posted
Well, I did it. I'm doing some window and interior graphics for a new restaurant. While I was installing these the owner asked me if I could reface an existing signfoam sign. I said sure. Basically it's two 1" thick pieces 15" x96". back to back with alumacore core, Unfortunately, the core wasn't solid and when I loaded in in my truck I got a crack across one of the sides near the bottom.
The panels basically have about a 1 1/2" border with blasted center and relief lettering. I'm capping everything with 6mm Sintra except for about 1" of border so there will not me much visible of whatever repair I make.
So, after all that, what type of glue should I attempt to inject into that crack? I'm thinking of thinned gorilla glue but there's also yellow carpenters glue or epoxy. The surface is painted black already so If i can get a secure smooth seam it should be fairly easy to hide.
Thanks
-------------------- Bill Modzel Mod-Zel screen Printing Traverse city, MI modzel@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1357 | From: Traverse City, MI | Registered: Nov 1998
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Epoxies are very hard but very brittle, not a good idea for this job. Gorilla is urethane like the foam itself and the ideal product here but it does foam up. So tape the edges, insert the glue, apply pressure (clamps) and let it foam up onto the tape. Remove excess crap and finish as desired.
posted
West System Epoxy, fantastic product. holds ships together!
-------------------- Len Mort Signmaker1.com 11 Juniper Drive Millbury, MA 508-865-2382 "A Good Business Sign, is A Sign of Good Business"(1957) Posts: 811 | From: Millbury, Ma | Registered: Dec 2006
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That's 2 west and one gorilla. I have both so at least I'm on the right track. Thanks.
-------------------- Bill Modzel Mod-Zel screen Printing Traverse city, MI modzel@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1357 | From: Traverse City, MI | Registered: Nov 1998
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I use both West Systems and urethane glues. Either one will work but, without seeing it, I would probably use the GG. The epoxy will squeeze out when clamped and can make a mess if you aren't careful. The excess Gorilla Glue, however, can be sliced off easily with a sharp chisel after it cures...and it's made out the same stuff as the HDU: polyurethane. Lightly misting it with water serves as a catalyst.
Your call, either one will work.
-------------------- Wayne Webb Webb Signworks Chipley, FL 850.638.9329 wayne@webbsignworks.com Posts: 7403 | From: Chipley,Florida,United States | Registered: Oct 1999
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If you decide to go with the GG, spray water in the crack and add the GG. It WILL foam up outa the seam ( and fill any voids). The "trick" to the removal of the outflow (or is it outfoam?) is........when the foam looses its "stickyness" ( a simle touch will tell you) it can be easily sliced off with a sharp putty knife. If you wait till it hardens, it's a whole nuther project.
Try it on a scrap of foam first.....it's pretty fool proof.
Good Luck!
Joe,
Makin Chip$ and Havin Fun!
-------------------- Joe Cieslowski Connecticut Woodcarvers Gallery P.O.Box 368 East Canaan CT 06024 jcieslowski@snet.net 860-824-0883 Posts: 2345 | From: East Canaan CT 06024 | Registered: Nov 2001
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A little bit of acetone on a q-tip will remove your Gorilla Glue squeeze out while it's still squeezing out. You have to babysit it ... that's the only drawback, because it'll expand for close to an hour. Check it every few minutes to keep under control. Don't use so much acetone that it seeps into your joint. If you get any on your hands, Rapid Prep removes the worst of it if you spray them right away & wipe'm. I'm with Rene & Wayne ......Gorilla glue is close in chemical composition to HDU & will expand itself into the cells.
-------------------- Rodger MacMunn T.R. MacMunn & Sons C.P.207, Sharbot Lake, ON 613-279-1230 trmac@frontenac.net Posts: 474 | From: Sharbot Lake, Ontario | Registered: Nov 2003
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If strength is a factor, I'd partially fill the crack by injecting in some WS (wet), and cap off by mixing in a low density WS filler (ie: 407 or 410). Surfacing should then be a breeze.
-------------------- Steve Purcell Purcell Woodcarving & Signmaking Cape Cod, MA
************************** Intelligent Design Is No Accident Posts: 900 | From: Cape Cod, MA | Registered: Oct 1999
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Well, thanks for all of the recommendations. I shimmed the crack open last night and drizzled the WS Epoxy into it. Pulled the shim and wedged it back in place. Everything is solid this morning. We sanded down the small area on the sides and rolled a bit of color on them. I'll try to get a picture when the project is complete.
Thanks again.
-------------------- Bill Modzel Mod-Zel screen Printing Traverse city, MI modzel@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1357 | From: Traverse City, MI | Registered: Nov 1998
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