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How Long Will My Sign Last?
What are the Most Durable Sign Materials?
Our embedded fiberglass signs are the most durable, lightweight, plastic signs available. Not all fiberglass signs are created equal, though. Our clear resins, non-bowed surface and smooth edges are the mark of quality and outdoor durability. Unlike competitor fiberglass signs that are under-cured, our signs do not turn yellow prematurely. The graphics are deeply embedded within layers of acrylic and polyester resins and fiberglass. They are not a lamination nor surface printed. As a result, they are exceptionally resistant to fading and are virtually vandal-proof. The layers of proprietary resins filter out the damaging effects of the sun’s UV energy. Graphics are printed on an opaque carrier that, when subjected to the extremely high heat and pressure of the manufacturing process, becomes completely saturated with resin. The printing becomes an integral part of the sign. Fiberglass signs are ideal for substation and chain-link fences.
Porcelain enamel is the most durable outdoor sign material available. Many have lasted over 50 years. Porcelain signs are also graffiti and scratch-proof. They are fired at 1500°F. The two main drawbacks to porcelain signs are their weight and inability to withstand gunshot. Porcelain signs are used for phase markers and tower signs. Porcelain signs are surprisingly impact-resistant. Try to hammer one!
What is the Definition of Useful Life?
There are many different answers to this question. Some think that the sign is still useful if the message on the sign can somehow still be read, even if the print has already faded and all that remains are a few shadows of the original legend. We cannot disagree more strongly. Warning signs and pole markers are meant to be read easily. Signs and markers are about fast and impactful communication, not about deciphering an obscure message. You shouldn’t have to be a CIA agent or an archaeologist expert at gravestone rubbing to decode a sign! Useful life means not only that the sign or tag is readable, but that its original impact has not significantly deteriorated.

1. Sign in Connecticut laminated with Lexan yellowing and delaminating after 5 years. An adhesive is the “Achilles Heel” of any rigid sign. It is inexorable human nature to peel the corner.. Although the right laminate does, indeed, provide some protection, too often overlaminates are chosen poorly. What might look glossy and abrasion-proof in the first year often delaminates or yellows later.

2. E-Guard annodized plates are used for off-shore rigs. Embedded inside the aluminum, these signs last 20 years... with toughest climate imaginable.

3. Red inks are the most transitory of all. Circle around “Mr. Ouch” has faded.

4. Rifle shots do not afflict appreciable harm to a fiberglass sign. Fiberglass doesn’t give off the satisfying “ping” when hit.

5. Graffiti is easily removed from porcelain or fiberglass signs. Most urban subways use porcelain or fiberglass.

6. Porcelain signs after being fired in our kilns are then cooled and tested to withstand 50 foot pounds of impact.

Tip:

 Sign material

Corrosion:
avoids
Rusting
Rifle/Shotgun Test: Does not shatter or
blister when hit

Cost: durability related to
cost

Weight:
pounds for a
10" x 14"
sign
Graffiti Removal: Scrap
Metal
Theft
Outdoor Durability:
 FibreTec®  Fiberglass
 “FG”
excellent excellent moderate
cost
light 0.7# yes no 15 years
 Surface Printed  Alum.
  “AL”

fair fair low cost medium 1.2# no yes 10 years
 Porcelain
 Enamel
 “ZD”
good poor high cost heavy 2.1# yes no 20 years+
 Solar Grade  Polycarbonate  “SQ” fair excellent moderate to
high cost
light 0.6# sometimes sometimes 10 years+
 Surface Printed  Polyethylene
 “PE”
fair excellent low cost Light 0.4# no no 3-5 years
 Reflective  Aluminum
 “RA”
fair fair moderate
cost
medium 0.8# no yes 7-10 years
 E-Guard®  Aluminum
 “BY”
excellent good moderate
cost
medium1.2# yes yes 20 years
 Reflective
 FireFly®
  “FF”
fair fair high cost light 0.7# no no 7-10 years
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