Retail display applications
Counter cards
A strong fit for small to medium printed signs placed on checkout counters or display tables. The single wing provides a stable footprint without taking up excessive counter space.
Point-of-purchase displays
Used as the hidden structural backbone for lightweight promotional cut-outs, allowing flat printed graphics to stand freely on retail shelving.
Framed prints and photos
Applied to the back of lightweight chipboard or paperboard frames, allowing them to stand upright on desks or shelves without requiring a molded plastic backer.
Temporary directional signage
Attached to flat boards for event wayfinding or temporary retail signage. Because it ships flat, it is easy to transport signs to the venue and set them up on tables.
Kitting and store-floor setup
Retail kitting
Easels are typically supplied flat and pre-applied to the display board during kitting. This allows the entire promotional kit to ship in standard flat mailers or master cartons without taking up extra volume.
Store-floor assembly
Designed for immediate setup by retail staff. The single-motion fold and push-to-lock tab require no tools, ensuring displays are erected correctly and quickly on the floor.
Direct mail campaigns
Because the easel adds almost no thickness, it can be mailed flat alongside a promotional card. The recipient can then fold the wing out to display the card on their desk.
When to compare a double wing easel
Heavy or wide signs
If the display board is exceptionally wide, tall, or heavy, a single wing may buckle or allow the sign to twist. In these cases, a double wing easel provides a wider, more balanced stance.
Floor-standing displays
This component is scaled for counters and shelves. Large floor standees usually require dedicated corrugated bases or multi-part interlocking pedestals rather than a simple paperboard wing.
Application and board choices
Adhesive application method
Decide whether the easel will be glued to the display board at the factory or supplied loose with pre-applied double-sided tape for manual application later.
Board grade and grain direction
The easel must be rigid enough to support the sign's weight. While standard folding boxboard works for small cards, heavier displays may require micro-flute corrugated. The paper grain must always run vertically to maximize column strength.
Easel height relative to the sign
The height of the easel should be matched to the center of gravity of the display board to prevent the sign from tipping backward or forward.
Base panel width
A wider base panel provides more surface area for tape or glue. This adjustment is useful when attaching the easel to a heavier or taller display board that requires a stronger adhesive bond.
Base, tab, and tilt adjustments
Base width and adhesive area
The flat base panel can be widened to provide more surface area for tape or glue, which helps secure heavier display boards.
Locking tab position
The vertical placement of the locking tab can be adjusted to change the leverage of the brace, depending on the overall height of the wing.
Tilt angle
The bottom edge of the wing determines how the sign rests on the table. This angle can be modified if the display needs to lean further back for better consumer visibility.
Packing details
Print and finish
Because the easel sits behind the display, it is usually left unprinted (plain white or kraft) to reduce costs, though it can be printed to match premium branding if the back will be visible.
Tab clearance for thicker boards
If the material is upgraded from paperboard to corrugated, the cut-out in the wing must be widened so the locking tab can engage without tearing.
Additional notes
Grain direction for vertical strength
To prevent the wing from collapsing under the weight of the sign, the paper grain must run parallel to the height of the easel.
Related display components
FAQs
How does the easel attach to the sign?
The flat base panel is permanently adhered to the back of the display board using either liquid adhesive or double-sided tape.
Does the easel ship already opened?
Easels ship completely flat. They are folded open and locked into their 3D shape at the final retail location.
Can I order these with double-sided tape already applied?
Easels can be supplied with transfer tape on the base panel, making it easier for retail staff or end users to attach them to signs.
What material is best for this easel?
Standard folding boxboard is common for small counter cards. If the display is larger, a thicker board or micro-flute corrugated is used to prevent the wing from buckling.
Can this support a full-size floor display?
Single wing easels are designed for counter and shelf signs. Floor standees typically require double wing easels or heavier corrugated bases.
Why does the grain direction matter for this support?
The paper grain must run vertically. If it runs horizontally, the wing is much more likely to buckle under the weight of the display board.
How tall should the easel be compared to my sign?
The easel should generally cover the lower half to two-thirds of the display board to properly support the center of gravity and prevent tipping.
Do I need to print the easel?
It is rarely necessary. The easel is hidden behind the display board, so most buyers use unprinted white or kraft board to save on press time and ink.
