Coroplast

Coroplast

Definition

Coroplast is a brand of corrugated plastic board widely used in picture framing and museum environments. It serves as a rigid, lightweight, and chemically stable backing board within a frame package, providing structural support while protecting artworks from dust, handling, and environmental fluctuations.

Properties

• Corrugated plastic core: Made of polypropylene, offering rigidity with minimal weight.
• Moisture resistance: Unlike cardboard, Coroplast does not absorb water or warp easily.
• Chemical stability: Considered safe for long-term storage and display when used with conservation-grade materials.
• Durability: Resistant to tearing, crushing, and insect damage, making it ideal for museum-quality framing packages.

Applications in Framing

• Used as a backing board in conservation-grade framing packages.
• Provides rigidity to prevent warping of the frame contents.
• Serves as a barrier against dust and pollutants entering from the rear of the frame.
• Often used in museum storage or transit as a protective support layer for art objects.

Considerations

While Coroplast is highly durable and stable, framers should ensure that it is used in combination with other conservation grade materials, especially when handling archival artwork. Not all corrugated plastics are suitable for preservation; Coroplast is preferred due to its inert polypropylene composition.

Related Terms

• Face Mounting
• Cork Board
• Backing Board
• Techmount