Letters, Letters, Letters

[joe]

I'm locked in on three materials for all my letters. My first choice is white PVC, second is Extira followed by Trupan.

For those who don't know Trupan is an excellent material. It's so absorbent a quick coat with diluted epoxy, shellac, or any poly makes them even stronger. I've given up on HDU since it breaks too easy and not good with screws.

Joe
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com)

[kevin]

Thanks for the post I know other guys are asking what to use ?
In my area [remember I have sideways rain 90 per cent humidly then dry periods] Extira is my chose I agree about foam expensive then you have to make a metal frame big expense

Extira has passed the Newfoundland test white PVC i stay away because of glue failure the only glue that last here is PL

Polar and pine also last here .But I do so little signs .I'm working on signs but a tough business here

[scottp55]

Thanks for the pic Joe, but especially for the strengthening tip.:)

[joe]

Kevin,

I know you have tough weather up there. Glad to hear you have the option of Extira. Many guys have a hard time getting it. I'm having a problem finding Trupan. If anyone has any please drop off a piece in a bucket of water and report back. I think you'll be amazed.

The adhesive we use for just about everything is E6001.

[kevin]

i have to order from Nova Scotia about a 14 hr drive

[joe]

Here's a new process for me.

The client was a Smoke Shop and they had their artwork. They requested a black background which makes me nervous. This one was sent out to a truck bed coating service. It came back with the usual texture everyone is used to. It looked really nice and uniform costing me $200. Coated both sides. Every one knows how PVC can warp when heated up but I used it anyway. What I did was drill holes through the 3/4" and screw it on from the back. No adhesive.

This one's been out there for the first season without any problem.

[powerlsc]

Joe,

What is Trupan typically used for. Is it usually a lumberyard item or can it be found at Lowe's or Home Depot?

Also after it is sealed with your recommended sealers do you advise a particular type of finish or will most high quality paints work? How about gold leaf?

Thanks for the info.

[joe]

Lynn,

I'm not sure where the market is for this product.

It's a MDF board half the weight of regular MDF. The wood comes from South American white pine. This board hasn't been sold for exterior use but I've found it to be excellent for letters.

At one time it was the Spoil Board of Choice on this forum. The reason being was it's cheap and good as the substrate for a vacuum board. Don't tell me it's not being used for that today!

Almost and primers works well and you can seal it off with just about thing. Where to get it? Some parts of the US readily has it while others don't. Don't let the lumberyard guy sell you on "MDF Ligh" which looks and feels like Trupan but will blow up like a bomb in water. It's doubtful Lowe's to will carry it.

Yes it gilds like a dream since sanding is easy.

[powerlsc]

Joe,

Thanks for the reply. I guess my hunt is on. I'm ready to do a sign for a beauty shop and would love to give it a try. Bit in for another job it could work for also.

I'll start calling around tomorrow. I'll let the forum know if I find any in Texas.

[steve_g]

http://plywoodcompany.com/application/home/itemdetails.aspx?categoryid=93&itemid=8643 (http://plywoodcompany.com/application/home/itemdetails.aspx?categoryid=93&itemid=8643)

If you get as far north as Ft. Worth...
SG

[gene]

Joe,
How much sanding did you do on the edges of the letters shown?

[gene]

I will be in the Atlanta area tomorrow , does anyone know of a trupan dealer in the area

[joe]

Gene,

It all depends. At one time I felt every letter should be very smooth. My process today is to give them a light texture. This ends most of the sanding process. The small amount I do today is on the edges where there's tool marks.

Most of the texturing is done with a stiff primer, dobbing it on with a 1" disposable hog hair brush. Two coats are necessary then smooth them off with a Scotchbrite pad. This gives letter a softer look and there's not much worry about machine flaws or dings in the material.

[gene]

Thank you very much for your reply :)

[kevin]

This is whats works and last in my area Modern Masters does not if there is a representative reading this your product sucks can not handle a a wet climate

What works is 4 coats of primer where a cabinet shop first so we have a full blown spray booth .The colors are hand paint roller-ed on ect
We love encart easy and strong to work with
The sign in the photo will be place a Tim Hortons the message is to go are web site

[scottp55]

Boy, for a 'Crete head, that KDunphy guy does pretty fair fancy stuff! :)
I'm not a sign guy, but I Like it.

[joe]

Kevin,

Excellent creative sign.

I'm most interested in your problems with MM. I know there will be lots of interested guys wanting to know more about the problems. It sounds as though moisture is the issue.

What little of it we've used has held up well for us but not the kind of paint we normally use. Please keep us informed.

[kevin]

Joe MM if you remember i did my front sign I used modern masters I think it was the clear they recommend didn't let the encreta breathe held all moister i had to redo.Needles to say i have to be careful on what i use could have been a disaster if used for a customer
The above sign those are all product have over 3 years on my building .If it was not for Joe giving up his time for these posts i would not have clue .
Scoot thanks i love doing sign I stared that last Monday today its finished a kitchen takes 4 month sometimes longer .A sign is like a drug you see instant result you want to move on to bigger each sign can be so unique .I would like sign to say something with out reading
I'm hopping to do more sign work invest more time in this amazing art form