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Research shows "Vitamin D" prevents premature fading and oxidation on illuminated signs(AKA lit signs or backlit signs) under the hot Charleston, SC sun
We have all heard about premature aging, dangers of the sun and taking care of our skin. It is a hot topic in Charleston, SC because of all the time so many of us spend at the beach. Sunscreens and all kinds of UV banning creams are a common purchase for those of us lucky enough to live here. But did you ever think about how those same things can happen to your illuminated sign? It is true. Your sign is effected by the environment just like your skin is.
What are the signs of premature fading and oxidation on illuminated signs?
While a sign doesn't get wrinkles or age spots like we do, it does have definite signs that it exhibits. Fading of colors is a common problem if your illuminated sign doesn't have its "Vitamin D". The other problem that can occur is oxidation. Have you ever noticed a white chalky film on your ? You can wipe it off but it keeps coming back. That is oxidation. Both of these are caused by exposure to the sun.
How can you prevent this aging effect from ruining the look of your backlit signs?
Well, you could keep it in an unlit room where it is never exposed to sun, pollution or weather. But that isn't exactly going to do much for your business is it? OK, so we will be serious about this.
You can keep washing the sign with a mild soap, and every few years repaint the sign. The problem is that this is high maintenance for a . The real way to prevent the oxidation and fading is to choose your paint carefully.
There are three kinds of paint that are commonly used on signs
- Industrial enamel - Industrial enamel is a term paint companies use to describe paint. This is the most common type used for signs. Industrial enamel sounds like a really strong paint, durable and long lasting. It is true for interior, but in Charleston and other places with the same climate, it quickly begins to show oxidation and fading and gets white chalky film. It keeps coming back even if you wash it off. You have to keep repainting.
- Water based acrylic - It seems counter intuitive to use a water based paint for illuminated signs. This paint however has been proven to be far more durable in terms of holding color and lack of oxidation and white chalky film. Water based acrylic is one of the most popular choices for homeowners to purchase to paint their homes. Many people contend that if this long lasting paint is good enough to last on a house for 20 years it is also good enough to put on a business sign to last for 20 years. The down side to this paint is that it has a limited range of colors and less gloss level than some paints. You can't get really strong vibrant colors in a water based acrylic. So, if you want bright this may not be the choice for you.
- Dupont Imron (The "Vitamin D" paint) - Imron is a true urethane paint. NASA did research on this paint. In a study that tested Dupont Imron against all other paints in its class, it was found to be superior for resistance to fading and oxidation. With a wide selection of vibrant colors this is a recommended choice for your illuminated signs.
How does Dupont Imron compare in cost with other paints for backlit signs?
The average illuminated sign is approximately $3000. On a $3000 sign it may only add about $100 to the overall cost using Dupont paint
Where can you get an illuminated sign that uses the Dupont Imron paint?
TheSignChef.com right here in Charleston, SC 29418 uses this paint for our illuminated signs. As an example, we used this paint on a backlit sign that was also illuminated with neon (so that the sign was backlit and front lit) We painted the sign using the Dupont Imron paint because it was going right on Shem Creek, a salt water inlet in the Charleston area, and the company is directly on the water the sign has now been up for 7 years and still shows no signs of fading or oxidation! We think you would agree that this is the paint of choice for "Anti-aging".
Visit Our Illuminated Signs Page For More Information