What is a cutout?
A cutout is a printed graphic on a rigid board, trimmed to shape with a CNC or laser router. The result is a self-supporting, dimensional piece that reads like a solid object on camera but weighs almost nothing to carry into a venue.
At Platypus Printing we produce cutouts specifically for the event industry — weddings, corporate galas, trade shows, brand activations, and film premieres — where every job has a hard in-hand deadline and no room for guesswork on quality.
Common event use cases
Movie premieres, kids' birthdays, cosplay meets — a full-height contour cutout becomes an instant selfie station.
Welcome standees, seating chart cutouts, custom monogram silhouettes at cocktail hour.
Oversized product replicas, mascot cutouts, sponsor logos flanking a stage or step-and-repeat.
Coroplast cutouts for festivals, sponsor logos in the entry path, weatherproof photo-op silhouettes.
Materials
Same product, two board families. Foamboard (3/16" or 1/2") is our workhorse for indoor pieces — light, crisp, cost-effective, with 1/2" for larger cuts and pieces that travel between events. Coroplast (4mm or 6mm) is corrugated plastic — heavier, tougher, and fully weatherproof for anything going outside. Every cutout is printed directly onto the board with UV-cured ink on our flatbed printer.
- 3/16" Foamboard (indoor, lightweight)
- 1/2" Foamboard (indoor, extra rigid)
- 4mm Coroplast (weatherproof, standard)
- 6mm Coroplast (weatherproof, heavy-duty)
Sizes
Cutouts print from 6"×6" up to 94" tall with no fixed width limit — larger pieces are tiled from 46"×94" sheets. Single-panel life-size standees typically land at 24"×72" or 30"×72". Need it seamless larger than 48×96"? We can print up to 60×120" on a single sheet — contact us for a custom quote.
Standard range: 6×6" to 10000×94". Larger sizes seamed on request.
Finishing options
Pick a cut shape: rectangle, square, circle, or fully custom contour — all included in the base price. Choose matte lamination for a low-glare tactile finish. Gloss laminate is available but shows glare and fingerprints more — we generally recommend matte unless gloss is essential to the design.
- Cut shape — Custom contour
- Cut shape — Rectangle
- Matte Lamination
- Gloss Lamination
Turnaround & delivery
Standard production is 3–5 business days from proof approval. 48-hour and 24-hour rush options are available for last-minute event changes — not guaranteed, subject to shop capacity and how quickly you approve the proof. If we can't hit a rush window we'll contact you before charging rush.
Frequently asked questions
Foamboard or coroplast — which should I pick?+
Foamboard for indoor pieces where lightness and premium finish matter — cocktail-hour signs, seating charts, character standees. Coroplast for anything outdoor, exposed to weather, or that will be reused across multiple events. The configurator lets you toggle between them and see the price update live.
Can you cut any shape?+
Yes. Choose rectangle, square, or circle for standard trims, or 'custom contour' and send artwork with a defined cut path (spot color or separate layer) — we'll follow it exactly. All cut shapes are included in the base price.
How durable are cutouts for a multi-day event?+
Standard 3/16" foamboard is designed for single events. For pieces staying up more than a few days, or shipping between events, upgrade to 1/2" foamboard indoors or coroplast (either weight) outdoors — both handle travel far better.
Can a cutout stand on its own?+
Cutouts ship flat — for freestanding indoor pieces, source a standard tabletop or floor display stand sized to your piece height. We don't include a stand so you can pick what fits your event.
What file format should I upload?+
Print-ready PDF is preferred, at 100% scale with a 0.125" bleed if the artwork extends to the edge. High-resolution PNG, JPG, SVG, or AI files also work. Our in-browser preflight will flag resolution, dimensions, and color mode issues before you check out.
Matte or gloss lamination — what's the difference?+
Matte reduces glare, gives a modern tactile finish, and hides fingerprints on high-traffic pieces. Gloss maximizes color pop with a mild sheen. Same price — pick based on room lighting and the look you want.
Need it seamless larger than 48×96"?+
Yes — we can print up to 60×120" on a single sheet for pieces that need to be seamless. That's outside the standard configurator range, so contact us for a custom quote.