Which PVC Sheet?

[Chuck B]

Which PVC sheet is preferred for sign face blanks. There are a lot of manufacturers---dizzying. I'd like feedback as to what works best concerning the face finish, density of edge, and also which one moves/warps the least under the summer sun's heat.

[tuck]

"Sintra" has a reputation as the best. It's also the most expensive. For outdoor use, I wouldn't use anything less than 19mm (3/4") regardless of name brand and especially for a routed sign.

[jerry_stanek]

I prefer to cut comatex or celltex over sintra I think I get better cuts.

[joe]

Good question and we wonder if there's a proper answer. The surface texture on all PVC will varry depending on thickness. .75" and 1" tends to be glass smooth while 1/2" can have texture. I've also notice density changes. Sometimes the thick materials are more dense. It seems to me Centra has a tighter grain patters. Anyway all of it is good stuff with one exception. That is the colored PVC. It's not stable outdoors. Not only will it loose it's color in a month or two you will also see it warping when exposed to sun.

Happy Routing,

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

[CNYDWW]

I actually use Kleer almost exclusively. I can find it locally and the product does very very well. Milled it has a great finish and a lot less expensive then some alternatives.

[joe]

Randy,

Doesn't this mateial have a wood grain surface? I believe Ken Z. brought me some samples and I'd use it too but not available.

Can you get in several thicknesses?

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

[jimmya]

Here is a website of what they have.
http://www.kleerlumber.com/products/sheets.html

[CNYDWW]

You'd have to see where you can get it locally. I drive 30min and they stock the 1" sheet as well as wood grain trim board. Good thing about kleer, you can plane the 5/4 to remove the grain texture. The company also makes pvc siding and other products so usually even a special order will come without freight costs. Follow jim's link to get more info.

Regards
Randy

[joe]

I'm so glad more guys are using PVC. It's a God Send to us all. Like any other substrate it has it's limitations. But without it my shop would suffer.
A few outstanding qualities are:

Cuts easily with router or saw
Accepts just about any paint
Great for letters
Doesn't chip or break easily
Comes in different thicknesses
Doesn't Rott or come apart
White exterior letters, no painting is necessary
Easy clean up and isn't dusty.
And, and, and, this may be news to some, it's one of the best sandblast masks ever. I'll be posting on that trick a little later.

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

[wberminio]

I've Been using Excel Brand and have had some great results.
I't does carve and cut easily.
I'm not a signmaker but am slowly becoming one.:)

[joe]

Erminio,

You better watch out. One or two eyebrow raising, big paying,fat jobs and you'll be hooked. Here are the first signs of being addicted.

If you start looking at signs while you're casually driving around
When you identify new techniques you could use for the first time
Knowing you could have done a better job on a sign
Wondering what technique the artist used.

If any of this has been on your mind, WATCH OUT, you've got the bug.

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

[wberminio]

Joe

I got the BUG!
I post some signs later.

[wberminio]

Here are a few latest signs in PVC
12449 12450

12451

12452 12453

[joe]

Good On Ya.

I'm proud to say you'll have this tallent for the yest of your life. There's no end to learning and it's allways fun.

It's excites me when I view the old masters skills of the past and apply them to my work. There's no end to the possabilities. You're a lucky fellow.

J.

[wberminio]

Thanks Joe

Means a lot coming from you!

[supertigre]

Erminio;

Is that black PVC with white paint, or did you do it the hard way?

[wberminio]

hi Guy

That's white PVC.
I used sign mask(great stuff)
and painted the carvings.
Pretty simple- Drawn and tool path in Partworks

[joe]

Guy and anyone else interested in black PVC.

The colored versions are not in the same league as the whitel The black will warp like crazy and get a dull, flat unhealthy look if used outdoors. The red, green and blue will quickly fade and loose some of it's shape.

So stay with the good old white.

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

[phil_o]

I like the signs, hopefully I'll see a few on the drive to the next Camp at your shop.

Phil