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Hi folks! I've done tons of signs using just 1-shot and in vinyl also but have never done a backlit sign. I was asked by a friend to do a sign for his new mechanics garage. It is a converted gas station. He currently has two 4'x5' vinyl banners tied to the existing plexi backlit sign that is on a 15'(covering each side of existing sign, unlit). He is wanting to put that old lighted sign to use and asked me to do it. I just don't know if vinyl is transluscent enough or can I use 1-shot? Will the light show thru the colors?
Your help is greatly appreciated! Thanks ahead of time!!
------------------ John Cordova Screaming Beaver Graphics Albuquerque, NM jcordova@cabq.gov
Posts: 268 | From: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Just use white lexan panels(more durable than plexi but more also expensive)with translucent vinyl(I use Arlon & 3M) Some guys use intermediate in place of translucent to save money, but the translucent will look and last better. It's really easy to apply if your experienced with standard vinyl. Translucent vinyl is more brittle than hp or intermediate and doesn't stretch, but is simple to apply using application fluid(RapidTac).
When choosing colors, make sure you look at the color chart with and without light behind the samples as the colors do change when lit(most get brighter, but one time I used a medium blue that actually looked darker than the dark blue when lit)
One more thing is to be sure that the box is still in shape. If you're not experienced with electric signs, have an someone who is check it out and make sure the wiring is ok, and the retainers are all in shape. Most older lit sign cabinets I've seen need at least a little maitenance if they've not been used for a while.
------------------ Alan Dearborn Dearborn Graphics Rye, NH USA alan@dearborngraphics.com
[This message has been edited by AlanD (edited July 17, 2001).]
I really appreciate your quick reply and thanks for answering everything. I am not working on the electrical part of the sign, he's got an electrician doing that part. That's no my yobe! Definetely not my department, I stay away from anything that sparks! LOL!
Thanks again!
------------------ John Cordova Screaming Beaver Graphics Albuquerque, NM jcordova@cabq.gov
Posts: 268 | From: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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ALERT!!!! Lexan IS the best choice fershur. Be aware there are different thicknesses tho. @ 4 feet tall, if you use the thin stuff, you may experience slumping in the sign face. Lexan and Plex have an expansion in heat, and contraction in cold factor. Knowing this, DO NOT cut to fit tight, or when it gets hot outside it will buckle from the expansion. no more than 1/2 inch each dimension shorter than the "inside" of the frame. Next, if you want it to look and perform Really well, hand it like a curtain if you can. Since Lexan is soooo flexible, high winds can pull the face out of the can at the top edge. Some sign cans only have a single piece of metal folded over as a "retainer", to keep the face in place, others have a hollow frame. If yours has just a single piece to hold the face in place, nothing you can do. But if it is hollow, you can "pop rivet" another piece of lexan strip to the top edge only so the face hangs on this strip instead of resting on the bottom edge in the can. I hope this makes sense to you. if not email me, or someone else may be able to explain it more clearly.
cheers mate! *S*
------------------ Bill'n'Annie Davidson Now in Oz, for keeps, she always has been, i'm new here.. & love it! Sylvania, NSW, Aust. abdvdsn@planet.net.au Email me if you need some help on a big job, or little one.... Barramundi, Toohey's Old, and a paint brush, can life get any better!!!
Posts: 309 | From: Heathcote, NSW, Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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AS others have said use translucent vinyl the intermediate will not last. If its a friend or a customer for that matter you dont want to short chandge him or her. As far as tha substrate lexan is ok but will yellow after time (even with the UV coated side out) at 4' x 5' you could buy a 5'x8' of 3/16" Acrylite SG it is a very impact resistant acrylic that will stay white and will make all your translucent vinyls more vivid there maybe other plex companies that offer impact resistant plex but make sure its impact resistant and colorfast. Acrylite SG is just about all we use and we do a ton of electric signs. just my two
------------------ "Someday I'm gonna get a real job, HEE HEE" Signs Of Life 48 Carmen Hill Rd. New Milford, Ct 06776
Posts: 97 | From: Douglasville, GA | Registered: Feb 2001
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