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Any special considerations regarding mounting? Does it need a backer behind it? Do you need to finish the edges any particular way? Will the aluminum delaminate from the plastic core? Does it warp? Can you paint it, and if so with what. Do you consider it one of your substrates of choice? or Has it ever failed you and how?
Curious for replies, thanks
-------------------- Tim Rieck Signs Halfmoon Bay, BC Posts: 736 | From: Halfmoon Bay, BC, Canada | Registered: Sep 2000
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I've only made one Alumalite sign but it looks great after about two years up.
I used Econolite in August and the mill finished backside bubble right off. Laminators credited my supplier so I could get a replacement but that didn't cover my time or materials from the first sign or redoing the sign.
-------------------- Amy Brown Life Skills 101 Private Address Posts: 3502 | From: Lake Helen, FL, USA | Registered: Feb 2001
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First things First! A 4' x 8' panel between two post will not work and need a backing frame around it.
But the same panel size mounted to a wall does not. Best to use cup head screws or flats with washers.
Capping the edge is something that I have a problem with..As with our winters we have Snow,Rain,Freezing Rain and I believe that any water trapped in the flutes can expand and cause delaminating..
I fill the edge with silicone seal and cap just in case!
As far as painting..I have Handlettered /Vinyled/Airbrushed the surface with no problems, but remember you still need to clear your different graphics as you go along.
Good Luck!, I hope this Helps...
-------------------- 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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Amy, Econolite is made mainly for wall mounting. The mounting method you show is more suitable for Alumalite. Some Econolite was made with a bad batch of glue for the backer, which is why Laminators is replacing those panels. I know your pain though. I had the same thing with some Gemini letters that came from a bad batch of plastic. They replaced those too but I had to eat the labor.
I have not had a single failure with any of their products. It doesn't get any more wintery than here in Upper Michigan and I only edge cap signs that can be viewed close up. Never had any freezing delaminate a panel.
I have a 30 foot tall multi panel Alumalite sign that withstood an F1 tornado. It tore their building to shreds but the sign withstood it. I simply pin the signs around the entire perimeter with pan head screws a maximum of 2 feet apart. Laminators claims a properly fastened panel will withstrand 120 + winds. I believe it after what my sign withstood.
I cannot properly prep an MDO panel cheaper than what a sheet of Alumalite costs.
I like DiBond also. Great panel for cutting shapes.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5397 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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Stephen, I put alumalite between two post all the time. 4x8's even 3x9'. If I am doing something that big, I always use 1/2". I do 1/4" up against buildings. The biggest that I have done is 7'x27'.
-------------------- Laura Butler Vision Graphics & Sign 4479 Welch Rd Attica, Mi 48412 Posts: 2855 | From: Attica, Mi, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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Laminators make a great vinyl fram kit for their products! Cost is $200 bucks and looks dam nice took the wife and I 20 mintues in the cold weather to put it toghter!
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