whats the best base substrate to use for an external sign?

[Steve Broughton]

you missed a zero off there mate? 12″ x 10″ ??? no probs with foam for something that small.

[Gary Davis]

cheers steve. would oversize fitting holes be needed or not at that size?

[Steve Broughton]

nah mate stick it on, you could nearly get away with using chewing gum at that size (joke thats a joke put that packet of wrigleys down :lol1: ) no more nails or gripfill if you can’t be arsed to drag a drill and screwdriver around :lol1:

[Robert Lambie]

depends what you are fitting it too mate?
if its a rough wall id use an alluminium or dibond type material, infact i would use that for just about all or outdoor signs unless cheap and cheerful is the spec.
if you have a pretty flat, smooth wall and you only want to apply with something like no-nails etc ide use a double sided tape and no-nails.
that way the sign will be held in position properly while the no nails drys.
if you dont do this you end up having to tape it on and it looks crap/unprofessional, because if you dont, the chances are it will slip down off or out of alignment if not secure. it will also need the masking tape removed… all this for a small sign?
id use something ridged mate and screw it into place, then apply some caps.
it want warp, become brittle, discolour etc and the vinyl will take to it better also.

[Gary Davis]

hi rob,
its going to be screwed to a wooden wall, i presume the slatted barn type, like sheds.
going to use the flip top white screw caps, i wont be fitting in any case but wanted to advise if the holes should be over size.

[Robert Lambie]

if you use foamex mate its better to have the hole slightly larger than the diametre of the screw thread. when the screw is put in, dont sink it in tight to material. stop maybe one twist from it going tight.

[Gary Davis]

thanks for advice rob.