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I'm quoting a sign for a retail store at an outlet mall that requires each store to have a sandblasted blade sign. I believe the other signs are balsa wood because there isn't a lot of definition in the grain. Does anyone have much experience w/ balsa wood. These signs hang under an overhang and will never see rain or sunlight. Thanks!
-------------------- andy stroh acs graphics fremont, in Posts: 12 | From: fremont, in | Registered: Feb 2002
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Balsa will be okay under a protected overhang in your situation. I tried it about ten years ago and even though I primed and painted it well, it eventually started to rot.
Given the alternative material choices of today I dont think I would use it again.
-------------------- Bob Stephens Skywatch Signs Zephyrhills, FL
The existing signs may in fact be cedar. Cedar blasts with little grain showing in my experience. It is also a light wood.
I feel cedar is easier to blast than redwood but I have found that when removing the mask there is a greater chance of pulling off a splinter from the raised areas. Be careful.
I have never blasted balsa though.
Good luck, Joe
-------------------- Joe Abner Talisman Signs Middleboro, MA
"We are limited only by our perception of our abilities." Posts: 445 | From: Middleboro, Ma USA | Registered: Dec 2000
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Don't think balsa, think tropical hardwood. I have made several sandblasted balsa signs over the years, all outside (the longest about 8 years) and have had no problems with any of them and I would not hesitate to use the material again.
One thing to be aware of tho' is if you buy a commercially available blank (if they're still available), you'll find a number of finger joints that will have to be "worked" by hand in order to blend them in to the blasted area. That's the only drawback I have found.
Having said that, signfoam and/or cedar will meet your needs also.
Regards,
Lee
-------------------- Lee Futch Signs On Time! 5670 El Camino Real Suite K Carlsbad, CA 92008 sales@signsot.com Posts: 27 | From: Carlsbad, CA USA | Registered: Oct 1999
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