I have an large project painting a 5 colour logo across 9 sheets of DiBond. The sign will have a south exposure which is the reason I chose paint over vinyl. I sold the job on the logic that paint can be recoated down the road while vinyl graphics will necessitate complete replacement of sign panels. Their current vinyl on MDO sign (that I did not make) is in sad shape with delaminated paint and vinyl so it wasn't difficult to persuade the client to go with superior substrate.
My local paint supplier recommends using their highest "architectural" grade of acrylic latex with the reasoning that it works excellent on pre-coated aluminum siding for homes without any sort of primer. Anyone care to second or disagree with this recommendation?
Posted by Jerry VanHorn (Member # 4704) on :
If you are able to spray automotive paint you will not be disappointed. Scuff the dibond, prime and paint. I painted the background of an Alucobond sign (same as Dibond) over 10 years ago. Last month we pulled the sign down and replace some of the vinyl lettering, replaced the lettering and reinstalled. The auto paint ws shined up and will go another 10 years.
The acrylic latex will chalk up and look bad within 5 years
[ June 14, 2004, 10:15 PM: Message edited by: Jerry VanHorn ]
Posted by Pat Welter (Member # 785) on :
G'Day Marty I've done dibond both ways and had good results both ways...I just scuffed the sheets and took them to the local Body Shop and they painted them up for a pretty reasonable price...I couldn't stock the paint and clear coat for what they charged me to paint and clearcoat...then all I had to do was apply and or paint my lettering and graphics.... I have also had them give it a light clear after painting, then painted the lettering and graphics with One Shot and added a bit of thier hardener then returned the sheets for a final clear coat...For the latex I scuffed the sheets as well and lightly wiped with acidtone ( to much and it really bits into the finish)Then wiped with alcohol and painted...I used Benjamin Moore's moorgard latex flat and they look great too...so from my point of view they both work, you just have to decide which will workout best for you and your client...Maybe give him the option, just a thought.
Posted by Dave Levesque (Member # 4374) on :
Marty
I recently did a big job out of dibond 9'X16', while mine was only two colors of paint, maroon and black I think it would be fine. I did a lot of research and after talking to Frank from One Shot on the phone a couple of times went with, One shot, High Temp Reducer 7-10%, and One Shot hardner 7-10%. It took me a while and it was my first time doing it but if you get the mix right and run a foam roller over soon after rolling it, you come out with smooth as glass finish.
Having said that, if you can spray it, THE BEST, as I was told would be to scuff it and use auto enamel.
I'm no expert but One Shot worked great for me.
Dave
Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
Automotive...hands down superior!
Posted by Murray MacDonald (Member # 3558) on :
Hi Marty
I use Benjamin Moore Impervo hi gloss enamel all the time. Scuff lightly and use a 1/8" foam roller. wait five minutes or so and roll lightly to break the bubbles. Scuff lightly between coats,you won't need more than two. Sticks like sh!t to a blanket and shines like crazy. MUR
Posted by Mike Duncan (Member # 316) on :
Marty, I vote for automotive enamel. Never had a problem, if applied correctly I use to use Dupont Centari Acrylic Enamel, with excellent results. Posted by Marty Happy (Member # 302) on :
Thank you for the replies all. I wasn't clear that the logo comprises 5 colours on the prefinished white background. The logo spans 24' x 12' and will be contour cut. Because some colors cover fairly large areas I will mask the entire logo into it's separate colours and roll the colour in those areas, finishing it with a heavy black outline that will be brushed. Spraying will not be practical.
I have developed a preference for acrylic latex on my dimensional signs and I was looking mostly for the benefit of experience about the long term adhesion of acrylic latex to DiBond especially in a sign with a direct south facing exposure. Discussions here in the past seemed to slant in favour of acrylic latex in terms of long term durability. I was looking for some reassurance because of the scale of the job.
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