New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

GatorFoam?

post #1 of 5
11/16/07 at 7:07pm
Thread Starter 
I am going to build a DIY projector screen. One material that was suggested to me was Gatorfoam. This is a rigid foam sandwich that is used to make boards for schools and busineses, signs, letters, etc. It sounds intriquing but so far I have been unable to find the stuff in a store. All online stores require quantity purchases, which is too expensive and makes no sense for an individual. Does anyone know a website where Gatorfoam can be bought in single pieces, or, better, a store in Minnesota or Western Wisconsin?

I'd rather buy locally (anywhere in Twin Cities, Rochester, or Central/Southeastern Minnesota, Western Wisconsin) as shipping for the size I want (8' wide and a 4-5' high, or larger) would be rather high.
Reply
post #2 of 5
11/18/07 at 6:45am

Re: GatorFoam?

I ordered a single piece years ago from Harbor Sales. At the time, they actuall shipped free, not sure if they still do. Can't imagine they would for long...the shipping, via Fedex Freight tractor trailer surely cost more than the Gatorfoam did.

Since you're interested in a DIY screen, I would encourage you to consider WilsonArt Designer White laminate. It has a measured gain of 1.24, nearly the equal of Da-Lite Studiotek 130. Lots of discussion and screen shots of this material at HomeTheaterShack and AVSForum. I've been happily using blackout cloth stretched over a frame for a number of years, but I plan on building a DW screen as soon as I get through a few other projects around here.

-Brent
Reply
post #3 of 5
11/18/07 at 3:34pm
Thread Starter 

Re: GatorFoam?

Brent: Thanks for the link to Harbor Sales. They will ship single sheets and they'll cut them to my specs. However, for the size I want, shipping is damned expensive. A single 5' x 10' 3/16" sheet cost $87.05 - quite reasonable - and $271.61 to ship! Not reasonable. They do offer free shipping on orders of $250 or more, so long as they can use UPS, which they can't for this sheet. So they're out, unless they are local to me, which I can't seem to find out.
Reply
post #4 of 5
11/20/07 at 4:31pm

Re: GatorFoam?

Alan,

another thought I just had. I painted my Gatorfoam DIY screen with Behr Ultra White. The Gatorfoam by itself is kind of a dingy white and good luck getting a piece that isn't marked in some way. From memory, I'd say blackout cloth is whiter in its native form, if that's the surface you're going for.

That said, I'm surprised you can't find a sign/display making or printing company in an area the size of the Twin Citites that stocks it. Even here in Wilmington, I found an outlet or two that would sell to me by the sheet, but it seems like they only carried the 1/4" thicknesses.

BTW, the manufacturer would/will send out a sample packet so you can get an idea of what you're working with, if you've never seen this stuff before.

Good luck!
Reply
post #5 of 5
11/20/07 at 4:49pm
Thread Starter 

Re: GatorFoam?

I've got a piece of 3/16" Gatorfoam but I think I want something thicker. Maybe 3/8" or 1/2". My problem is that I don't live in the Twin Cities. I go there even once in a while and I'm fairly familar with the area, but I need a destination. I thought for certain someone here would know but no luck so far.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home