Coro Plastic vs. Foam Board

[JimmyW]

I see that some props are made out of 'coro plastic' and others are made from 'foam board'. If you have had both types, tell me your Personal Preference and Why?

 

[Christmas Props Aus.]

Full disclosure — I make props commercially, so I've worked with both. Honest take:


Coro is my pick for most props. It's about a third the weight of foam board, handles weather well, costs less, and flexes in wind rather than snapping. Big advantages for anything on a roofline or exposed to gusts. The catch: it needs proper surface prep before painting or printing, or the artwork will flake — that's why you see so many coro props with peeling paint.


Foam board wins on finish — dead flat, no flute lines, takes paint beautifully. But it's heavier, dearer, and more brittle.


Short version: coro for large or elevated props, foam board where it's viewed up close and the finish justifies the cost.

 

[merryoncherry]

Generally agree with CPA.

In the USA it is not easy to get the PVC foam board, all the US vendors are cutting coro, which is much lighter, easier to work with, and performs well overall.

I do have a few PVC stars (imported from Ink Creations and distributed by Your Pixel Store). They're much heavier but they work well and they look great, so I'm glad I bought them.

Overall, you can't lose either way... if you like the prop, you might as well buy it regardless of the material.

 

[JimmyW]

Generally agree with CPA.

In the USA it is not easy to get the PVC foam board, all the US vendors are cutting coro, which is much lighter, easier to work with, and performs well overall.

I do have a few PVC stars (imported from Ink Creations and distributed by Your Pixel Store). They're much heavier but they work well and they look great, so I'm glad I bought them.

Overall, you can't lose either way... if you like the prop, you might as well buy it regardless of the material.

View attachment 31256

Appreciate your honest review, and good to know that you have used both types of material and why.

 

[JimmyW]

Full disclosure — I make props commercially, so I've worked with both. Honest take:


Coro is my pick for most props. It's about a third the weight of foam board, handles weather well, costs less, and flexes in wind rather than snapping. Big advantages for anything on a roofline or exposed to gusts. The catch: it needs proper surface prep before painting or printing, or the artwork will flake — that's why you see so many coro props with peeling paint.


Foam board wins on finish — dead flat, no flute lines, takes paint beautifully. But it's heavier, dearer, and more brittle.


Short version: coro for large or elevated props, foam board where it's viewed up close and the finish justifies the cost.

Have you used both types of props in your display, and how do they hold up in the Queensland weather?