A 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.
A 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. Both railroad board and poster boards are important materials in the creation of signs, posters, and visual displays.
They provide a sturdy, durable surface for printing and display, and can be used in a variety of settings, from school projects and presentations to marketing materials and event signage.
What is Railroad Board
A railroad board is a type of thick, heavy-duty cardstock that is made from dense, tightly packed paper pulp. It is known for its strength and durability, making it ideal for a wide range of applications such as model making, craft projects, architectural models, and as a backing for photographs or other artwork.
It’s also widely used in the manufacturing of boxes, packaging, and other industrial applications. Due to its thickness and sturdiness, it can withstand cuts, gluing, and other types of manipulation during the crafting process. Additionally, it’s also used in the construction of dioramas, terrains for miniature wargaming, and other craft activities that require a solid base.
What is Poster Board
A poster board is a type of lightweight cardstock that is commonly used for making signs, posters, and other displays. It is made from a less dense paper pulp compared to a railroad board and is not as strong or durable. It is typically sold in smaller sheets and is available in a wide range of colors, including fluorescent and metallic.
A poster board is often used for school projects, and science fair displays, as well as for making signs for events and presentations. It is also a popular material for crafting, scrapbooking, and other creative projects. Due to its lightweight nature and ability to be cut, folded, and glued easily, it is a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of applications.
The Differences Between Railroad Board and Poster Board
The main difference between railroad boards and poster boards is the way they are made. Railroad board is made by layering or plies of dyed fibers, while poster board is made from a base stock and then coated on the top and bottom with colors.
In terms of physical characteristics, railroad board is known for its smooth, thin, bristol-like texture, while poster board can vary in thickness and texture depending on the specific type and brand.
Railroad board also tends to be thinner than poster board, with common thicknesses being 4-ply (0.014″) and 6-ply (0.020″). The poster board, on the other hand, comes in a range of sizes and calipers, including 11”x 14”, 14”x22”, and 22”x28”, as well as 12pt.
and 18 pt. for colored boards and 10-11 pt., 14 pt. for whiteboards. In terms of properties, railroad board is more prone to fading over time than poster board, which is generally more fade-resistant.
Railroad board can also bleed when moistened, while poster board does not. These properties can be important considerations when deciding which material to use for a specific project.
Pros and Cons of Railroad Board and Poster Board
Railroad Board
Pros:
- Strong and durable
- Thick and sturdy, making it ideal for projects that require a lot of support
- Can withstand cuts, gluing, and other types of manipulation during the crafting process
- Versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier than poster board
- Not as flexible as poster board
- More expensive than poster board
Poster Board
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Flexible and easy to cut, fold, and glue
- A wide range of colors is available, including fluorescent and metallic
- Inexpensive and widely available
Cons:
- Not as strong or durable as railroad board
- Not as thick or sturdy, making it less suitable for projects that require a lot of support
- Can be prone to bending and warping if not handled properly.
Both railroad board and poster board have their own set of pros and cons and it depends on the specific application and requirement of which one to choose. In general, if you need a strong, durable, and sturdy material for your project, a railroad board is a better choice. But, if you need a lightweight, flexible, and easy-to-handle material for a project that does not require a lot of support, a poster board is the better choice.
Applications of Railroad Board and Poster Board
Both railroad boards and poster boards have a wide range of applications and can be used in a variety of settings. Some common uses for each material include:
Railroad Board
- Signs and posters
- Tickets and tags
- Mailing cards
- Brochures and flyers
Poster Board
- School projects and presentations
- Marketing materials and event signage
- Point-of-sale displays
- Craft and DIY projects
When deciding which material to use for a specific project, there are a few key factors to consider. These may include the intended use of the material (e.g. whether it will be displayed indoors or outdoors), the expected lifespan of the project (e.g.
whether it will be used for a short-term or long-term display), and the specific aesthetic and functional requirements of the project (e.g. whether it needs to be fade-resistant or have a particular texture or thickness). Overall, the choice between the railroad board and the poster board will depend on the specific needs and goals of the project.
| Material | Thickness | Texture | Fade Resistance | Bleeds When Moistened |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Railroad board | 4 ply (0.014″) or 6 plies (0.020″) | Smooth, thin, bristol-like | Poor | Yes |
| Poster board | Varies | Varies | Good | No |
Faqs
Both the railroad board and poster board can be cut using a sharp utility knife or scissors. It is important to use a cutting mat or another protective surface when using a utility knife to avoid damaging the work surface.
Some types of railroad boards and poster boards may be able to be recycled, depending on the specific materials and additives used in their manufacture. It is best to check with your local recycling facilities to determine their policies on these materials.
Both railroad board and poster board can be written on using a variety of pens and markers. It is important to test the ink or marker on a small area of the board before writing on it to ensure that it will not bleed or smear.
While both railroad board and poster board can be used outdoors, they may not be as durable as other materials specifically designed for outdoor use. They may fade or become damaged more quickly when exposed to the elements. If using either material outdoors, it is important to protect it from direct sunlight and moisture as much as possible.
There are several alternatives to railroad boards and poster boards, depending on the specific needs of the project. Some options include foam board, corrugated plastic, and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) board. Each of these materials has its own unique properties and can be suitable for different types of projects.
Editor’s Note
Railroad board and poster board are two types of thick paper boards that are often used for creating signs, posters, and other types of visual displays. The main difference between the two is in the way they are made. Railroad board is made by layering or plies of dyed fibers, while poster board is made from a base stock and then coated on the top and bottom with colors.
Railroad board is known for its smooth, thin, bristol-like texture and is often used for signs, posters, tickets, tags, and other types of print materials. It comes in a variety of colors and thicknesses, with 4 ply (0.014″) and 6 ply (0.020″) being the most common.
Poster board, on the other hand, is typically made from a heavier base stock and is more fade resistant than railroad board. It also does not bleed when moistened. Poster board comes in a range of sizes, including 11”x 14”, 14”x22”, and 22”x28”, as well as different calipers, such as 12pt. and 18 pt. for colored boards and 10-11 pt., 14 pt. for whiteboards.
Overall, the choice between railroad board and poster board will depend on the specific needs of the project. Both materials have their own unique properties and can be useful in different situations.
Conclusion
Railroad board and poster board are two types of thick paper boards that are often used for creating signs, posters, and other types of visual displays. The main difference between the two is in the way they are made, with railroad board being made from layered or plies of dyed fibers and poster board being made from a base stock and coated with colors.
Railroad board is known for its smooth, thin, bristol-like texture and is more prone to fading and bleeding when moistened than poster board. Poster board is typically made from a heavier base stock and is more fade resistant, coming in a range of sizes and calipers.
When deciding which material to use for a specific project, it is important to consider the specific needs and goals of the project. Both railroad board and poster board have their own unique properties and can be useful in different situations. By understanding the characteristics and applications of each material, you can choose the best option for your project.
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