Exterior stand-off sign

Easy, have the logo and text cut out without a backer, then blind mount it like Gemini would do.

 

I would use black acrylic as the backer then either apply printed vinyl to the face, or layers of colored acrylic, depending on budget and desired look

For blind mounts, Gemini sells plastic pads you can glue onto the black acrylic with MEK

 

I just work it out with Gemini they have always been a great help for me. Call them, they can give you suggestions or check out there website.

 

First of all, how thick are those boards and what size are the finished pieces gonna be ?? You don't wanna mess with PVC and other bendy substrates at that size. They'll flex and shift too much on ya. Make it out of something substantial, like wood. Looks like a somewhat protected area from most elements. Either flatbed print it or cover it with adhesive backed vinyl. Counter sink a few strategic holes and cover over them with either paint or a vinyl patch and do it in the black areas to make it easier.

 

Instead of MDO, how 'bout HDU or some more redwood or cedar ?? At that size, after you glue it up, you can drum sand it to being perfectly flat and smooth. Seal it well, prime it then top coat it 3 or 4 times. If there's a cost problem, then go with 3/4" MDO.

 

A french cleat would work well for mounting. We make our own, just cut two pieces of 2x4 with mating angles. Add another 2x4 at the bottom for a spacer.

 

If you're worried about clumsiness or vandalism, don't. That's not your concern. The guy has insurance. Anyway, anything there is gonna come under the same conditions and whether it's PBVC, foam or wood, it can all be tampered with, if someone wants to tamper with it.

 

I would do the face of the sign out of 1/4" max metal and back it will 1/2" or 3/4" pvc standoffs, possibly making them 5" or 6" pads to put a stud in. I would only stud 3 or 4 in main sign and silicone the others to the wood background. the lettering I would do flush mount since it lower on wall and subject to more damage. Do NOT and NEVER use mdo for anything.

I paint 2 part epoxy on the rear of maxmetal as well as pvc standoffs to insure silicone adhesion