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Hi there am considering the economics of using paint versus vinyl for backgrounds on small signs. I've just completed 10 900x600mm signs done on signwhite (colorbond, tin) and they had a yellow background. It took me one and a half hours to apply the vinyl background + the time for cutting it into lengths, applying the tape and then removing the tape. Cost of the vinyl (cast) was about $Aus80 + tape cost. While I have done some spray painting, I do it only occasionally. How would the times compare if it was done as a spray job. I was thinking of one shot as a background. 2 coats enough? Not set up for automotive paints and can't seem to get a smooth enough finish with a roller on the signwhite. Kerry
-------------------- Kerry Wright Gladstone Australia Posts: 119 | From: Gladstone, Queensland, Australia | Registered: May 1999
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the time to spray a few panels is minimal, and you'll save a fair amount on the materials. (1 think 900mm x 600 mm is about 3' x 2', so the whole lot of them could be done with a quarter pink of 1-shot).
the only problem with spraying, is that if you don't do it often, the set-up and clean up time will eat your budget. if you have a dedicated spray area, your set-up time is lessened. if you have to move everything out of the way, cover, mask, and ventilate, then you're better off with vinyl.
OR, you could use a roller (even with automotive paints), and then color-sand (wet sand) the finish to get a higher gloss/smoother finish.
-------------------- :: Scooter Marriner :: :: Coyote Signs :: :: Oakland, CA :: :: still a beginner :: :: Posts: 1356 | From: Oakland (and San Francisco) | Registered: Mar 2001
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Hi Kerry, I was just in your spot until I read a recent post by Stephen Deveau. He pointed out that when using paint, you use what's needed for the job and what you have left is useable on another sign. Good idea I thought. So I did exactly this on a double sided weathertex sign I'm installing today. I can tell you it has given me much more satisfaction as I feel that I have put some of "me" into the sign. I rollered with a disposable foam roller, and it came out great.
Good luck with whatever you decide on. Cheers Lee
-------------------- Lee Attewell Graffic Jam Auto Unit 3, 1731 Albany Highway, Kenwick Western Australia 6108 Posts: 102 | From: PERTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA | Registered: Oct 2001
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If it is a large background say half or two thirds or more of a mid to large size sign, I usually will paint it with one shot. I always roll it though, don't like cleaning spray guns unless I have to. I have always had good luck rolling one shot with a foam roller, just don't go over it more than once per coat or it will thin it out, especially on lighter colors like yellow. I never have to go over it more than twice. I just did 2 4 X 8 signs where more two thirds of the signs background was yellow. It would have take near $40 in A8 to do it. I started with half a pint of one shot and still have a little left, cost less than $5. It took me about the same amount of total time to tape it out and roll it as it would have to cut vinyl, weed it, mask it and apply it.
-------------------- John Thompson JTT Graphics "The big guy with a little sign shop!" Royston/Hartwell Georgia jtt101@hotmail.com Posts: 626 | From: Royston Georgia | Registered: Feb 2002
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If you add a little Penetrol, Edge, or some slow reducer to 1Shot... it will flow out almost as smooth as a spray job...then simply toss the roller cover....no cleanup!
Usually one coat will suffice!
[ May 31, 2002, 12:01 AM: Message edited by: Si Allen ]
-------------------- Si Allen #562 La Mirada, CA. USA
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Brushasaurus on Chat Posts: 8831 | From: La Mirada, CA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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if that woulda been my job, i woulda sprayed them with automotive acrylic enamel. and you can add a hardner to it for a little more money. the cost is a lot less then doing the vinyl in time and money. 1 qt of a/e is $20 ok, gallon of reducers is $15. that qt of paint will make 2 qts of sprayable paint. that 2 qts will cover 2- 4'x8' alum panels. and the dry time is max 8 hours then you can stick on vinyl.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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I add Penetrol, you can get it at Home Depot. Never used Edge though, wonder if it's better?
-------------------- John Thompson JTT Graphics "The big guy with a little sign shop!" Royston/Hartwell Georgia jtt101@hotmail.com Posts: 626 | From: Royston Georgia | Registered: Feb 2002
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If we are covering a sign blank with vinyl- we don't tape the vinyl- use a rubber 3m squeegee and put it on wet. Saves the tape, taping time and pulling the tape off- works great. Gene
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If you are doing multiples, buy 1200 wide vinyl and cover the whole 2400x1200 sheet before you put it through the guillotine & put it on wet. Saves a heap of time. Also if you are doing coloured backgrounds why not use galv? The signwhite is around $15 a sheet more. We use galvanised always now for solvent prints.
-------------------- Phil Braham Vissign Australia Pty Ltd Western Australia www.vissign.com.au Posts: 29 | From: Western Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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Here of late, I've begun using calendared vinyl for backgrounds due to time constraints and the lack of skill my staff has in the area of proper paint application.
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Thanks for all the input. Lots of good ideas. Have tried adding penetrol before rolling (and just about anything else) but can't get the smooth finish I like on metal. Will check out the glavanized metal. I am only paying $32 (incl GST) for signwhite (10 of 8'x4' at time) but any saving is worth while. Thanks all Kerry
-------------------- Kerry Wright Gladstone Australia Posts: 119 | From: Gladstone, Queensland, Australia | Registered: May 1999
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.55 galv costs $17 per sheet if you buy it by the tonne.
-------------------- Phil Braham Vissign Australia Pty Ltd Western Australia www.vissign.com.au Posts: 29 | From: Western Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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