How do I attach a large wooden sign to building?

[Damnitgabe]

So I’m a sign painter, not really much of a sign “maker”. I usually paint the signs directly on a wall, but sometimes that can’t work out and the client doesn’t wanna spend the amount that it would cost to have a proper sign made so I end up painting something on a piece of plywood. Which is the situation I’m currently in, and I don’t have a clue how to go about attaching the sign to the wall, it’s an old building and it appears to have wood paneling, I really don’t think that’s very thick and don’t have a clue what’s under it. I need suggestions on how to go about this. I’m not planning on using a very thick piece of plywood so the weight shouldn’t be too much but it’s either going to be 2 6’ long pieces 2’ tall or 2 8’x 1’. Those look like my options at Home Depot. But yeah I don’t have a clue how to go about attaching the sign itself to the building. Please give me suggestions, I’m open to anything, There are many other signs attached to the same area (it’s in a little plaza thing). But most are professional plastic or metal ones so I can’t see the way they’re attached but it’s possible. I don’t even know what kinda tools I might need. Please help. Thanks.

 

[visual800]

call a local sign company to install this for you.

We have no idea whats behind the facade your installing to. You would actually need to go up behind the facade and see whats going on. You could use deck screws, lag bolts we have no idea of the building

 

[Gino]

Yeah, sorry, but we're in the same boat you're in. We have no information. Someone needs to go up there and find out what will be needed. Ya can't guess. Besides, it sounds like you're using the wrong kinda wood. Also, check with codes and see if they have any restrictions when you apply for the permit.

 

[Texas_Signmaker]

Subcontract the install out.

 

[Notarealsignguy]

Duct tape and liquid nails should work

 

[netsol]

I like duct tape, (liquid nails, not so much)

 

[Notarealsignguy]

I like duct tape, (liquid nails, not so much)

the duct tape is just temporary until the liquid nails hardens up, unless you color match the duct tape to match the design? That would look slick

 

[Billct2]

As was said, you really need to check it out and find out what you'll be fastening to. The other signs may give a clue. But if you're concerned hire someone to install it, doesn't have to be a sign company a carpenter or handyman could do it.

 

[Damnitgabe]

IM just gonna wing it. Things usually work themselves out. Thanks for the advice. I mean I did know what I shooould do. I mean of course getting a better idea of what I was installing it to and or hiring someone else to do It we’re the first things that crossed my mind. I was hoping for someone to just tell me what they’d do if it was this it that. Sooomethin. , I do like the duct tape idea!

 

[binki]

Around here you need to have a contractor license to install anything over $500. If you don't do installs then paint and hand it over. Let them take the liability of it falling off and hitting someone.

 

[caribmike]

I don't install signs...I just make them. I let the customer deal with that.

 

[Supply Bright]

Call a professional sign installer (or a contractor) to handle the installation. When I need a sign painted I do not go to a professional auto mechanic, I go to a professional sign painter. I do not know how to fix the brakes on my car nor do I have the proper tools that is why there are professionals in every business. Now my car stops when I want it to stop, and then your sign will stay on the wall when you want it not to fall.

 

[Gino]

Again, here we go, once more.

The OP here is not making a traditional type of sign, at least not by what he's described earlier. He's not going to use a very thick piece of wood. So, the weight issue has been addressed. He's getting boards, it sounds like at Home Depot. Not a good place to get wood to make a sign. He can't figure out the size of the sign, but it sounds like it's gonna be jointed of some sorts. Hmmmm..... I wonder if he knows how to do that ??

For me, this OP is either outta his league or should farm it out..... the whole thing. I believe in order to save his customer some money, he's gonna frankenstein together some form of advertisement.

 

[kcollinsdesign]

Direct printed on aluminum composite material with top laminate the signs would cost around $75 (I can get around $125 in my market). Installation with site survey and permit will be around $250 – $450 (depending on whether a bucket truck is involved, drive time, etc.). The money is in installation.

 

[Scotchbrite]

We've had to install a few of these. Most of them are art displays for the city but a couple have been business signs. The artists make them and then we figure out how to install them. Usually involve making some sort of angle iron frame system. Sometimes the artist contacts us and ahead of time and we can coordinate an nice hidden system. Most times we just have to make something work. They don't last very long, but they look nice to start out.



Here's one after a couple of years:

 

[Notarealsignguy]

Direct printed on aluminum composite material with top laminate the signs would cost around $75 (I can get around $125 in my market). Installation with site survey and permit will be around $250 – $450 (depending on whether a bucket truck is involved, drive time, etc.). The money is in installation.

You would waste a sheet of ACM (cut 2' off it long ways) and only charge $75?? The sheet itself costs almost that much. Why a site survey and all the dog and pony show crap. Make the thing, have your van stocked with stuff you need and just go do it, figure it out when you get there.

An honest answer to the OPs question. If it is wood siding like T111 use coated decking screws or pop it in with ring shank nails. Concrete or block, tapcons. Anything else, you will have to figure out on site. You don't need a professional installer, this is nonsense work and not something anyone should really have to ask how to do. I've seen how some of these "professionals" install crap and my kids could do a better job than some of them.

 

[Notarealsignguy]

We've had to install a few of these. Most of them are art displays for the city but a couple have been business signs. The artists make them and then we figure out how to install them. Usually involve making some sort of angle iron frame system. Sometimes the artist contacts us and ahead of time and we can coordinate an nice hidden system. Most times we just have to make something work. They don't last very long, but they look nice to start out.

View attachment 158719 View attachment 158720

Here's one after a couple of years:
View attachment 158718

You missed a key part "client doesn’t wanna spend the amount that it would cost to have a proper sign made"
Plywood screwed into the front. If they cant even afford a real sign, they wont be in business long anyways

 

[Chris Keena]

You would waste a sheet of ACM (cut 2' off it long ways) and only charge $75?? The sheet itself costs almost that much. Why a site survey and all the dog and pony show crap. Make the thing, have your van stocked with stuff you need and just go do it, figure it out when you get there.

An honest answer to the OPs question. If it is wood siding like T111 use coated decking screws or pop it in with ring shank nails. Concrete or block, tapcons. Anything else, you will have to figure out on site. You don't need a professional installer, this is nonsense work and not something anyone should really have to ask how to do. I've seen how some of these "professionals" install crap and my kids could do a better job than some of them.

Why bother blessing anyone with your wisdom if you're only going to complain about dispensing said wisdom. Guess it's a slow day at the shop.

 

[Notarealsignguy]

Why bother blessing anyone with your wisdom if you're only going to complain about dispensing said wisdom. Guess it's a slow day at the shop.

You must be as retarded as the guy that posted the question in the first place

 

[Chris Keena]

Arial is the only font you need when you're not a real sign guy. Super slow day at your shop I guess.