posted
Just cut out some simple letters from Ultra Foam™ the other day. Painted them with Oil Base Enamel, and siliconed them to the front of a building to painted, corrugated aluminum. They are warping in the Heat and falling off. They are also getting 2" dia. bubbles on the surface. The color is a darker blue, which I realize could cause some heat buildup. The silicone is letting loose from the letters and staying on the Building. I guess I should have poked some holes in the back. The bubbles, I can't explain. Any one else having any problems? (Ultra Foam is styrofoam with a poly styrene face front and back, that is supposed to be treated to accept paint, ink, etc.) help!
------------------ Dave Utter D-utterguy on chat Sign Designs Beardstown, Il. utter@fgi.net
Posts: 777 | From: beardstown, illinois, usa | Registered: Mar 1999
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posted
Sounds like you painted the back side of the letters, the paint is out-gasing, if you did paint the back side, the silicone, the paint, and the foam all have different exspansion and contraction values.
I bet if you check the letters or the wall, you'll find the paint separated from the foam, not the silcone.
You may also need to have 3 coats of primer, this almost vucanizes(incases) the letters with a hard shell.
I havent used this product yet, thanks for the heads up, I'd call the manufacture right away, and see if they have any suggestions, at least they might offer to replace the material.
Good Luck
------------------ Ron Percell Percell Signs 707-769-0639 Petaluma, California
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The backs of the letters weren't painted, been down that road before. I figured that the naked ultra foam would hold great...... wrong. The silicone stuck to the metal building great. It won't stick to the ultra foam. period. without a little help. I used 100 grit sand paper and roughed them up real good. they are back up and are holding great. I pulled real hard on one later and moved the metal on the building in and out. As for the blisters, I'm still lost. It was about a week between painting and installation. The only thing I can figure is that it was really hot the day after I put them up. I am inclined to believe that the morning sun got them so hot that the factory adhesive between the foam core and the PVC sheet got too hot and outgased and caused the bubbles, some as big as baby food jar lids. I poked pin holes in them to let the air out, and then took my heat gun and got them just hot enough to get soft. when I removed the heat they contracted and flattened right out. i just hope they don't return. I am going to contact the manufacturer and see if they have any thoughts or guidelines. Thanks.
------------------ Dave Utter D-utterguy on chat Sign Designs Beardstown, Il. utter@fgi.net
Posts: 777 | From: beardstown, illinois, usa | Registered: Mar 1999
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help!
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