First PVC Foam sign

[excel_tool]

Hello all. I have searched the forum and couldn't seem to find the info I needed, so I'll ask a couple of questions. I'm building my first sign using pvc foam and I'd like to pocket the letters for ease of painting. I'm guessing I'll need to make the pocket .050" bigger to allow for paint. Also, what would you suggest as a way to stick the letters into the pockets? Thank you for your help.

[jerry_stanek]

We use PVC plumbing glue on ours.

[excel_tool]

We use PVC plumbing glue on ours.

Will it stand up to the outdoors? I'm making some Christmas signs, so they would only be outside seasonally.

[t_vandemark]

When i do my pockets i always use a -.032" offset and use a .125 endmill to get nice tight corners. That offset has allowed me to spray on 2 coats of exterior latex and still have a nice fit.

[jerry_stanek]

The glue melts the pvc together just like plumbing pipes.

[excel_tool]

Thanks guys!!

[joe]

Chris,

I'm using 19mm and 25mm pvc for our panel signs. With these there's considerable fabrication time needed. You can't use the standard quick drying plastic pipe adhesive. The set up time is too short.

We're using PVC cement from Gorilla Glue. This is nothing like the expanding GG used on HDU. It give you several minutes for set-up and doesn't form a brittle joint.

You will find this adhesive in the plastic pipe department of most lumber yards and hardware stores. It's not located in the usual glue area. It's a water clean-up also.

[excel_tool]

Thanks Joe! I had wondered about the set up time. Any advise for how to quickly set the letters into the pockets?