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which grade of plywood should i use for backing?
Hi all
I have a quote to do for a large sign order possibly up to 50 at 8’x4′.
The signs are to be mounted on metal railings and are to have a life span of at least 3 years.
I have already convinced the customer to use dibond for the signs rather than painted aluminum sheet.
I am undecided whether to use normal 3/4" ply board to mount the dibond onto or to use marine ply. As you will know there is a significant difference in price.
It is in a relatively sheltered area.
there is quite a tight profit margin on this oneAny suggestions ?
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6 Replies
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Don’t bother with marine ply unless it’s ALWAYS wet or under water. Get an EXTERIOR PLY and it’ll be fine as these ARE rated for wet exposure but not submersion.
Alternatively…don’t bother & just use the di-bond on it’s own.
Dave
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Exterior ply is often marked as far eastern
Ive found this to be unreliable and have delamination issues so would personally choose birch ply -
any ply certified as wpb which stands for weather and boil proof or somthing like that – as said or dont bother unless really necessary
John
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quote Stuart Morris:quote John Harding:any ply certified as wpb which stands for weather and boil proof or somthing like that – as said or dont bother unless really necessaryJohn
No it doesnt. It stand for Western Birch Ply. A lot of ply these days comes from many far east export porgrammes and is very cheap. The best way to check is look at the edge of the panel. If there is more gaps or splits in the laminate then it is not suitable for outdoor use. It only takes a splash on some types of plywood to eventually cause it to delaminate through frost and sunshine.
STU
Actually John was very close, WBP stands for Water & Boil Proof.
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im with terry on this one adam, exterior ply now is rubbish…warps like mad i would try and go without, an unnecessary expense you can do without 😀
nik
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Would small metal/alum pipe clamps not be sufficient?! 😕
Or if they are in a reasonably quiet area monster cable ties :lol1:
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