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The last Signcraft had a nice how-to article featuring Wayne Bodley. The lettering on the sign was cut from PVC sheet and screwed to the background panel.
I've talked to many, many people in California about PVC and they ALL say that this stuff is not recommended for outside use. It gets hard and cracks upon exposure to U.V. light.
Do you guys and gals have different experiance with it? Do you have to coat it? Sure would save time if I didn't have to paint it. Does it hold up acceptably?
-------------------- Gerald Barlow Artworx Turlock, CA
95380 artworx@bigvalley.net Posts: 198 | From: Turlock, CA 95380, USA | Registered: Dec 2002
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Mr. Barlow, Good morning....Yes you can use it! The white will still need paint. Just scuff it and paint with a good semi gloss acrylic.
-------------------- John Arnott El Cajon CA 619 596-9989 signgraphics1@aol.com http://www.signgraphics1.com Posts: 1443 | From: El Cajon CA usa | Registered: Dec 1998
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to expand on what John said, when you paint the PVC, you are protecting it from the harmful UV rays of the sun. (this is the same reason you paint wood)
the other thing to be aware of is that the PVC will expand/contract faster and to a greater degree than most other materials. For letters under 12 inches its not a big deal, but for large pieces (such as a 4 foot long border detail or something) you need to allow for the expansion.
the letters are brittle, and can become more brittle over time, so they aren't good where vandalism or impact is likely. for example, if somebody throws a tennis ball at a 1/4" thick letter, if could crack. (less of an issue with thicker materials.)
the other issue with PVC is that the edges are porous and so you either need to fill/smooth them (extra labor), or accept a different texture than the face. they always end up looking "cheap" to me, and the cost savings isn't that great compared to other materials.
finally, all that said, PVC isn't a very environmentally sound product.
-------------------- :: Scooter Marriner :: :: Coyote Signs :: :: Oakland, CA :: :: still a beginner :: :: Posts: 1356 | From: Oakland (and San Francisco) | Registered: Mar 2001
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I use alot of PVC and I love it. i do prime and paint all pvc white or not. I have noticed in the winter (or lack there of down here) if PVC is very cold it will shatter like glass if impacted. havent had a problem with any yet. we do alot of routed plaques and routed letters all have been fine
-------------------- You ever notice how easily accessible people are when they are requiring your services but once they get invoice you can't reach them anymore
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I've used it a lot too. Just follow the precautions above, paint it good, and you should not have any real problems. Remember, many plastics get brittle when cold, and will crack (acrylics, for instance), so don't let that stop you. Just be sure to allow for expansion and contraction (oversize holes, etc.) Good luck
-------------------- Dale Feicke Grafix 714 East St. Mendenhall, MS 39114
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Posts: 2963 | From: Mendenhall, MS | Registered: Apr 1999
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Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6714 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I've used a lot of it outdoors on special projects and it has held up well for many years. But I would not recommend it for projects which will require large pieces (e.g. full sheets) due to the expansion/contraction issues, especially in brutal climates.
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