| What’s the Difference Between Kapaline Boards and Foam Boards?
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Walk into any print shop in Singapore and you might hear the terms kapaline board and foam board used interchangeably. One designer asks for kapaline, another for foam board, and both walk out with something that looks more or less the same.
So what's the difference? Is there even a difference? Let’s clear up the confusion.
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| Why People Use the Terms Interchangeably
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Think of kapaline like Velcro. It started off as a brand name but became a shorthand term for a specific kind of foam board. In the printing world, many vendors still refer to it that way.
But truthfully, kapaline boards are just one type of foam board — specifically a paper-laminated one with a foam core.
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| So... Are They the Same Thing?
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Not exactly. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Foam board is a general term. It can refer to boards with paper, plastic, or other coatings laminated over a foam core.
- Kapaline board specifically refers to the paper-faced type of foam board — it's smooth, lightweight, and best for indoor use.
In everyday usage, though? Most people won’t see the difference. Unless you ask what material it's actually made of.
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| What We Use at The One Inkjet
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Here at The One Inkjet, we go a step further. Instead of standard foam or kapaline boards, we use HIPS Boards (High Impact Polystyrene) — which are:
- More durable and 150% less prone to warping or bending
- Designed with a technologically advanced polymer surface that enables superior ink absorption, resulting in sharper, more vibrant prints
- Built for long-term display and repeat use
- Available in both trim-to-size and die-cut variants
On our website, we list them as Poster Boards.
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| Who Should Care About the Difference?
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Honestly, not everyone needs to know the technical differences — but if you’re one of the following, it matters:
- Event planners who need display boards that stay flat and neat throughout the day
- Business owners who want signage that doesn’t look bent after 2 hours in the sun
- Designers who care about print quality and finish
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So next time someone says “I want a kapaline board”, just ask what they actually need it for. Because whether it’s called kapaline, foam, or poster board, what matters is what it can actually do.
And if you’re looking for something sturdy, smooth, and professionally printed? You’re already in the right place.
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