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I want to install some lt grey panels 7.5" x 42" on an outdoor sign for store names. I want to use 1/4" thick sintra, komatex, trovicel etc. in light grey. We get the real hot southern sun (when we aren't having a snowstorm!) here and I know some of these warp and fade no matter what the manufacturer says. They will have to be changed occasionally. Does anyone have a good experience long term outdoor with this material or should I just resign to use .80 alum panels? Please advise! Mary
------------------ Mary @ SignBiz Wilmington, NC signbiz@bellsouth.net Proud Creators of Signage & Graphics for "Dawson's Creek"
Posts: 56 | From: Wilmington, NC usa | Registered: Jan 1999
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posted
In my ever so humble opinion I wouldn't use any of them unless they are for a very short term use (several months). I have seen PVC signs that have been up for extended periods that still look O.K. (as in so/so). Your best bet would be aluminum or something on that line.
------------------ Greg Gulliford aka MetroDude Metro Signs and Banners 1403 N. Greene St. #1 Spokane, WA 99202 509-536-9452
Posts: 576 | From: Spokane, WA USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Hiya Mary, I gotta agree with Greg on this one. Go with aluminum. Depending on the background it's being mounted to, I would try prefinished .040, since it comes in gray. I believe anything thicker comes in white or mill finish only, you'll either have to paint or wrap with vinyl. I think p.v.c. is good for short term & temporary signs but others will say otherwise. Havin' fun, Checkers
------------------ a.k.a. Brian Born Classic Signs South Plainfield, NJ members.home.net/sign-it/ This isn't Burger King, you can't have it your way.
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Save yourself some time and worry. Use the aluminum, paint or wrap in vinyl (high performance only) and letter. Your signs will stay lookin' good for quite awhile.
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Many materials are marketed to the trade as "outdoor" materials but the manufacturers could never be convicted of truth in advertising (see the discussion on Medex).
I made the mistake of using PVC sheet outdoors a few years ago, as did my brother and many others I know. It does not hold up outdoors. It is attacked by UV, turning yellow and brittle. It expands greatly in the heat and does not necessarily contract back down. I had some signs "smear" on the wall.
I built six free standing leasing signs with PVC faces and round ends of PVC pipe. In the hot Texas sun, one sign built up enough internal stresses that it literally exploded, scattering pieces all over the parking lot. We did not figure out what happened until later, when another one blew up. In the meantime, a construction crew managed to drive over the other signs we had installed and all our "time bombs" were thereby inactivated. We replaced the signs with ones with Aluminum faces and never had another lick of trouble. Use Aluminum.
------------------ A Sign of Excellence
[This message has been edited by David Harding (edited January 28, 2000).]
Posts: 5084 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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