need advice please with flexface signage?

[Robert Lambie]

im not really aware of tubes being visable unless they are installed too far apart. that would cause bright and slightly dimmer areas/

i doubt you can "just" replace the front only. flexface boxes are normally a complete system. that said. i have heard of tensioning systems only but never actually seen or used one.

[David Arch]

Thanks for the reply Rob, I’ll advise the customer about the tube point.

The face has been replaced before so I’m assuming I can just replace it again but having never done one there is a good chance I am wrong.

[Robert Lambie]

The bulbs being visible could be many things mate… as I said most obvious would be tubes being too far apart.
I have a local Lidl’s branch and "I think" they have the same issue you maybe speaking of. To me, it "again" could be several things… the Perspex being to thin/not dense enough. Or maybe the bulbs being too close to the face. Not sure if that makes sense? This light box looks like a slimline box with fluorescent tubes. The tubes are close together, so not that, but seem close to face of sign making the bulb appear almost visible.

If the sign is an existing flexface then you should be able to just order a backlit banner skin from most reputable sources. Remember to leave plenty bleed to allow for slight alignment errors when clamping.
Also, ask why the customer isn’t using existing sign maker as it’s got to be easier and maybe even cheaper for him to use same sign company. You may have a bad payer here?

[David Arch]

Thanks for that rob, how much bleed would you recommend?

I’ve been recommended by another branch of the company for doing a good effiecient job, the only thing is the sign I did before was just an aluminium tray which is well within my knowledge. I think I’ll take it on just to get the experience in this type of sign.

[Shane Drew]

Archie, we have two or three types of flexface signs here.

One is the sailtrack method, with the sail being hidden by a false outside ‘skirt’

Another is the tension system which has the banner edges put into a gutter, and the gutter is tensioned on the edges and middle by screwing with tension screws. (this is the easiest one to replace)

Another requires the manufacturer to replace.

The size of the flex face, I’d think it would be the tensioning system one, but then you are not really going to know until you remove it.

I’ll usually tell the customer that I need the old face first before I can do the new one incase the measurements need to be exact (as in the sail track version).

I don’t know about there, but sign shops here that manufacture and install their own sign light boxes, usually make something that is different enough to deter someone else getting the job, or make it harder for someone else to replace it .

[David Arch]

Thanks Shane, I’ll do that, from what I could see it is the tension system, there appears to be quite a bit of loose fabric at the edge of the sign.

I’ll take the trim off next time I’m there to see exactly what is going on behind it.

Thanks for all the advice