APPENDIX E - Possible Sign Materials for Interpretive Signs

APPENDIX E – Possible Sign Materials for Interpretive Signs

Following is a partial list of available materials to consider.

Anodized aluminum

Also known as Duratone, Dura-Etch, and Novalloy. Very expensive, but its long life and low maintenance costs make the product cost-efficient. Very susceptible to scratching, but impervious to weather. Finish is in gold, bronze, or silver tones. Recommended for use in high-visitor-use areas. It is also the media of choice for recognition plaques. Can use photos in the process at an extra cost.

Embedded fiberglass

Also known as Modulite and Fibrex, this is a process that produces a screen print substrate encapsulated into layers of fiberglass. Available in multiple colors. An attractive sign that is very resistant to shattering, weathering, fire, and graffiti and can be applied to virtually any surface. Available in 1/16- and 1/8-inch thicknesses.

Photometal

An aluminum alloy electronically treated to produce a colored corrosion- resistant surface. Available in various shades of aluminum, bronze, and gold. Excellent longevity. Weather resistant and relatively vandal resistant.

Plexiglass

Common plexiglass with the screened image on the reverse side. Fairly scratch resistant, but does become brittle with age and will shatter on point impact. Best suited for interior use.

Polycarbonate

Also known as Lexan and Tuffak, this is a clear material with impact strength about 250 times stronger than glass. It is ultraviolet stabilized and is available in a full range of colors. Comes in standard sheet sizes and 0.75 and 0.125 millimeter (mm) thicknesses. Similar to plexiglass but softer and does not shatter on point impact. A matte velvet finish must be ordered as the gloss finish is very susceptible to scratching.

to scratching. Suitable for either interior or exterior use. The thinner mm (10–23 mm) can be used on Masonite, metal, fiberglass, or other materials and is relatively inexpensive. Image is reverse silkscreened. Resolution of the graphics and text suffers slightly in comparison with fiberglass-embedment process but is considered a “star performer.”

Porcelain enamel

Also known as Dura-Enamel and Enameltec. The process is a fired-on, opaque, glassy coating on metal. Infinite variety of colors as well as gloss, semi-gloss, pebbled, or mottled finishes are available. Guaranteed for 25 years. Used for interior or exterior in high visitation areas. It is very weather resistant and vandal proof but is easily shattered by bullets or excessive impact. One of the most attractive sign materials on the market. Cost is competitive with the rising costs of embedded fiberglass or metal signs. Requires little or no maintenance.

Rigid vinyl

Material comes in 10, 20, and 30 mm thicknesses. Durable, but best used inside as exposure to the elements and ultraviolet rays tends to crack and warp it. Costs are low. Multiple colors can be used.

Screened sign board

Direct screen printing on a prepared medium density overlay (MDO sign board). Signs must be primed and finish coated with exterior enamel, then sent to a screen printer along with camera-ready artwork. Sign is ready to mount on uprights without having to be attached to a board.

High Density Urethane

This material is a great answer to applications where sandblasted wood is desired. It does not crack, check, warp, decay or decompose as wood does. It is virtually permanent and waterproof. The final sign is stained or painted. Routed letters can be filled with in various vinyl or specialized paint for desired effect. One product TC Resin, offers a wide variety of colors and is very durable. If designed and fabricated properly a casual observer will never guess it is not wood. Its logical use is for site and facility identification. It is used heavily in the advertising industry. Large format signs would need to have a backing of re-enforcement. Values of the material are the minimal amount of future maintenance and the economic initial cost.

Extruded High Density Polyethylene (PolyCarve)

Originally developed for the marine industry, the material is extremely durable as compared to wood alternative and offers virtually 0 maintenance. Up to three layers of polyethylene are bonded through an extrusion process called “A/B/A” format. The surface (“A”) being one color with the contrasting core (“B”) underneath. The blank can be routed out to expose a color underneath or the surface material can be routed away leaving a raised surface (letters or simple images) in another color. The logical and best application is for site and facility identification as well as travel management and trail markers. The material can accept blows and scratching over time without usually affecting readability of the sign. It will not crack, warp, oxidize, or suffer UV deterioration. Withstands temperatures as low as – 40degrees F and has the ability to repel graffiti. It has some flexible characteristics and as such may require metal or wood reinforcement for proper support. Plastic Lumber (posts) may be used for the support as well. A full set of International Recreation Logos is officered for varied applications.

Cast Metal

Good for commemorative plaques, title plaques, and historical markers. Provides tactile lettering accessible to people with limited vision. Fabricators make a mold of your design and fill it with molten aluminum, bronze, or iron to create a thick plate with raised letters and pictures.

Can create textured backgrounds, fancy borders. Graphics limited to large letters and simple line drawings and limited color choices and as such is generally not a good choice for interpretive signing. Very costly, but durable, weatherproof, and vandal resistant. When cost is a factor and the effect of a plaque is still desired there are a number of plastic simulated bronze alternatives that may serve the purpose if properly protected.

Stone Imagery

Fabricators carve, etch, or sandblast marble, limestone, granite or other stone. Chemical etching requires a softer stone. Low contrast lettering, graphics are limited to line art and half tones. Moderately hard to mount. Usually needs commercial sign application. Very durable, resisting all influences except geologic time. Good subtle, native material for a short message. Great tactile elements for audience appeal and accessibility, and appropriate in parks and for industrial sites. A beautiful material that can set a strong identity for a site or facility and also has a great application for trailside labels for plants, landscape features or geological interpretation.