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. 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 in with various vinyl