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View Full Version : HDU - Buy or Don't Buy?



DurhamDev
03-10-2011, 02:43 PM
Hi all,

I'm looking at different types of materials to create signs that will 'weather the weather' so to speak. I'm in Canada, so we run the gauntlet as it comes to our weather - it can be cold and snowy in our winters and hot and humid in our summers. I know if I use wood to create a sign, I can take the appropriate steps to make sure it's weatherproof, but I'd like to know what other people think about using materials such as HDU.

I've just sent in a request for a quote from a local supplier, Acme Neon & Plastic Sign Supplies Ltd. (http://www.acmesignsupplies.com/index.html), in regards to their Sign Foam 3 (http://www.acmesignsupplies.com/file_library/prods/179_SIGNFOAM%20May%202010.pdf) product, and am awaiting some pricing from them. I understand that it can be pretty expensive, so I figured I'd come here and ask the experts.

I know MDF is inexpensive, but does not like water at all, so it would be a challenge in creating a sign that was weatherproof. (Could you do them in MDF, knowing that you would need to significantly protect them from the elements?)

What do you recommend for outdoor signs?

Thanks!

Rick

dbfletcher
03-10-2011, 02:51 PM
I thought I had remember reading somewhere about "weatherproof" MDF. Altough I have never used it, a quick google does show it does exist.

http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/waterproof-mdf-board.html

atauer
03-10-2011, 03:00 PM
Holy Smokes!

The prices of some of that stuff is crazy! 2 or 3 sheets, and you have paid for a new CW!

Ike
03-10-2011, 03:18 PM
A more affordable alternative is PVC sign board works as well and at a lesser cost. Google PVC sign boards and check it out!

Ike

DurhamDev
03-10-2011, 03:20 PM
A more affordable alternative is PVC sign board works as well and at a lesser cost. Google PVC sign boards and check it out!

I've been waiting for your response... <smile> I will! I've actually sourced a supplier of "Extira" board, which looks to be some type of treated MDF for outdoor use. It looks like a winner too! (Let's hope it's less expensive.)

PVC board... Interesting!!! (link (http://www.foamboardsource.com/foamboard-memory-fbwm440.html)) For the price, this looks pretty darn good!

Ike
03-10-2011, 03:34 PM
I've been waiting for your response... <smile> I will! I've actually sourced a supplier of "Extira" board, which looks to be some type of treated MDF for outdoor use. It looks like a winner too! (Let's hope it's less expensive.)

PVC board... Interesting!!! (link (http://www.foamboardsource.com/foamboard-memory-fbwm440.html)) For the price, this looks pretty darn good!
Lol if you ever have any question just ask! I will have an answer sometimes even the right answer! I have been thinking of using more PVC type material, that is if I can afford to keep the sign shop going!!

Ike

myshop1044
03-10-2011, 04:28 PM
Myshop here, I took Ike's suggestion but I went to Amazon and searched "PVC sign board" and came up with this
8x4x12mm SHEET WHITE PVC FOAM

by SHOPZEUS (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_office-products?_encoding=UTF8&node=1064954&field-brandtextbin=SHOPZEUS)

it stated costs would be about 184+ $$, with shipping, but at a size of 14" x 24" that would be 13.50 per piece
I'm not sure if that fits your needs or not.
I might try some of this stuff on my next outdoor sign after in do some more looking into sign making.

Myshop

DurhamDev
03-10-2011, 04:33 PM
Check out my link above - for a similar price, you get 10 sheets of 40" x 60"... ...so, you could cut 30 60" pieces with that! Quite an amazing price!