How to back-spray large translucent face?

[Doyle]

I need to provide an estimate for a customer who wants to order a 6' x 14' backlit sign face. I was thinking it would be best to apply my reverse-cut graphics to the inside of a clear polycarbonate sheet and paint the background color. I have never produced a sign like this and I am not sure what the proper process or paints to use for such a job.

Usually, when I need something spray painted, I will take it to my friends at the local body shop to have the work done. I am sure that when the face is illuminated, there is a specific process and paints to use. Can anyone lend any advice on how this is done? Thanks in advance

 

[Z SIGNS]

cut and spray technique and use this paint http://www.spraylat.com/products/signcoatings/signoverview/Plastic_Sign/Plastic_Sign_Lacryl_400.aspx

 

[Jillbeans]

When I did these (only ever did 2 because they were such a PITA)
we used 12 mist coats of Grip Flex, and their corresponding thinner.
It's a sticky, stinky paint.
AkzoNobel Grip-Flex Paint....most sign supply places carry it.
Then I'd apply translucent vynull to the front of the thing.
Love....Jill

 

[John Butto]

You have to have a spray booth with air control and waterfalls and backlit cabinets to get that size faces to look good. You need someone who knows what they are doing. Job it out. If it is just white do what Jillbeans said and just add the vinyl to the face.

 

[Doyle]

Thanks for the replies. I first called about the spraylat paints and it seemed that no one who answered the phone knew anything about the product or who they could even direct me to in order to get more information. Then I found the gripflex paints from Wensco, so I am trying to get more information on that paint right now.

I'm looking for some specs that I can show to the body shop to see if they can apply this paint for me. Jill, If I apply the graphics to the front of the face, won't the paint on the back affect how the colors look on the front, since light will be diffused through that paint before passing through the translucent vinyl? It seems like all of the faces I have seen made this way have the graphics applied to the inside, with paint applied over top on the back, but it seems like this would have the same affect since the paint will also be applied over the vinyl...

 

[Doyle]

You have to have a spray booth with air control and waterfalls and backlit cabinets to get that size faces to look good. You need someone who knows what they are doing. Job it out. If it is just white do what Jillbeans said and just add the vinyl to the face.

The background isn't white, it is yellow.... so, next question is, does anyone have recommendations for someone I could job this out to? Preferably in the Chicagoland area? Thanks again for the replies, I appreciate the input.

 

[Jillbeans]

If it's yellow, I think the only color you could get away with using on the face would be black.
You also have to shine a light from behind to see if you've missed any spots in the background.
...the first time I ever did this I hand-painted from the inside out then we sprayed the backs...and my sign paint crinkled all to hell and back, hence my suggestion to apply vynull to the face of the damn thing.
I'd sub it out or just refer the job to a company who does this on a daily basis.
Love....Jill

 

[Billct2]

The method for spraying a translucent face with a color background is fairly involved and requires a light box to spray on so you can see what you're doing. Might be difficult to find someone to sub it to, and I wouldn't use a body shop.I would look at a translucent print or translucent vinyl.

 

[Z SIGNS]

6x14 yellow background I would do a flex face and retro fit the cabinet

 

[Mosh]

Pass, this might end up a very expensive lesson.
OR find a shop that can handle it and sub it out to them.

 

[Doyle]

Yeah, I'm checking with Hendricks Vacuum Forming to see if this is something they could do for me.... it would really be a shame to pass on this project, as I already passed on the removal/installation of the sign faces since they are 45' in the air... customer then called me back and said he has someone else doing install, still wants me to make the faces for him..... I will find someone!

Thanks again!

 

[skyhigh]

and you gave the best answer to your own question......geez

otherwise see Bills reply.

 

[FS-Keith]

for things like this, if you have to ask you shouldnt be doing it. Sub it out to someone else. make sure you have Visual opening a cut size.

 

[Moze]

There's no reason you can't do this if you're just supplying the faces now. As Keith mentioned, get the V.O. and cut size, send it to your thermoformer of choice (I'd recommend Faces) and have them ship the faces (assuming it's within your budget).

 

[visual800]

There's no reason you can't do this if you're just supplying the faces now. As Keith mentioned, get the V.O. and cut size, send it to your thermoformer of choice (I'd recommend Faces) and have them ship the faces (assuming it's within your budget).

FACES ROCK! I havnt sprayed a backlit since late 80s and I dont miss it one bit. At the time it was awesome cool and wonderful....now 30 years later I look back and it sucks lol.

I would sub this all out to FACES or a like company. contact
bear@signfaces.com he will quote you right up quickly, great compnay to work with and dont ever come back in here mentioning spraying translusents again, its dated

 

[Kottwitz-Graphics]

As Keith mentioned, get the V.O. and cut size, send it to your thermoformer of choice (I'd recommend Faces) and have them ship the faces (assuming it's within your budget).

+1.. I have used Faces several times and they have always been top notch...


As far as spraying, you would have to mask off the face, and the trick is to prop it against a light source so that as you spray you can see that it's going on evenly...but it's much easier to explain how to do it, than to actually pick up a spray gun...

 

[ChicagoGraphics]

M K signs, in Chicago, that's all they do is that type of work

(773) 545-4444