What vinyl to use for long-term outdoor sign (printed)

[peavey123]

Hi All,

Just want to start by saying I've done some searching and didn't find any answers.

So, my question is regarding printed vinyl for long-term outdoor applications. Our supplier told us to use 3M IJ180 for this purpose. To me, that seems like overkill. I thought it was only really used for vehicles and curved surfaces. What do you use?

We will be printing with HP L25500.

This job is a trade printing job for another shop, I don't know which way this sign will be facing etc. Just a general question.

 

[tattoo.dan]

Yeah, that is what I have used in the past when customers want "permanent" signs...I almost cry every time I put it on a flat panel, but they are all holding up well and that was the purpose...

 

[401Graphics]

Oracal 3651

 

[Keith Jenicek]

I'd use the 3M as well with laminate. If you have a large sign & a Big Squeegee, you'll thank yourself! Just recently applied 3 panels of vinyl to a 5'x10' aluminum sign in 45 minutes using the forementioned.

 

[Pixels Are Bad Mmmkay?]

We use 3M IJ180C as well for long term outdoor signage along with Primer 94 to seal the edges of the substrate.

 

[rjssigns]

Just finished up yard signs and aluminum building ID signs with Oracal 3751RA/290G. The building ID panels are 17" 6061 discs that go up in the peak of the building. Those got edge sealed as well.

Client wanted the "forever" material. We delivered.

 

[anotherdog]

we have 180 as an option, but mostly use IJ35 with an oracal 210 lam.
I have signage out there in full sun still looking good after 7 years using this combo.

If you are mounting white background on white substrait, like an aluminum composite it is perfect, but if you are doing a heavy solid color with no frame, you may see a little shrinkage (white line) on the edges.

Depends on what permanent is...nothing lasts forever.

 

[peavey123]

Looks like IJ180 it is. I didn't think of using primer 94! Thanks guys.