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Hello Letterville. I have a customer that wants a 4' x 6' "reception area sign". Typically, I make these from 1/2" acrylic with polished adged and subsurface graphics. I mount it with Mustang Stand Off Hardware. This "WALL" has a 7" inner curve within the 6' span the sign will sit. My 1st thought is to NOT use acrylic as I would dread if it cracked during installation (bending it). I would definately use a thinner product. I have leaned towards a 3 mil piece of Polycarbonate. Now, the customer wants dimensional letters applied to the face. Looking through the Gemini catalogue, I would lean towards an 1/8" thick letter (so it may flex with the wall during installation) applied to the face of the Polycarbonate using 3M VHB tape. I just do not have "Peace of Mind" with this concept. Not ethusiastic using Polycarbonate for the reception area as acrylic delivers a great "finished look". I also do not know if the "tack" on the 3M VHB will work great between the acrylic letters and polycarbonate backing substrate. Looking in our Proveer catalogue, there are many substrates and I am not sure if 1 is specifically the right choice of material. They have Makrolon (PC) and they have Acrylic Plaskolite Duraplex and Optix. I am aware that certain acrylic products have more durability and flexibility (like Lexan) than ever before but, do not have the greatest knowledge of these thinner products and which would get me less hassle and deliver a great finished sign. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
-------------------- 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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posted
If your still thinking of a backer for those letters might I suggest lexan and cover in vinyl if its needing color. Lexan is more lenient than acrylic. the letters will take the curve no problem
-------------------- 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
posted
As far as I know, Makrolon = Lexan; extremely flexible & tough.
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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Depending on your design of placement of letters, maybe something like this will help.
The letters and the bottom strip are all one sheet of Dibond with the top silver milled off. This way the letters are all connected as one and are floating on the sandblasted Acrylic. . .
-------------------- Sam Staffan Mackinaw Art & Sign 721 S. Nokomis St. Mackinaw City, MI dstaffan@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1694 | From: Mackinaw City, MI | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
Hiya Corey, Depending on the design, perhaps another option may be to use stud mounted letters or mount them to the face using a silicone adhesive. both would give you some flexibility without too much worry about cracking or the letters popping off.
Or, if you're up for a challenge and the client has the money to spend, use multiple layers of acrylic and "build" the curve into the face before you mount it to the wall.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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