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I've got what I'm sure is a dumb question. I am probably considered a rookie in this biz. I have made everything from tons of banners (painted and vinyl), realty yard signs, up to 4'x8' contractor site signs, new neighborhood development signs, etc. and none probably half as good as you guys but...I was asked to do a sign for a furniture storefront. The canopy-looking roofline is corrugated metal and the customer wants a sign to go attached to that, the problem is I've never done any thing this big (7'wide x 19' long). I've done banners this big, no problem. He doesn't want a banner or vinyl, he wants paint and a substrate that he can take with him if he moves shop. I couldn't think of anything I could get that size. Any ideas? I was going to put 4- 4x8's together and paint on-site but if there is something out there at that size, I could do it in my shop and then mount. Thanks ahead of time for your help and I hope you all have the most prosperous New Year ever!!
-------------------- John Cordova Gitano Design Studio Albuquerque, NM Posts: 268 | From: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I would build a 2X4 "ladder" frame on the building, then get enough sheets of paint-lok metal to do the job. You could paint them in the shop, and attach over the frame with deck screws.
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Bob Burns, can you tell us what paint-loc metal is?
John, the only material I know that comes that big is roll stock 100" lexan,and that would not be a good solution, in my opinion.
That your client is thinking in the context of moving a sign that big suggests that he is thrifty and looking for a budget solution.
Depending on how complicated the sign is, you might be better off with loose letters affixed to a guide rail of some kind. The guide rail affixes to the roof and is painted the roof color. The letters are preassembled to the guide rail and match marked for reassembly in the field. If the guide rail is level, the job is level.
You can "nest" the loose letters on something like .050 aluminum and probably get the whole job out of two or three 4x8 sheets. Letters that big are easily cut with a sabre saw. Because of the viewing distance, a little waveiness is not a problem.
Be sure to get back to us on what you wind up doing.
Happy New Year! Vic g
-------------------- Victor Georgiou Danville, CA , USA
Posts: 1746 | From: Danville, CA , USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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I would (and do) go the multiple 4x8 route. Do in shop then install. Unless you have the equipment hauling ang hanging something that big in one chunck would be major hassle. Sounds like a pain in the #@* already ... like, it has to be 7x19? ... couldn't be a nice even 8x20 and save you the trouble of cutting a foot off each panel?
-------------------- Compulsive, Neurotic, Anti-social and Paranoid ... but basically Happy Posts: 2677 | From: Rochester, NY, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Without a second thought, I would use 3 or 4 mil Dibond. A superior substrate to nearly all else and comes in 8 or 10 foot lengths. No hollow cores to create problems is much more resistent to dents. And cuts to any shape with great finish edges. Bronzeo
-------------------- "Don't change horses in midstream, unless you spot one with longer legs" bronzeo oti Jack Davis 1410 Main St Joplin, MO 64801 www.imagemakerart.com jack@imagemakerart.com Posts: 1549 | From: Joplin, MO | Registered: Mar 2000
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I would use either alumalite or di-bond for a job like that. Alumalite being my first choice very light weight and with the edge cap that is available the flutes are not an issue. The di-bond would require more framing and if painted a dark color would be more likely to warp in the sun depending on how you affixed it to the building or frame. but Mdo would be my very last choice. Especially mounted to a couragated metal building wich dosnt have much holding power when screwing from the outside, something as heavy as MDO would probably need some sort of through bolt installation. Alumalite could be Tek Screwed directly to the high points in builing with no framing. Its the lightest and the strongest panel for that type of job. Lexan you could get in one piece but would result in a wavy mess if directly mounted to the building. However if on piece is what you want then you could purchase a frame from Sign-Comp or Excellart or similar to mount the lexan in to give it the room it needs to expand & contract.
-------------------- Eric Roche Douglasville, GA
"Someday I'm gonna get a real job, HEE HEE" Posts: 97 | From: Douglasville, GA | Registered: Feb 2001
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Thanks to all for your help. And, yes Victor, he is looking for the low, low budget route. I am weighing all of your suggestions and will try to figure out which would be appropriate for the site and for his budget. If it's too much of a pain in the butt, I may just forget about dealing with the liability. I think if I do use MDO it may be a weight problem. The Alumalite or Dibond look like they would work for this application. Also, he (the customer) already seems a little shady. Apparently, he got some quotes from others and he felt that they were trying to rip him off. Thanks again folks for all your experience/knowledge. We rookies really appreciate it.
-------------------- John Cordova Gitano Design Studio Albuquerque, NM Posts: 268 | From: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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If it's low budget then Bob has the right idea,... Paint-loc is usually sold in 8' & 10' sheets for around $20 each tha stuff holds up great. The only drawback is you have to build a frame all the way to the edge for support & installation.It is already primed to accept enamels & Holds up as good as the top coat you apply to it.
Just my 2 cents worth,...
-------------------- fly low...timi/NC is, Tim Barrow Barrow Art Signs Winston-Salem,NC
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