Hard finish for HDU

[tuck]

Everyone on this forum, whether they know it or not, are at the forefront of new and developing opportunities. Having a CNC is like having a cocked and loaded Bazooka. But you should point it in the right direction. Defining markets is the name of the game. It's not just about skill or knowledge of equipment. You've should identify a marketable target and go in that direction.

This is such a fun business and opportunities are open for those who choose the right path.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com

That is most inspiring, Mr. Crumley!

[joe]

Steve,

When I'm cutting PVC letters 8" or smaller I use 1/2". Larger letters are 3/4". At these thicknesses they will remain flat for years. Do Not use their color stock.

The Critter will spray thicker paint than any gravity fed gun I've used. It's very good with latex too. I purchased one this weekend at Woodcraft.

Now open up your wallet, take a deep breath, and give the money to the clerk. You won't be dissapointed.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com

PS: I'm affraid Jennifer got lost in the conversaion. Please let us know if any of this has been of assistance.

[graphixgarage]

I must use HDU for the smaller signs. What brand of High build primer do you use? As far as Magic Sculpt, can it be used over paint as a finish sealer?

thanks for all the great advice. I have a large road sign that I will consider the thicker PVC for.

Jen

[Gary Campbell]

Jen...
Very few coatings will make all but the most dense HDU able to stand up to the snow/sand/rock blasting that UP road signs have to take. Even the best of coatings will fracture with an impact.

Most automotive paint stores have a 2 part high build primer like Joe desribes. They are used as an undercoat for urethane auto finishes (same as the "U" in HDU ) Very compatible, dry fast. Use in well ventilated area. To add impact resistance a coat of epoxy or epoxy and fiber could help. Overnite dry tho.

Where in the UP are you located? And how did you ever get Yoopers to spring for HDU signage?

[joe]

Jennifer,

One last thought about HDU. It's most vunerable on the edges and corners. You'll need to round them over.

Sculpt nouveau is very tough and can be painted over jsut about everything. Although it has extra long life outdoors, there isn't much stregnth in it as a hard coat.

Precision makes a couple of hardcoats you might want to look.

[dakers]

Jennifer,
the hdu sign you are concerned about and impact problems.
can you elevate the sign, landscaping blocks, raised bed, plantings , etc
to help protect the sign from flying debris from the road?

[billp]

Most surface coatings such as Magic Sculpt need a little "tooth" in order to establish a bond with a surface, so applying it on top of a finish sealer probably wouldn't be the best method...
Having said that, I'm thinking that a finish sealer on top of the Magic Sculpt ( which would still need to be painted) might be a better option.

[graphixgarage]

I am in the Pickford area, south of Sault Ste. Marie and north of St. Ignace. I think for the most part the sign will be far enough off the road to do OK. I just wanted to add as much protection as possible. I will be painting with acrylic to match the other items being used so I may not be able to add a hard coat at all it sounds like.
thanks, Jen

[tuck]

I will be painting with acrylic to match the other items being used so I may not be able to add a hard coat at all it sounds like.

hahaha.......

[joe]

Jennifer,

I'm confident you won't have any problems with the signs endurance or longevity. I have only had two failures with HDU. Both we caused by not having the correct support behind them. The super structure is more important with this material than any other I've used. Twenty years has passed without any surface problems. You have a green light ove here.

Would you please post a photo when you're finished.

Joe crumley
www.normansignco.com