What sizes to cut sign face acrylic and frames

[biggmann]

I have an existing sign cabinet I need to cut new acrylic and new frames for, I am not sure how much smaller or larger than the actual sign cabinet to cut the acrylic at and the frames. I think we are not cutting the acrylic small enough at times because when we hang the signs the acrylic warps as if it is pushing against the sides. I have attached a drawing that hopefully explains where I need measurements for, any help is appreciated.

 

[Johnny Best]

Cutting your acrylic depends a lot on the size of your retainer. Let's say you have a 1.5" retainer top and bottom and the sign cabinet is 24" tall. That's 3" play. Cut your acrylic 23" and that should give you some play when sliding in.

 

[Gino]

You need to find out what the inside size of your retainer is right to left and top to bottom. Whatever that is, make the face(s) 1/4" to 3/8" smaller. Gravity will make the bottom sit all the way down, so you don't want wind or anything getting behind it and pushing it out come wintertime, when things shrink a little but more.

However, your best bet would simply be, measure the existing face.

 

[Billct2]

The "frame" (retainer) should be the same size outside dimension as the cabinet. What happened to the original retainers/frame?
Like Johnny said the acrylic/lexan should be cut smaller depending on the size of the retainer. Remember though, if you have a face 1" smaller it is going to sit
down in the frame so if there is a border in the design you may have to compensate for that.

 

[biggmann]

The previous tenant took the sign faces and frames when they moved so we have to make all new ones.

 

[Gino]

Call that thief and tell him you want to measure the old faces and you want the retainer lips back, or you'll call the police. That is stealing.

 

[hcardwell93]

If I'm not able to measure the face for whatever reason I measure the cabinet and make the polycarb 1/2"-3/4" smaller in each dimension.

You will know you arent cutting it small enough if you have to force the retainer on and then it warps. It could be warping if the material is too thin.

 

[Billct2]

That is a PITA. Depending on the extrusions used you have to match the type of frame used and get good measurements. Unless its a folded aluminum box with a simple drop in face or a cheap one with angle for an outside frame, but you still need exact sizes.

 

[Enola]

Cutting your acrylic depends a lot on the size of your retainer. Let's say you have a 1.5" retainer top and bottom and the sign cabinet is 24" tall. That's 3" play. Cut your acrylic 23" and that should give you some play when sliding in.

You have 3 total inches of retainer, but now you only have 1/2 inch keeping that face in.

Make the face 1/2" less than the cabinet on the height. And on old cabinets, clean the track. You will have a bunch of gunk in there. ewwww

Get the retainers back. Those don't go with the face.