Need input on Lighted Sign

[klingsdesigns]

I am doing a sign for a company. I am getting a piece of lexan cut for a backlit sign that is 20 feet by 4 feet.
Couple questions.

Using avery translucent vinyl to apply to sign. Typically i use my laminator to apply it to the lexan.
Since this piece is too big to get into my office to use the laminator, how should I apply the huge piece of vinyl?
I have never used the big squeegie, was wondering if this would be the hot tip.

Next question. When I pick up the lexan i have it rolled up and shrink wrapped. After i have the avery vinyl applied to the lexan can i roll it back up and shrink wrap to deliver to customer, or do i have to keep it flat once the vinyl is installed?

THANKS!

 

[Mosh]

You have only applied film with a laminator? I would not deliver it rolled up, it would be best layed out. I take it you are NOT installing it. Sounds like this might be a little bigger than you can handle, or have done before, might want to call a local SIGN SHOP.

 

[player]

How is the sign being installed? If it is going into a standard electrical sign box with EX7 style frame extrusion you will need to make hanging strips for the top and bottom. It is not straight forward getting the strips the right size and the face the right size to allow expansion and contraction and to prevent oil canning. Also to not have the sign face blow out. As well it is not easy to glue polycarbonate.

But you will need to apply the decal by hand.

 

[Mosh]

It won't pop out as long as it is wall mounted and the returns on the cabinet are 1.5"...wait do you know what that means? If not call a SIGN COMPANY!

 

[Z SIGNS]

Be careful when you cut the bands on a 4x20.It's like a big spring.

 

[Mosh]

[QUOTEBe careful when you cut the bands on a 4x20.It's like a big spring.][/QUOTE]

When I was an app we used to make LEXAN throwing stars, they would cut through 1/2 plywood.....that stuff is sharp! Even without sharpening the edgeds.

 

[klingsdesigns]

I do a lot of 4x8 but never a 20 ft one piece. The returns are 1.5 and the sign is wall mounted so its only one sided.
When i do 4x8 i typically use the laminator since it is a breeze. Otherwise i use a squeegee if i don't feel like bringing it in the office.

I am not going to be installing, the company is having someone remove the old face and installing this one.

I can deliver it on a flat bed trailer no problem.

Installing it though do you recommend the big squeegie? Never used one before.

 

[401Graphics]

wet install it using a regular squeegee. easy. You can roll it once the vinyl has dried from the wet application, but not nearly as tight as it was when you picked it up. Maybe 4 foot diameter. Then use rope or ratchet straps to hold it in place. Be sure to put some kind of padding between the strap and the panel to prevent scratches.

 

[klingsdesigns]

Thanks 401

 

[Malkin]

We sometimes have to roll up for delivery, it's not really a problem, but I do have to make sure to pad it or at least cover the sharp edge on the end so it doesn't cut up the vinyl on the face when rolled.