Letters on a waterfall?

[Jean Shimp]

We have been asked to quote installing stainless steel fabricated letters on a stone monument that will have cascading water falling behind the offset letters. The letters are 18" upper and lower case, 1" thick. There will be stainless steel studs connecting the letters to the stone wall with a 3" offset space between the back of the letters and the stone. The wall is stacked ledge type stone veneer. Architect says "pin mounts to be coated with water protective coating". Anyone ever do letters on a waterfall? Looking for advice on how to do this. Thanks.

 

[Boudica]

I can't offer up any advice, but it sounds really cool

 

[JBurton]

Hmmm, I'd push for aluminum letters with all aluminum hardware, stainless is great, but not impervious to rust.

 

[James Burke]

Hmmm, I'd push for aluminum letters with all aluminum hardware, stainless is great, but not impervious to rust.

Had a similar situation, but I pushed client for bronze lettering, painted black. Compared to bronze and stainless, aluminum is the most susceptible to streaking.


OP- use 304 stainless, and you should be good.


JB

 

[James Burke]

We have been asked to quote installing stainless steel fabricated letters on a stone monument that will have cascading water falling behind the offset letters. The letters are 18" upper and lower case, 1" thick. There will be stainless steel studs connecting the letters to the stone wall with a 3" offset space between the back of the letters and the stone. The wall is stacked ledge type stone veneer. Architect says "pin mounts to be coated with water protective coating". Anyone ever do letters on a waterfall? Looking for advice on how to do this. Thanks.

Honestly, it's not the hardware you need to be concerned about. 304 stainless will not need a protective coating.

This sounds like a very cool project, but before your contractor gets all gung ho, have them consider THE REAL POTENTIAL ISSUE: water hardness. Excessive calcium, iron and other minerals will build up on stainless and defeat the purpose. Chlorine (municipal water sources) may also leave a spotty residue as the water splashes.


JB

 

[JBurton]

Compared to bronze and stainless, aluminum is the most susceptible to streaking.

Probably, but isn't the streaking a product of:

THE REAL POTENTIAL ISSUE: water hardness. Excessive calcium, iron and other minerals will build up

So if Al is the cheapest option by a significant margin, I'd opt for some cast aluminum letters.

 

[gnubler]

Will they be turning off the water during the install, or will you get some splash time?

I quoted an install recently to update some sign faces on a monument structure that's flanked by a fake waterfall pond with big rocks all around. Customer decided to handle the install and I was fine with that.

 

[James Burke]

Probably, but isn't the streaking a product of...

Streaking is primarily due to acid rain, but I'm sure the aforementioned will also play a factor. I've also seen overspray from lawn chemicals causing issues...even for bronze.

JB

 

[JBurton]

Then I say we go full copper, it'll get that earthy green tarnish pretty quickly, and they can polish them up pretty easily for a refreshed look whenever they like...

 

[James Burke]

Then I say we go full copper, it'll get that earthy green tarnish pretty quickly, and they can polish them up pretty easily for a refreshed look whenever they like...

Patina...not tarnish.

JB

 

[Boudica]

Patina if you want it, Tarnish if you don't

 

[James Burke]

Patina if you want it, Tarnish if you don't

Ain't THAT the truth! Ask the art dealer...and the junk peddler...and you'll two different answers.


JB