Need Help! Heavy office signs keep falling.

[Patrick Bateman]

The sign you see in the photo is relatively heavy and keeps falling off after we have tried using a variety of industrial double sided tape options.

When we initially removed the signs to install the window film, there seemed to be a clear silicone or caulk that was used to assist in keeping the signs from falling to begin with. Does anyone have a recommendation as to what we could use as an assist to the double sided tape?

As an FYI, when the signs fall, the tape is sticking to the film. The problem seems to be the back of the sign more than anything else. TIA.

 

[Lotta]

Did you try mirrortape?

https://www.tesa.com/en-gb/adhesive-tape/mirror

nomally you can get glas on the wall with that kind of tape.

 

[Gino]

I'm not sure, but I was always under the impression you were not allowed to put ADA signs on glass partitions. You hadfta go to the nearest solid wall

 

[MikePro]

those signs are best installed with VHB tape plus !00% silicone adhesive combination.
edited to add: you can install ADA signage on glass partitions. still serves its wayfinding purpose, is still within acceptable distance from latch-side of door, and there's no difference between a glass panel and a wall panel when you're visually impaired.

 

[CanuckSigns]

always use a 100% silicone adhesive in conjunction with your tape when installing these types of signs, the change in temperature from heating to air conditioning can cause the signs to buckle and pop off the wall, the silicone is flexible enough to hold them in place.

 

[Patrick Bateman]

always use a 100% silicone adhesive in conjunction with your tape when installing these types of signs, the change in temperature from heating to air conditioning can cause the signs to buckle and pop off the wall, the silicone is flexible enough to hold them in place.

Is there a specific Silicone Caulk you'd recommend?

 

[d fleming]

100% clear silicone, .

 

[CanuckSigns]

we just get the GE I silicone from home depot.

 

[Johnny Best]

I have installed signs like that on glass with 3M VHB tape (gray) and it holds up really well. Cleaning glass and back of sign is important. No need for silicone.

 

[TammieH]

You installed the signs to etchmark vinyl? I believe that is the problem. The window film should have been installed on the inside

 

[jfiscus]

Important: the direction of the tape. Use vertical taping whenever possible instead of horizontal.
Think about how gravity is pulling on these and the surface area/direction it is pulling against and it'll make sense.

We also add the dab of silicone but we add some green tape as insurance for a day to let the VHB & silicone set up.

 

[DoubleDiamond]

Important: the direction of the tape. Use vertical taping whenever possible instead of horizontal.
Think about how gravity is pulling on these and the surface area/direction it is pulling against and it'll make sense.

We also add the dab of silicone but we add some green tape as insurance for a day to let the VHB & silicone set up.

The sign you see in the photo is relatively heavy and keeps falling off after we have tried using a variety of industrial double sided tape options.

When we initially removed the signs to install the window film, there seemed to be a clear silicone or caulk that was used to assist in keeping the signs from falling to begin with. Does anyone have a recommendation as to what we could use as an assist to the double sided tape?

As an FYI, when the signs fall, the tape is sticking to the film. The problem seems to be the back of the sign more than anything else. TIA.

E6000 or E6100 with VHB running vertical. E6000 is fairly permanent and more aggressive than silicone

 

[Patrick Bateman]

You installed the signs to etchmark vinyl? I believe that is the problem. The window film should have been installed on the inside

1. Client was adamant about having the film installed from the exterior.

2. The tape sticks to the film (VISIUM Dusted Crystal) Best and least expensive cast vinyl dusted crystal you'll find on the market if you're a dealer. The problem is definitely the back of the sign.

 

[Patrick Bateman]

Thank you to all for your recommendations and insight!

 

[Moze]

Those signs aren't heavy (comparatively).

I wouldn't use any liquid adhesive (silicone, etc). It will often shrink slightly when curing and pucker the vinyl....then you'll have another problem on your hands. There's zero need for any liquid adhesive.

Vertical strips of VHB tape are more than sufficient. Clean and scuff the back of the sign prior to applying.

 

[bowtievega]

We usually install with standard black foam double sided tape, 1/16" thick and a few dollups of silicone for permanent bond. Also make sure to scuff backs of signs that do not have any texture to make sure you get a good bond, especially plastics. Sometimes those plastics have a release film that needs to be cleaned off with alcohol prior to install or assembly. You should not have any problem installing signs over vinyl films. We actually cut black vinyl pieces to match the shape of the sign to install first to hide the tape and adhesive on the back of the sign.

 

[Matt Trudeau]

When we have done these we use 3M double sided tape, not sure if the brand makes THAT much of a difference. But we do vertical strips rather than horizontal as the gravity would work vertically, and *insert something physics related here*

 

[eahicks]

1. Client was adamant about having the film installed from the exterior.

2. The tape sticks to the film (VISIUM Dusted Crystal) Best and least expensive cast vinyl dusted crystal you'll find on the market if you're a dealer. The problem is definitely the back of the sign.

Client isn't always right. Your job as a professional sign company is to advise them their "adamant" request is not going to work, and the etch should be on the inside for this application. Or you should have cut out the area the other sign goes so you are applying to glass only and not vinyl film.

 

[signbrad]

We install hundreds of ADA compliant interior signs every year. We supply them for office buildings, schools and hospitals. We never rely solely on tape to hold them on the wall. We always use clear silicone in addition to tape. The tape holds long enough for the adhesive to set up.
On glass, we install a blank vinyl decal on the opposite side so the tape and glue is not visible.

Invariably, when a sign falls, it is one we did not install. Sometimes, when doing their own installs, clients do not follow our directions to not use tape without silicone. The lightweight PVC signs may stay up a long time, but the heavy substrates, like Corian, eventually come loose.

Brad in Kansas City

 

[Eforcer]

It seems as though the adhesive is not adhering well to the film. Can you cut out the section to place piece directly onto the glass?