Large Dibond Sign on Building-Frame or No Frame

[AKProbeGT]

I'm quoting installing a large dibond sign on the side of a building. Would you just tile the panels and attach them directly, build a frame structure to go behind or do something else? The plan is for 3mm dibond panels, 10' x 46". My original plan was to attach directly to the building I'm concerned about having to put too many screws in the panels. I'm not sure it's going to look very nice. I've considered building a frame out of square aluminum tube but it adds expense and complexity. Any other suggestions. I've attached a picture of the proposed sign as well as a closeup of the building. The old sign in the picture is .040 aluminum over a tube frame but that all needs to come down. It doesn't come close to meeting the proportions we need.

 

[Marlene]

I would say frame as there would be a ton of screws in the faces. I don't do 90 degree bends on dibond but it may be possible and if so, I'd attach the edges to the internal frame work so I could cut down on the screws thru the face.

 

[fresh]

Use aluminum tubing as a frame. Its easy to do and will look significantly better than just slapping up the panels.

 

[Marlene]

yes, aluminum frame. make it with 1" x 1". if you haven't used it before, there are corner connections and "T" connections so that you can build the frame with cross bars for support where the pieces butt together and between the sheets of dibond for extra support

 

[d fleming]

Maybe not dibond. Tube frame and aluminum panels, you can tac weld them up or screw and cover with retainer. Retainer would look nice. And no danger of delamination on down the road.

 

[Mosh]

Aluminum frame and vhb holding the panels to the frame. Toss in a few counter-sunk rivets for extra protection and you are there.

 

[AKProbeGT]

Thanks guys, dibond on aluminum tube frame it will be.

 

[Drip Dry]

Thanks guys, dibond on aluminum tube frame it will be.

Probally no need for dbond if your going to make a frame. Use .040 Aluminum. Your cost will come down and pay for the frame material. No one will notice at all that your not using dbond.

Make sure you use lightbox molding for the edge rather than the thinner molding. It just looks nicer on the larger signs. And if your capable, you should mitre the corners

 

[ddarlak]

Probally no need for dbond if your going to make a frame. Use .040 Aluminum

not only wil .040 be cheaper, dibond expands and contracts like a motherfarker....i'd use the .040 if it was me, ask me why.............................................

 

[Jacob]

We do these all the time if you are looking for cheap and easy just buy 1x4 cedar attach it to the building and then screw the sign to the wood.

 

[2B]

Aluminum frame and vhb holding the panels to the frame. Toss in a few counter-sunk rivets for extra protection and you are there.

+1

must have a frame to look good and help ensure no seam separation