The Letterville BullBoard: Preferred method of mounting MDF letters to MDF backing plate?

This is topic Preferred method of mounting MDF letters to MDF backing plate? in forum Old Archives at The Letterville BullBoard.

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Posted by Marty Happy (Member # 302) on :

Hi Letterheads:

I am just completing my first dimensional sign with 3/4" MDF cut-out letters which I will be mounting to a flat black painted 3/4" backing plate. The backing plate will be mounted to the wall studs and the screws will be concealed behind several letters. Because these final letters will be attached on site during installation I was thinking of using a 5 minute 2-part epoxy or contact cement for all of the letters. What other options do I have.

Thanks in advance!

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Marty Happy
Happy Ad Sign & Design
Regina SK, Canada
happyad@sk.sympatico.ca

http://www3.sk.sympatico.ca/happyad

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Posted by Ron Percell (Member # 399) on :

I'm sure someone will have a better solution,
but I'd use clear silicone and double back tape. If the double back isnt strong enough,
use tape to hold letters while silicone sets
in about 1hr.

The flat black might not hold on as well as
you would like it to, make sure that you coat at least 2 times to prevent fading, also, at the time of or before you install, scar the area on the back plates where the letters will be placed, so the silicone will have some tooth to hang on.

Make sure to always do a test on scrap material, see if the contact or the epoxy melt your foam products.

Good Luck

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Ron Percell
Percell Signs
Petaluma, California

E-mail
percell@percellsigns.com
Web-Site
www.percellsigns.com/

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Posted by Jerry Mathel (Member # 526) on :

Hi Marty,

You might want to consider putting some spacers between your letters and the backing. If I'm not mistaken, it gets a might chilly in your area. Without a spacer behind your letters to let the water run out the bottom, you can have ice build up behind the letters and pop them off.

Jerry Mathel
Jerry Mathel Signs
Grants Pass, Oregon
jmathel@grantspass.com

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Posted by Marty Happy (Member # 302) on :

Thanks Ron & Jerry. I should have mentioned that this is an interior sign for a mall so weather conditions are not a factor. I used MDF composite wood product rather than foam because of availability in my area and the short deadline on this job.

------------------
Marty Happy
Happy Ad Sign & Design
Regina SK, Canada
happyad@sk.sympatico.ca

http://www3.sk.sympatico.ca/happyad

Get Happy & Get Noticed!

A proud supporter of this great site!

Posted by Shawn Setzer (Member # 426) on :

This isn't my idea, but i've seen it posted here before and like it...use galvanized screws or long finishing nails (set with punch) and paint some enamel receptive vinyl same color as paint used on letters, cut circles sized just enough to cover screw or nail heads, cover heads with vinyl, looks great (have tried it) and wont go anywhere!!!

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Signs by Shawn
314-462-3317
kmccor01@mail.win.org

Posted by Chuck Churchill (Member # 68) on :

I would use a different method of mounting the backplate to the wall. Unless this is a large sign (over 8'long) I would use studs sticking out of the back of the 3/4" MDF. Make a mounting pattern, drill holes in the wall (likely drywall) and shove, tap, push the sign with studs in into the holes. This will allow you to mount the MDF letters to the MDF backplate in your shop on the horizontal instead of in the mall on the vertical. Wood glue would work just fine for mounting the letters. Bonus is it is sandable and paintable. If the letters are the same colour as the backplate I would leave the flat black painting until the end.

We just completed a sign using MDF on MDF and if gives off a great look. Letters look like they have been pushed out from the back of the backplate. We painted it with two part automotive paints and clear to give it a wet look. Last step was to mount white vinyl letters on the surface of the raised letters. The sign really pops, the customer loves it and it has brought me more business from other tenants in the same building.

Call or email if you would like to hear more on how to do this.

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Chuck Churchill,
It's A Good Sign Inc.
3245 Harvester Rd, U-12
Burlington, Ont.
Phone: 905-681-8775
Fax: 905-681-8945

Posted by captain ken (Member # 742) on :

marty,
chuck has a great idea with the studs.but, i would use studs also for mounting the letters too, if you have ever mounted gemini letters it would be the same thing, install the studs in the letters first then make a pattern to mount the letters to the backplate.
the finished piece can be installed with larger studs or l-brackets.

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"A wise man once said that, or was it a wise guy?"

Ken McTague
The Witch city
Salem, MA

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