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I've been asked to reface several backlit signs. I've spent a while reading all the info I can find and am even more confused now.
the job: reface 4 signs (total 8 faces), 2 diferent sizes (approx 1' x 3' and 18"x18"). each face will be totally covered in color.
I know the replacement faces need to be the exact same size as the original and same thickness. I'm planning on using translucent vinyl (I think).
Do I use Lexan? Acrylic SG? I don't think I want to use plexi, just because...
What is the best material to use and why? Do I need to do anything special? I read the faces need to be white or you'll see exactly where the light is coming from, right?
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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Depends on the situation (inside - outside - out of the reach of vandals), you'll want to use Lexan or acrylic. Lexan will hold up to almost every situation, is UV resistant AND a litle more expensive.
Usually, you can cut these materials to fit your cabinet without problems. I guess I would ask what the original faces were... flat or pan faces? If they were pan faces, you may want to go that route again to gain the proper distance from the lamp to the sign face, if not you'll have "hot" spots of light on your sign face.
If they are all covered with color, use either white or clear, probably white with translucent vinyl.
-------------------- Jeff Vrstal Main Street Signs 157 E. Main Street Evansville, WI 53536 1-608-882-0322 Posts: 670 | From: Evansville, Wisconsin | Registered: Sep 2001
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I've got one out there that has been up for 9 years and so far no yellowing. Everything else is newer and no problems that I know of.
Prior to 9 years ago I was still painting everything in reverse on clear.
Once in a while I get someone that "insists" on re-using an old panel... some of those seem to have yellowed or oxidized? Where letters (vinyl) have been removed you either see a whiter background or sometimes there appears to be a stain from the vinyl. No guarantees on those.
I've also taken molded panels, stripped out the paint and re-lettered something else into the pan, then back painted again. Looks goofy up close but on a 4 x 12 panel set back and up on a pole off the road a ways you can't see that it used to be a YAMAHA sign.
-------------------- Jeff Vrstal Main Street Signs 157 E. Main Street Evansville, WI 53536 1-608-882-0322 Posts: 670 | From: Evansville, Wisconsin | Registered: Sep 2001
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Chris, Avory and orical are the vinyls I use (translucent only on backlite)... the faces I use to replace existing sign boxes is a polycarb face that can be formed into pan shapes (or whatever) or used flat..polycard is more resistant to breakage from impacts (things thrown). call if you need a vendor, bepending on your location.
Rick @ Trick
-------------------- Rick Whitmire Trick Communications & Signs Box 1124, Hudson, WI Posts: 132 | From: Hudson, WI | Registered: Nov 2002
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I would also go with polycarb faces, because you have less problems in the long run. From an ex-serviceman's point of view, I'll take the lexan everytime over acrylic or accusteel, because it's easier to move the sign faces, being lighter. Some of the old acrylic faces 6x8 or larger are extremely difficult to slide in and out when working on the sign, being so heavy to begin with. If the price difference between clear and white is significant, you could check the pricing using clear with transluscent vinyl backed with transl. white on the inside. Sometimes it might cost less. I always used to spray clear faces white, then use translucent vinyl on the outside.
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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Listen for the size you are going to replace (1 foot x 3 foot) and the 18"x18" you can use Acrylic panels as they will be as strong as Lexan.
It's only when you start producing large panels that it is at its weakest point.
Cost is cheaper as well.
As for the full bleed of colours,Make sure to use transparent Vinyls.. As what you see! And what you get from the light source are two different things. Float your image on it and allow a day or two in shop to dry if they are to go outside.
If you can take out the old panel and look them over! (Vinyl?Paint?) If Vinyl you may be able to remove,Clean and re-apply the new Graphics. Now no cost of surface panels.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
-------------------- Stephen Deveau RavenGraphics Insinx Digital Displays
Letting Your Imagination Run Wild! Posts: 4327 | From: Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada | Registered: Jan 2000
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Most of them are entrance signs, kinda low to the ground and very close to the road. They've been splashed with so much road salt, cinders and stones for as long as I remember. They're pretty much chipped up and need tossed.
Glenn; if I get the bid, I'll email you to get more info on that stuff. Thanks
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