10 year guarantee clear laminate?

[Jean Shimp]

There is an online sign retailer that makes custom metal signs with a 10 year guarantee. They use a 3M anti-graffiti clear laminate. Looking for more information on exactly what product this laminate is and where to get it? I want to make some street signs for a small residential community and have them last longer than the typical digitally printed sign. Thanks.

 

[DChorbowski]

Look into 3M 1170

 

[MarkSnelling]

Look into 3M 1170

If that's a joke, then that is hilarious. Isn't that the metallic tape? Or is there a clear version I'm unaware of?

 

[MarkSnelling]

I'd read the fine print on anything that says it lasts 10 years....the film might, but I'd be amazed if the ink did. I used to sell an ultra-UV blocking laminate which would last in fast-food backlit boxes for around 10 years...it had so much UV inhibitor it was yellow, so you had to change the print file to plan on what the yellow laminate was going to do with your colors. I'd love to know if there is a film which would really provide UV protection for that long.

 

[victor bogdanov]

custom metal signs with a 10 year guarantee.

maybe it is a "structural guarantee" saying the sign wont rust through and fall apart

 

[ikarasu]

3m 1160.

If printing on a hp latex 3m traffic signs have a 12 year warranty for diamond grade, thats likely what you're referring to.


To do them in house you need to be certified and using special software / machines to get the warranty though

https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/2054064O/hp-700-hp-800-matrix-for-traffic.pdf there's the warranty information for the 700/800 series and matching overlams for the materials.

 

[DChorbowski]

If that's a joke, then that is hilarious. Isn't that the metallic tape? Or is there a clear version I'm unaware of?

1170C is the clear. I am not sure if its graffiti resistant though.

 

[garyroy]

And you want to be out of the business before they reorder?
Road signs change all the time, they wear out, fade, get stolen.
That's what keeps us in business. I'd bid on the sign, give them a good product and move on to the next one.
I spent $3000 on a refrigerator, it had a year year parts and labor guarantee.

 

[signheremd]

Oraguard 290 Gloss laminate is rated at 10 years.

 

[Gino]

Screen print them.

 

[Grizzly]

Look at General Formulations Tedlar.

https://www.generalformulations.com/getattachment/2d798b1e-cddb-4e6d-a3d8-27a0057002a3/GF-108-DuPont%E2%84%A2-Tedlar-Satin-Clear-PVF-Overlamina.aspx

 

[jfiscus]

There are a few 3M laminates specc'd for that long of a lifespan.

https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/663997O/product-bulletin-graphic-protection-options.pdf

 

[jfiscus]

Also, even though the laminates are specc'd for that long, how long are your ink pigments going to last?

 

[caribmike]

Honestly, I wouldn't want to use a laminate that lasted 10 years. Half my sign business is replacing signs that have faded and/or deteriorated. We get maybe 5 years max out of an aluminum sign down here, half that if its facing the sun. Customers never complain and rarely even inquire about longevity so its obviously not a problem I need to fix. All my invoices and estimates have this disclaimer: "The longevity of digitally printed vinyl products is entirely dependent on the amount of direct sunlight exposure received. For this reason, we cannot warranty vinyl or digitally printed vinyl products such as aluminum or PVC signs, magnetic signs or outdoor vinyl banners against fading under any circumstances."