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On this up coming project that I posted in the Portfolio Page, I was wondering what must of you use. 2" or 3" on a blasted sign 4'x6' with no backing! Also, the desired depth to blast on either. One more, is there a resin that anyone uses to coat HDU for added durability? This is my first one and I want to do it right, so thanks for any help!
-------------------- Chuck Gallagher Pro Graphics Signs by Design Cabool, MO 417.962.3291 "I grew up in Letterville" Posts: 776 | From: Cabool, Mo. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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If you're not going to use backing, this won't be your first one that you do right. Need more info. Tell me why you think you shouldn't back it and I'll help you out with the overcoating etc. Lets begin at the beginning. Info...........
k31
-------------------- Pierre St.Marie Stmariegraphics Kalispell,Mt www.stmariegraphics.com ------------------ Plan on knowing everything before I die and time's running out! Posts: 4223 | From: Kalispell,Mt 59903 | Registered: Mar 2000
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If you'll look at the Portfolio Page you'll see a picture of the job. Most of the panel is installed on the wall (so I figured it is backed) but maybe I still need to inset a backing into the HDU. I want to do it right and have no problems, so please advise!
Thanks
-------------------- Chuck Gallagher Pro Graphics Signs by Design Cabool, MO 417.962.3291 "I grew up in Letterville" Posts: 776 | From: Cabool, Mo. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Ok, Chuck. Here we go. EVERY single one of my carvings shown on our website is backed with MDO or exterior plywood. HDU (And I don't care whose or what they say about their own product) WILL warp under the right circumstances. Additionally, if it isn't backed with something and BONDED to that backing with a HDU adhesive (PB240 etc), it WILL crack if struck hard enough by a thrown object. The only reason to use 3", 4" or 6" is for dramatic effect. I greatly prefer the thickest Precision Board that the job $$$s will allow. The end effect of a deeply chiseled or blasted piece can be very dramatic and optically pleasing, not to mention the differences in planes possible. Every single permanent sign leaving our studio is coated with Pelucid for a permanent, virtually maintenance free finish. I can't go further than that since I'm no longer a merchant here, but go to our website at http://www.stmariegraphics.com and the explanations are there. As for the backing, leave the HDU AND the plywood surface to be joined unpainted. Mist both surfaces and lightly clamp them together. Place a piece of cardboard in the center and put a heavy weight on it. My son has a little thing he always does for the centers. He uses screws and body washers from the HDU side right through to the plywood backing. THis pulls the pieces together tightly while the adhesive is curing. Then he backs them out and fills the small holes. Works beautifully. Use a criss-cross pattern with your PB240 on both pieces. It expands like crazy so don't overdo it and keep your outside edge bead of adhesive about 1/2" away from the edge. I looked at your posted piece. Pleasing layout and design. I vote for 3" if the $$$s will allow it. Feel free to call me if you want to discuss this one, or email your phone number. ALl of my long-distance is free.
k31
-------------------- Pierre St.Marie Stmariegraphics Kalispell,Mt www.stmariegraphics.com ------------------ Plan on knowing everything before I die and time's running out! Posts: 4223 | From: Kalispell,Mt 59903 | Registered: Mar 2000
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