posted
First, thank you if you are responding to this. I am putting up my first set of formed plastic letters and want to know if anyone has any tips or things to watch out for. The install is 22' up,the length of the copy is 18.5' across with two lines of copy. It was recommended to get the all mount style so I did. The instruction was to put the studs and mounts in the letters, cut off the extra length of stud. Also to let the mounts extend a bit so that there will be space to remove the letters at a latter date without damaging the letters. (The client wants to move them later on to another location.) I did get the pattern but that is for mounting the studs permenately. Right off I don't see how the pattern will help with placing the letters using the silicone mounting method. OK what did I miss? I did watch the gemini video but first hand experience is the best. Thanks again!
posted
I usually install these with silicone only.
I make an adding machine tape pattern that will run the length of the bottom of the letters. Note that round letters will go below the level line of the flat letters. You can stretch adding machine tape along the bottom of the Gemini pattern and mark the letters and pencil in how far down the oversize letters extend.
I roll up the pattern like a scroll and often start from the middle. A 4' level and light pencil line on the wall allows me to set the pattern level. I take a box attached to a rope up the ladder and have my silicone gun, tape, etc. in there and toss in the letters I can reach from that ladder position, pull up the box, attach the letters, move the ladder, roll out my tape some more (taping between the letters), and install more.
By the time I'm finished, it's usually time to pull the tape off the first letters I've installed. If it's not ready, I might catch lunch and then come back and pull the tape.
Alternatively, I'll use one stud, as close to the vertical center of the letter as possible and drill those holes. Using the center stud or top studs on each side helps the letter to hang straight while the silicone sets up. I don't like drilling all the studs because the drill bit may "walk" forcing a letter crooked or necessitating drilling a huge hole to get the stud to slip in.
Edited to add:
I usually order my hardware with the longest studs available at the same price. They are easy to cut and ordering the longer ones gives me extra hardware to have on hand in the future.
[ April 06, 2009, 06:29 PM: Message edited by: David Harding ]
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5104 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Definitely be careful with cleaning Bruce. When pad mounting, the surface should be cleaned, but some chemicals can discolor the surface. I normally wipe the surface with a dry rag to see what, if anything, comes off. If nothing comes off with a dry rag, I'll just continue from there. Since the client plans on moving in the future, I would recommend mounting the letters to a raceway which would make the installation and eventual relocation a lot easier. Although, it would cost a little more upfront.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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Thank you! I will. How is Ventura I lived there a long time ago and then went on to Santa Barbara and then to Japan. I enjoyed living there and surfing. I liked that it was close to Santa Barbara and LA. Thanks again for the heads up!
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