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I have two lexan panels 4' by 9' which I am adhering Gemini 3/8" acrylic letters to. I used resin bond with the needle tip applicator to bond them and when I picked up the sign, letters were popping everywhere.
Gemini wasn't sure what solvent either buy one of their workers told me to try Weld-on 16. I have and I am not feeling to secure with it either. It is a thicker viscosity than the resin bond which might help.
What's anybody's take on this. Any experience with this. Are the letter going to fly tomorrow when the installer puts them into the cabinet?
-------------------- Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Posts: 2785 | From: Wyandotte, MI USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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I think you're going to be OK with the Weld-On, David. Just make sure the 16 is the right number. They make several different cements for different purposes. The right one will do the job very well....and you won't have to worry.
I think the heavy-bodied one will be best.
-------------------- 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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There is a few flavors, one is very runny so it will flow under edges.
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5273 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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David, I hate to say it, but I don't trust the glues with the Lexan.
When I worked for an electrical sign shop, we would glue with the WeldOn, but ALSO wire the letters on with very fine Stainless Steel Wire. Two tiny holes about 1/8" apart, shove a "bobby-pin" shaped wired through the front, and just twist the back tightly. The wire is unobtrusive, but it IS necessary. The flexing of the face, the difference in material expansion, the lack of proper bonding of the Lexan - will all eventually add up to failure.
You may also consider using studded letters, and bolting from the back, but then you would be dealing with shadow issues.
The wire is the right way to go. Stainless steel leader wire can be found at a fishing gear shop. There is also "piano wire" available at some hardware places.
-------------------- Gene Golden Gettysburg Signs Gettysburg PA 17325 717-334-0200 genegolden@gettysburgsigns.com
"Art is knowing when to stop." Posts: 1578 | From: Gettysburg, PA | Registered: Jun 2003
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All of the copy is black plex so shadowing in not an issue. I have also applied a seal around the edges with weld-on 16 but after picking the panels up and standing on edge in the shop I am not feeling confident. I just don't think this will survive the install let alone just loading on the truck.
Screw from the back of plastic with screws? I am not sure I understand the procedure with wire though. I am in it deep now.
-------------------- Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Posts: 2785 | From: Wyandotte, MI USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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