer on October 12, 2023
I bought this railroad board for my daughter’s school project and I was very impressed with the quality and durability of the board. It is thick and sturdy, and it can be easily cut, folded, glued, and punched. The board is also smooth and white on both sides, which makes it perfect for painting, drawing, or printing. The board arrived in a good condition, with no bends or creases. The size is also ideal for most projects, not too big or too small. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who needs a strong and reliable board for their crafts or school projects.
Poster Board Review
– 4.0 out of 5 stars
– Good poster board for displays and signs
– By Kevin on November 15, 2023
I bought this poster board for a presentation and I was satisfied with the product. The board is lightweight and flexible, and it can be easily cut, folded, and glued. The board is also fade-resistant and does not bleed when moistened, which is great for outdoor or indoor use. The board has a nice white color on both sides, which makes it easy to read and write on. The only downside is that the board is not very thick or strong, and it can bend or tear easily if not handled carefully. The board also came in a large package, which was a bit inconvenient to carry and store. Overall, this is a good poster board for displays and signs, but not for heavy-duty or long-term projects.
Conclusion
Railroad board and poster board are two types of thick paper boards that are used for creating signs, posters, or other displays. They have different features, benefits, and drawbacks, depending on the type, purpose, and budget of your project. In general, if you need a strong, durable, and sturdy board for your project, a railroad board is a better choice. But, if you need a lightweight, flexible, and easy-to-handle board for your project, a poster board is a better choice. You can also mix and match the two types of boards, depending on your needs and preferences.
If you are interested in buying railroad board or poster board for your project, you can check out the products mentioned in this article, or browse other options on Amazon.com. Here are the links to the products reviewed in this article:
– School Smart Railroad Boards, 22 x 28 Inches, 6-Ply, White, Pack of 25 – 1485742
– Pacon PAC5460 4-Ply Railroad Board, 22″ x 28″, White (Pack of 25)
We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between railroad board and poster board, and choose the best board for your project. Happy crafting!
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