Is it really necessary to seal the edges on letters cut from Signgold? I have seen the silver go bad at the edges, but silver tarnishes, gold doesn't. I haven't yet seen Signgold go bad, but I want to make sure I don't have to re-letter any trucks in the future. I don't want to waste my time painting around the letters with frogjuice or whatever if its not needed. I would rather just surface gild if it holds up better. I have a signgold test on my roof facing the sun that looks new after 3 or more years, but it's not exposed to abrasion, car washes, etc. Thanks for any input.
Most of our signgold gets very little harsh weather, we've never had a problem but maybe we have been lucky.
I lettered my truck five years ago with Arlon vinyl and signgold hearts (as in Bob Loves Signs). The Arlon has totally failed, and we just took it all off the truck. The signgold hearts look like the day they were put on the truck.
In summary, I would not do an edge finish unless it was specifically recommended by signgold, and then only in those applications where they recommended it
------------------ Victor Georgiou Bob Loves Signs Inc Danville, CA email blssigns@verio.com
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
I have heard that sealing the edge of the Sign Gold is a safety precaution. I just purchased a new product that is a UV clear sealer in pen form for just that purpose. It claims to be clear enough to seal the edge even on glass. It has a felt tip that you use just like a pen to trace around the letter. I haven't used it yet though.
I know this is off the main subject but I thought Arlon was suppose to be a pretty good vinyl. My truck lettering is over 5 years old and still looks like new. I didn't use Arlon and I'm glad I haven't ever used it.
------------------ Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 ICQ: 21604027 sherwood@up.net
[This message has been edited by Dave Sherby (edited April 01, 2000).]
Posted by Bill Biggs (Member # 18) on :
I don't do the edges on signgold, unless it is a boat or firetruck, they get a lot of harsh treatment so I use frog Juice on the edges. I used to use arlon and universal vinyls, both of them did not hold up like 3m now I only use 3m except for avery sparkly silver and gold and dayglo colors. I think Dave Grundy uses avery with good results. Bill
------------------ Bill & Barbara Biggs Art's Sign Service, Inc. Clute, Texas, USA Home of The Great Texas Mosquito Festival Proud Supporter of the Letterheads Website MailTo:twobees@tgn.net
Posted by Kent Smith (Member # 251) on :
As part of the Tech Support Team for SignGold, I have tested many different applications. Technically, no the gold does not have to be edge sealed, I is an extra measure of precaution which ensures the value of the sign for your customer. Most failures of most vinyls are from physical damage which can be minimized by edge sealants. The new edge sealing pens work great for those who are not brush friendly or for quick applications. I still prefer a brush as I find that not only quick but a few ounces from a quart of clear is inexpensive. Any clear acrylic or acrylic-urethane will work well for edge sealing.
------------------ Kent Smith Smith Sign Studio Greeley, Colorado, USA oldgilt@aol.com
