I'm installing some Gemini cutout acrylic letterson drywall. They came with threaded studs and were ordered by another sign company who subbed the install to me. I've already drilled all my holes and dry-fit all the letters. Would you shoot silicone in each hole and insert the studs? Because if I silicone the studs, the silicone is going to squeeze out. Or does anyone have a better suggestion? I'm just thinking that shooting the silicone in the hole isn't going to be enough to hold if the inserted stud just pushes the bead of silicone out the half inch deep hole in the drywall.
Thanks!
Posted by goddinfla (Member # 1502) on :
Squirt it in the holes and leave a little bump of silicone protruding. It will hold fine on an interior install. Next time don't drill the holes, use an awl or screwdriver slightly smaller than the studs to punch the holes. No dust and snug fit.
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
Thanks Dennis!
Posted by Michael Boone (Member # 308) on :
what happens if the letters are translucent
Posted by Brad Ferguson (Member # 33) on :
Wayne,
The problem with squirting silicone into the hole is that sometimes, just as you mention, the stud will push the wad of silicone on through the hole. It can hang on the end of the stud, or even fall off behind the wall, not really anchoring. A way to avoid this is by applying the silicone to the stud by inserting the stud into the tip of the silicone tube, with the tip cut just big enough that the stud has a coating that is not too thick preventing a big squeeze-out and a mess when you seat the letter, yet still creating a bond. Skip the silicone on thin strokes, if necessary, if even a small squeeze-out of silicone behind the threaded block is too visible.
I have also used the method Dennis suggests, punching holes with an awl and a hammer, eliminating the silicone problem altogether. If for some reason you have a loose hole or two, where the letter wants to lean out, just wrap some masking tape around that stud. It might even be worth experimenting with double-stick tape.
Obviously, with tight holes, registration has to be practically perfect. I tend to put more holes than I really need (four instead of three on most letters), in case I want to eliminate one to help straighten a letter. I usually use three studs rather than two on 'I' and lower case 'L' to eliminate rocking, and I use two on commas to prevent turning. Overkill, maybe, but drywall is easy to penetrate.
Brad in Kansas City
Posted by Brad Ferguson (Member # 33) on :
Some acrylic colors, like beige, do not hide the glue blocks very well. We often paint them. This has the added benefit that you can lower the gloss if you want, or match a color spec. In which case you can save some pennies by using clear acrylic.
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
Thanks Brad
Posted by Brian Stoddard (Member # 39) on :
I have had the opportunity to demo a wall that I put letters on with that method (squirting in the holes) - very little silicon on the studs if any with big globs on the ground - the holes are dusty so unless you work it in it just pushes right out coated with drywall dust. You don't need much at all for interior jobs but I just make a couple of small dabs on the back of the letter itself and then insert the stud into the tube nozzle for a thin coat.
Posted by bruce ward (Member # 1289) on :
why would you stud mount acrylic when you can tape it on drywall? Obviously the other company had no clue everything in life does not require a stud mount, tape or silicone would work just fine
but since you already drilled i would lube up the stud not the hole
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
I had no idea what kind of surface I would be dealing with because when I took on the job, the walls weren't built. It was no problem, I only hit a stud on two letters i think. I drilled the holes exactly to the pattern and they fit perfectly. Some I installed without caulk as they were tight when I dry fitted them, a few I did. It turned out good Posted by Nikki Goral (Member # 7844) on :
I always (whether using studs or VHB)put a dot of silicone on the back of the letter between the studs or VHB. Never had any squeeze out and the letter sticks great! I advise my clients to do the same Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
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