Strata Sign Materials

Sign Materials

Sign for sign, sandblasted cedar signs and composite signs for outdoor use are identical in cost. Sign quality redwood lumber is no longer available. Cedar signs can be either sandblasted or routed. If routed, a cedar sign will have a smooth, even background. Sign panels for cedar signs are composed of individual boards, laid up side by side and edge glued to achieve the desired panel size. After drying, the surface is sanded smooth.

Wood Signs
Sandblasting a wooden sign requires the use of a computer generated and cut rubber mask. The mask is adhesive backed. After being applied to the finished sign panel, those areas to be raised, such as text, borders and design elements, will retain the mask. The areas of sign to be recessed or sandblasted will be peeled away.

The characteristic rough wood grain texture in sandblasted signs is the result of the sand penetrating the softer pulpy material in the wood to a greater degree than the grain lines in the wood, which are more resistant to the sand. Strata recommends the use of wood signs in temperate climates zones only, yielding a service life of 10 to 15 years. Cedar signs can be painted with solid colors or coated with natural transparent stains.

Mahogany and other fine weather resistant woods can also be used for outdoor signs, but at greater cost. Indoor signs can be made of oak, maple, cherry and other hardwoods where weather is not a factor. Wood signs can be heavy, usually incurring extra shipping costs.

Composite Signs
High Density Urethane (HDU) is the material of choice for all outdoor signs, regardless of climate conditions. HDU is a petroleum based product that is also used in the manufacture of surf boards and ski boards. This material is completely weather proof and is guaranteed by the manufacturer for 10 years against splitting, cracking or warping. HDU is a must for hot arid climates found in the southwest, or hot and humid areas of the southern states, tropical or coastal areas of the U.S. Wood signs in these locations will tend to deteriorate within several years.

HDU also features extended paint life.Wood contains resins and other organic compounds pushing towards the surface as it ages. This can degrade the paint film in short order. HDU on the other hand is an inert material, friendly to all types of finishes. Being nearly half the weight of a comparable wood sign, most hanging signs produced by Strata are made of HDU. Large freestanding signs made with this lighter weight material make for easier handling during installation and shipping costs are reduced.

HDU is grainless in composition, therefore finer and deeper carving can be achieved. Routed text and images in HDU signs can be deeply cut in multiple layers yielding a truly 3-dimensional look to your sign. For customers who prefer the look of a sandblasted sign, a simulated wood grain can be applied, rendering a sign that is indistinguishable from wood when fully painted.

Beware of sign companies offering cheaper alternatives to HDU as a cost saving device. These materials are sensitive to direct sunlight, hot and cold fluctuations in temperature. They will warp, split and distort after a short period of time.

Gilded Signs and Alternative Materials
With the ever increasing cost of gold in today’s market, gilding is an expensive proposition. In an effort to offer quality, affordable signage, Strata does not produce signs that feature incised, gilded text and images. This can double or triple the cost of your sign. Gold and silver metallic paints can be used at no additional cost. If the customer insists on gold leaf, we will apply the gilding to raised, flat surfaces only.

The Look of Gilding at Less than 1/2 the Cost
Strata now offers Alumiclad signs. This material is composed of a thin sheet of anodized aluminum laminated to a foam substrate. It is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Alumiclad is available in four finishes. Brushed gold and silver, as well as mirror finished gold and silver. The material is 1/2” thick and laminated to 1/2” thick MDF for added stability and rigidity. Alumiclad signs add a bit of flash to your corporate logo sign, physician office sign, dental office sign, law office sign, etc.

Strata Signs
Chicago Illinois 60622
1-312-685-7446
exteriorsigns@gmail.com

Call us toll free at 1-312-685-7446
7 Days a week 9 am - 8pm
or email us at exteriorsigns@gmail.com

FREE SHIPPING ON SELECT ORDERS!

Subdivision Signs, Community Signs, Residential Signs

Business Signs, Commercial Signs,
Retail Signs

Church Signage

City Signs, Monument Signs, Welcome Signs, Street Signs

Hanging Signage, Restaurant Signs, Bar & Lounge Signs

Park Signs, Golf Course Signs, No Trespassing Signs, School Signs