liquid laminate

[Lorraine Clinch]

Hi James, you shouldn’t have to laminate cut lettering, only prints.
If you are concerned about vandalism or graffiti, there is an anti-graffiti laminate available, which cleans off with soapy water, or apply a clear vinyl over the whole sign, which may help stop those picky fingernails

[James Martin]

thanks Lorraine

is there a liquid anti graffiti laminate or do I need a machine to apply sheets of it?

Jimmy

[Lorraine Clinch]

I’ve only heard of anti-graffiti on a roll, depends on the size as to whether you apply by hand or laminating machine.
Others with more experience may have better advice.

[David Lowery]

We use anti-graffiti film on a regular basis and buy it by the roll and apply by hand, no machine necessary.

[Martin Pearson]

Hi James, I would only laminate signs like this if the customer has a need for it to be done, otherwise you are going to price yourself out of the market. You could even offer them two options with different prices and explain the difference.
Look at what the customer needs first, if they only need a sign and there is no chance that the letters will get picked at then there is no need to cover at all. If the customer is worried the letters will get picked off then you could look at covering with a clear vinyl, this will give it a physical barrier to prevent little fingers picking at the letters.
If the customer is worried about vandalism then you may need to look at an anti grafitti film but they are a lot more expensive than an ordinary vinyl.

[James Martin]

Ive already made the sign its going on posts at the entrance of an ind estate.

Now I now I can do something without a machine I will ask some suppliers, find out the prices, and put it to the customer.

(I was thinking you could buy it in a tin and paint it on) :lol1:

Lorraine, Dave, and/or rob, and Martin; Tks.

Jimmy

[David Lowery]

James, beware, quite a lot of companies only sell this by the roll ad at £9-£10 per metre, it can kill the job. A&P display will sell it by the metre. If you only need a small piece, PM me and I may be able to sort you out.

Dave

[David Rogers]

quote Dave n Rob Lowery:

James, beware, quite a lot of companies only sell this by the roll ad at £9-£10 per metre, it can kill the job. ……..
Dave

Seems to be only architects that spec it round here…and then go into conniptions when you give them the price to do it. "Oh so and so was cheaper to clear coat them"…that’s because they’re just using clear vinyl mate…..

If I’m asked for smallish ‘vandal resistant’ signs I sometimes opt for reverse applied acrylic / polycarb. Apply the text then back-spray (just a dusting) in some high solvent paint*. Flood coat the reverse DRY in as near a match as you fancy – needn’t look great as the dusting of paint covers all the lumps, bumps & creases…. a quick wee toast with the heat gun and it looks like a perfectly applied reverse printed image – totally flat, with no ridge round the text….some stuff I did about 9 years ago for a car park still looks spot on.
* If it’s not highly solvent based (cellulose/toluene) then it’ll just flake off.

Well, it’s an alternative….

Dave

[Kevin Flowers]

Hi
i some times spray small signs that become targets when first put up with silicone (Dash board Spray) when the little gits come along with their pens & paint cans it won’t stick they normally get fed up & leave it alone.(it does attract dirt) Your customer can then clean & polish the sign.

Kev

[Martin Pearson]

James, the original post you made was just to see if you should laminate a vinyl sign wasn’t it? The reason I ask is because people are now offering suggestions for vandal resistant signs which is great but if it is to be a vandal resistant sign foamex is not really a good choice of substrate as it breaks very easily.

[James Martin]

That’s a good point Martin.

I’m new to this game and on a steep ‘n’ slow learning curve.

I’m getting samples of stuff through the door of stuff I’ve never seen or heard of before.

The customer knows (a bit) about the sign game, and knows I’m new, so to save every ones face it was….. ‘faomboard’ which is going on exterior ply.

The sign looks great and we are both pleased but would have liked to try another substrate even just for the sake of experimentation and experience.

Any ideas and opinions are more than welcome 😀

Jimmy