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Foam board Hong Kong, Sham Shui Po, Mong Kok, Where to buy foam board
Foam board (also written as foamboard or KT board) is a lightweight, smooth-surfaced board made from expanded polystyrene (EPS). It is widely used for advertising displays, exhibition backdrops, architectural models, and DIY crafts. Available in multiple sizes and thicknesses, foam board is one of the most cost-effective display materials on the market. In Hong Kong, it can be found at stationery stores in Sham Shui Po, Prince Edward, and Mong Kok — or ordered online.
Quick answers: What is foam board in Chinese? ➜ 發泡膠板 / 珍珠板 / KT板. Is KT board the same as foam board? ➜ Yes. Where to buy foam board in Hong Kong? ➜ CS Stationery and major stationery stores carry it in stock.
What Is Foam Board? Names & Terminology
Foam board is a rigid yet lightweight panel consisting of a polystyrene foam core laminated with smooth paper or plastic facing on both sides. It is known by several names depending on region and language:
| Region / Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Foam Board, Foamboard, KT Board, Styrofoam Board, Foam Core Board |
| Hong Kong (Cantonese) | 發泡膠板, 珍珠板, KT板 |
| Mainland China (Mandarin) | KT板, 发泡板, 珍珠板, 雪弗板 |
| Traditional Chinese (formal) | 發泡塑膠板, 發泡材料板 |
| Japanese | 発泡スチロールボード |
Note: "Styrofoam" is a registered brand name owned by Dow Chemical. The correct generic English term is foam board or polystyrene foam board.
Key Benefits of Foam Board
- Lightweight: Easy to carry, transport, and install — ideal for temporary displays and exhibitions.
- Smooth surface: Accepts printing, mounting, and adhesives cleanly; perfect for foam board printing and foamboard design.
- Easy to cut: Can be scored and snapped or die-cut into custom shapes with a craft knife or die-cut machine.
- Multiple sizes: Available in A4, A3, A2, A1, A0, and custom sizes including 2×3 ft sheets.
- Colour options: White, black, blue, gold, and more.
- Affordable: Significantly cheaper than PVC board, acrylic sheet, or rigid plastic board.
Types of Foam Board
1. Standard Foam Board
The most common and budget-friendly type. Suitable for short-term indoor use such as posters, school models, and DIY craft projects. Available in white and assorted colours.
2. High-Density Foam Board
Denser and more rigid than standard foam board. Resists warping and is more durable over time. Common colours in Hong Kong include yellow, pink, and white. Best for displays that need to last longer.
3. Black Foam Board
Used for photography backdrops, exhibition displays, and fashion or luxury brand presentations. The black surface provides strong contrast for mounted artwork or product photography.
4. PVC Foam Board (Forex Board)
Also known as Forex board or PVC board. Has a harder surface, slight flexibility, and is waterproof — suitable for outdoor signage and long-term display applications. More expensive than standard foam board.
5. Paper-faced Foam Board
Laminated with coated paper on both sides. Produces superior print results and is less prone to surface bubbling. Commonly used for high-quality exhibition panels and foam board printing.
6. KT Board
KT board is another name for foam board, widely used in mainland China and Taiwan. The material is identical — expanded polystyrene with paper facing. The name difference is regional, not technical.
Foam Board Sizes & Thickness — Hong Kong Price Reference
The table below shows standard 2×3 ft (約 61×91 cm) foam board wholesale prices available in Hong Kong:
| Thickness (Imperial) | Thickness (Metric) | Price (HKD) per sheet |
|---|---|---|
| 4 分 (4/8") | 12mm | $9 |
| 6 分 (6/8") | 18mm | $14 |
| 1" | 24mm | $18 |
| 1½" | 38mm | $26 |
| 2" | 50mm | $38 |
| 3" | 75mm | $70 |
| 4" | 100mm | $80 |
Sheet size: 2×3 ft (approximately 61×91 cm). Prices are wholesale reference rates and may vary by supplier and quantity. Thinner sheets (3mm–5mm) are also available in A-series sizes (A4, A3, A2, A1, A0) at retail stationery stores.
| Paper Size | Dimensions | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| A4 Foam Board | 210 × 297 mm | Small models, craft projects, school work |
| A3 Foam Board | 297 × 420 mm | Medium posters, product displays |
| A2 Foam Board | 420 × 594 mm | Exhibition panels, advertising standees |
| A1 Foam Board | 594 × 841 mm | Large format advertising, backdrops |
| A0 Foam Board | 841 × 1189 mm | Event backdrops, oversized exhibition displays |
| 2×3 ft / Custom | ~610 × 914 mm | Architectural models, bulk cutting, wholesale |
Common Uses of Foam Board
Advertising & Retail Display
- Poster boards, exhibition backdrops, standees, and display panels
- Photo booth backdrops and wedding foam board displays
- Foam board printing — full-colour digital print directly mounted or laminated on board
- Die-cut foam board — custom shapes for logos, product launches, and pop-up displays
Architectural & Scale Models
- Building models and terrain models for architecture students and professionals
- Sample boards (sample board) for material and colour presentations
Crafts & Education
- School projects, children's craft activities, DIY art
- Picture frame backing, mount board for artwork
Packaging & Protection
- Protective inner padding for fragile items during shipping
- Custom-cut foam inserts for product packaging
Real-world example: 5mm and 10mm foam boards are commonly used to build large-scale exhibition backdrops and photo booth walls for corporate events and trade shows. The material is lightweight enough for one person to set up, yet rigid enough to hold printed graphics securely.
Where to Buy Foam Board in Hong Kong
- Stationery stores (Sham Shui Po / Prince Edward / Mong Kok): CS Stationery and other large stationery shops carry foam board in multiple sizes and thicknesses. Sham Shui Po is one of the most concentrated areas for buying foam board and craft materials in Hong Kong.
- Art supply stores: Specialist stores offer a wider range including high-density boards, black boards, and paper-faced boards.
- Online: CS Stationery website and major e-commerce platforms offer foam board with delivery. Convenient for bulk orders or when you cannot visit a physical store.
Foam Board vs. Other Boards — Quick Comparison
| Material | Weight | Waterproof | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Foam Board | Very light | No | Indoor displays, models, crafts | Low |
| PVC Foam Board (Forex) | Light | Yes | Outdoor signs, long-term displays | Medium–High |
| Acrylic Sheet | Medium | Yes | Premium displays, signage | High |
| Plastic Board (PVC) | Medium–Heavy | Yes | Rigid structural use | Medium |
| Rigid Foam Board (High-density) | Light | No | Durable indoor use, thicker models | Medium |
Important Notes & Tips
- Not waterproof: Standard foam board warps when exposed to moisture for extended periods. Use PVC foam board for outdoor applications.
- Not heat-resistant: Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent warping or melting.
- Cutting tips: Use a sharp craft knife and metal ruler for clean edges. For production volumes, a die-cut machine delivers precise, consistent results.
- Eco disposal: Polystyrene foam should be sorted properly for recycling. Do not burn or landfill where alternatives exist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is foam board called in Chinese?
Foam board is called 發泡膠板 in Hong Kong Cantonese. It is also known as 珍珠板 (Pearl Board) or KT板 (KT Board). In mainland China (Mandarin), the common terms are 发泡板, KT板, or 雪弗板. The formal written Chinese term is 發泡塑膠板.
Q2: Is KT board the same as foam board? What is the difference between KT board and pearl board?
Yes — KT board, pearl board (珍珠板), and foam board all refer to the same material: an expanded polystyrene core with paper facing on both sides. The differences are regional naming conventions, not material differences. KT board is the dominant term in mainland China and Taiwan; foam board or foamboard is standard in English; 發泡膠板 is used in Hong Kong.
Q3: Where can I buy foam board in Hong Kong? Is it available in Sham Shui Po?
Foam board is widely available at stationery stores throughout Hong Kong. Sham Shui Po is one of the best areas to find foam board and craft materials, with multiple stationery and wholesale suppliers in the neighbourhood. CS Stationery stocks foam board in various sizes and thicknesses, and online orders with delivery are also available.
Q4: What is the difference between standard foam board and PVC foam board (Forex board)?
Standard foam board is lighter and cheaper, best suited for short-term indoor displays and models. PVC foam board (also called Forex board) has a harder surface, is waterproof, and is more durable — making it suitable for outdoor advertising and long-term installations. PVC foam board is heavier and costs more than standard foam board.
Summary
Foam board — also known as foamboard, KT board, or pearl board — is a versatile, lightweight, and affordable display material used across advertising, exhibitions, architecture, education, and crafts. Whether you need a small A4 sheet for a school project or large 2×3 ft boards for an event backdrop, foam board is readily available at stationery stores in Hong Kong and online. Available in thicknesses from 3mm up to 100mm, there is a specification to suit every application. Contact CS Stationery for availability and pricing.
