Sign Panel Materials
Vacker Sign offers three sign panel material options to meet your interpretive project needs. We don’t believe that one panel type fits all, and that material selection should be based on communication goals, vandal resistance, durability demands, and budget. If panel fabrication services are all you need, Vacker can provide you with panels output from your prepared files.
High Pressure Laminate Panels (Embedded Phenolic Resin)
Think outdoor durable kitchen counter top. HD printed papers are impregnated with melamine resins and consolidated at extreme high heat and pressure. The result is a durable, fade resistant panel with unlimited design potential. This panel type, (available in 1/8″, 1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″ and 1″ thicknesses), is self-supporting at a thickness of 1/2″ and can be mounted with a frameless pedestal. Non-self-supporting 1/8″ thick panels should be supported with a frame. HPL panels are warranted to not delaminate, peel, blister, crack or fade for a 10 year period from the time of purchase, as noted in the Limited Warranty.
HPL panels can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Minor graffiti (paint, crayon, felt tip markers, etc.) can be cleaned with organic solvents such as Simple Green, Goof-Off, or similar nonabrasive graffiti removers. Very stubborn graffiti may require stronger solvents such as mineral spirits. Always rinse well with water after cleaning.
TUFF Panel– Graphic marking film / industrial grade protective over-laminate combination
This economical panel is similar to the graphics you pass each and every day on signs, vehicles, and supermarket floors – an adhesive-backed printed graphic marking film with a clear protective over-laminate. What sets it apart is the industrial grade protective over-laminate. Developed specifically for demanding exterior applications (subways, bus stops, zoos, parks, etc.) and extreme weather conditions, it has twice the UV inhibitors than comparable protective overlaminates. Independent outdoor & QUA tests have proven 9+ years of UV protection in the Arizona desert. Thicker than comparable protective films at 8 mil, it offers good resistance to scratching and abrasions. Not as hard as HPL, it does not match high pressure laminate in gouge resistance. This adhesive-backed graphic marking film / protective over-laminate combination can be applied to .125″ thick polymetal, (aluminum / thermoplastic composite) or aluminum, depending on the application. In some applications, we might suggest protecting the edges by framing, placement in a “pocket”, a corner radius or corner fasteners. Graffiti can be removed with a wide range of over-the-counter graffiti removers and cleaning agents. As always, rinse well with water after cleaning.
Seasons Panel– Mid-grade graphic marking film / protective over-laminate combination
This mid-grade (5 year life expectancy) sign panel features an adhesive-backed printed graphic marking film with a 2 mil thick satin finish, UV resistant, protective overlaminate. It is an economical option intended for shorter term applications, seasonal rotational displays and StoryWalks. With a thinner protective overlaminate than Tuff Panel, it is not as scratch resistant. This sign panel is available in minimum quantity of 12 Vacker standard or semi-custom designs.
Understanding the Options
There are two styles to consider when selecting an angle mount exhibit: frame and frameless. A frame exhibit provides full support for a 1/8″ thick non-self-supporting sign panel (1/8″ thick High Pressure Laminate or 1/8″ thick Tuff Panel). A frame captures the perimeter of the panel on all four sides with the top rail being removable for the quick and easy insertion of the sign panel. The frameless pedestal option consists of a 3/16″ thick mount plate that provides partial support for a 1/2” thick self-supporting High Pressure Laminate sign panel. The panel is secured to the mount plate with fasteners that pass through the backside of the plate into threaded holes on the back of the sign panel. Because 1/2″ thick panels are considered self-supporting, they do not require full, edge to edge, support. Only 1/2″ thick High Pressure Laminate sign panels can be mounted with a frameless pedestal.
