Materials
Clipboards: MDF Bases, Acrylic Bases, Clips and Rivets Explained
Clipboards get ordered in bulk and then judged in use, which is why the base material matters more than the look in the photo. Plusmark makes them on two families of base — MDF and acrylic — with the same clip specification across the range.
Every Plusmark clipboard uses a Chrome Electroplated Clip with a rust-resistant finish, and Dual-Side Cap Rivets so the finish is uniform on both sides. What changes between models is the base.
The MDF family
MDF bases are the economical, opaque option and they come in three finishes.
| Model | Base | Sizes | Where it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Lam MDF Base (Wood Finish) | Pre-Lam wood finish, smooth | Available in 6 different sizes | General office and institutional use where a wood look is wanted |
| Graphic MDF Base | Premium graphic printing, sharp and fade-resistant | Available in different sizes | Branded use — events, field teams, promotional issue |
| Laminate MDF Base (Wood Finish) | HPL sheet wood grade, smooth and premium appearance | Available in 2 different sizes | Front office and reception use where the clipboard is seen |
The acrylic family
Acrylic bases are transparent, so the document underneath stays visible, and they are the choice where the clipboard itself gets knocked about.
| Model | Base | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Clear Base | Glass-like clarity with modern appeal | Available in different sizes and variants; Dual-Side Cap Rivets for a uniform look on both sides |
| Heavy-Duty Clear Acrylic | High impact strength, shatter-resistant | The specification to ask for on shop floors and sites |
| Crystal Colour Base | Crystal-tint acrylic, transparent colour | Available in 2 different sizes; rounded edge with soft rounded corners for safety and comfort |
Clip and rivet specification, common to the range
Two details are worth checking on any clipboard you compare, because they are the parts that fail first.
- Chrome Electroplated Clip with a rust-resistant finish — the plating is what keeps the clip working after months of handling and occasional damp storage
- Dual-Side Cap Rivets — the fixing is finished on both faces, so the reverse side is smooth and the base does not snag paper or fabric
- Rounded edges on the Crystal Colour base, for safety and comfort where clipboards are handed around
Choosing between the two families
If the clipboard is used at a desk or a counter and the document does not need to be read through the base, MDF is the economical answer and the graphic version carries branding. If the clipboard is used standing up, outdoors, on a shop floor, or where the sheet beneath has to stay visible, go acrylic — and specify Heavy-Duty Clear where impact is a real risk.
Send the base type, the size and the quantity through the enquiry form. Sizes differ by model, so quoting a size without the model does not narrow the order down.
Questions on this topic
- Which clipboard is best for factory or site use?
- The Heavy-Duty Clear Acrylic clipboard. Its base is specified for high impact strength and is shatter-resistant, and the clip is chrome electroplated with a rust-resistant finish.
- Can clipboards carry branding?
- Yes — the Graphic MDF Base Clipboard carries premium graphic printing that is sharp and fade-resistant, which is the model usually chosen for branded and promotional issue.
Boards mentioned in this guide
Sizes, surfaces and frame variants listed here are made to order. Send Plusmark your room details and quantity and the team will confirm what is available in that series.
