Menu
Grimco U.S. flag
Grimco Canada flag

Duratex Polystyrene Sheets: 5 Key Considerations

Published by on

Our board experts created The Rigid Truth video series to give you a clearer understanding of Duratex Polystyrene sheets and how they perform in signage and display applications. This series will help you choose the right polystyrene sheet for your needs, streamline production, and expand your range of finished products.

Here are 5 Things to Know About Duratex Polystyrene

  1. How Duratex Polystyrene Is Made
  2. Double White vs Dead White Polystyrene Explained
  3. Why Lay-Flat Sheets & Corona Treatment Improve Print Quality
  4. Common Polystyrene Misconceptions
  5.  Polystyrene Sheet Prep & Static Control

1. How Duratex Polystyrene Is Made

Duratex Polystyrene is proudly manufactured by Grimco in Manchester, NH. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional quality, going the extra mile with every sheet we produce. Get to know the people behind the product and see how our manufacturing process is designed to set you up for success.

 

 

2. Double White vs Dead White Polystyrene Explained

Whether you are producing single-sided POP displays, double-sided aisle markers, or any type of specialty signage, Duratex Polystyrene provides the opacity you need. Choose Double White for standard applications or Dead White when true two-sided printing is required. Hear from Jeff Desmarais as he explains opacity levels, thickness and colorant options, and best practices for selecting the right opacity for your project.

 

 

3. Why Lay-Flat Sheets & Corona Treatment Improve Print Quality

Both corona treatment and lay-flat are critical for a successful print. Corona treatment ensures a strong bond between the ink and print surface, while lay-flat helps prevent head strikes in the printing process. See how our team utilizes lay-flat and corona treatment to promote print consistency.

 

4. Common Polystyrene Misconceptions 

End users often want to know, “Is polystyrene recyclable?” High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) can in fact be recycled, and Duratex Polystyrene is accepted at many recycling facilities. Listen as Jeff discusses recycling options and addresses common misconceptions about polystyrene.

 

 

5. Polystyrene Sheet Prep & Static Control

Proper sheet preparation is essential for achieving a clean, sharp finished product. Our Senior Sales Representative, Tony Lampariello, offers a detailed guide on how to clean and prep your polystyrene sheets to reduce static and ensure optimal results.

 

 

Thanks for tuning in! We hope this information helps you choose the best polystyrene for your applications and makes your production process even easier. If you have questions or need a custom quote, feel free to connect with our Board Experts!

Shop All Duratex Polystyrene

 

FAQs

Grimco stocks polystyrene sheets in a range of industry-standard sizes, including 28" × 40", 48" × 96", 50" × 100", 60" × 120" and other commonly used formats for signage and printing. Thickness options typically range from 0.020" to 0.080", depending on the product line.

For specialized projects, Grimco also offers custom-cut options, allowing you to order sheets trimmed to the exact dimensions needed for your application. Custom sizing improves workflow efficiency and reduces onsite material handling.

Polystyrene rigidity increases as thickness increases.

  • Thinner sheets (0.020–0.030") are flexible and ideal for POP displays, shelf strips, and applications requiring easy bending or die-cutting.
  • Mid-range sheets (0.040") offer balanced rigidity for signage and lightweight structural applications.
  • Thicker sheets (0.060") provide enhanced stability and are best suited for durable indoor signage, retail displays, and thermoforming.

Selecting the right thickness depends on your printing method, display environment, and desired stiffness.

Most wide-format printers designed for rigid substrates are compatible with polystyrene sheets, including UV-curable, latex, and some solvent-based systems. Polystyrene is widely used for screen printing, offset printing, and digital flatbed printing due to its smooth, consistent surface.

You can explore Grimco’s lineup of compatible printers here:

Polystyrene can be cut using several standard shop tools. For the cleanest edges:

  • Straight cuts: Use a CNC router, panel saw, or scoring knife for thinner gauges.
  • Complex shapes: A CNC router or laser cutter (when material grade allows) provides precise results.
  • Die-cutting: Common for thinner sheets used in litho, screen, or POP applications.

If you’re searching for how to cut polystyrene sheets, the best method depends on the sheet thickness and the level of edge quality required. Always secure the material and use sharp blades to prevent chipping or melting.

Corona treatment is a surface-energy modification process that improves ink adhesion on plastics. During treatment, high-voltage electrical discharge alters the surface tension of the sheet, allowing ink, coatings, and adhesives to bond more effectively.

The effects of corona treatment typically last 3 to 6 months, depending on storage conditions. Over time, untreated oils on the material migrate back to the surface, reducing printability. For best results, print on corona-treated polystyrene as close to production as possible.

Polystyrene offers good durability for indoor use, typically lasting several years when kept away from direct UV exposure. In interior retail environments, POP displays and signage often remain visually stable for the duration of the campaign.

For outdoor applications, polystyrene has a shorter lifespan due to UV sensitivity. Untreated sheets typically last around one month, while UV-printed or overlaminated sheets may extend usability. For long-term exterior signage, a more weather-resistant substrate is recommended. Find outdoor substrates here.

 

Grimco_Logo_Emblem_R_600x600

 
Tags: ,
Back to Blog

Related Articles