Omar Khalid
Corrugated plastic signs are a popular choice for temporary signage due to their durability, ease of handling, and affordability. They are commonly used for real estate, events, construction sites, and political campaigns. To paint corrugated plastic signs, it is important to prepare the surface by cleaning it with a mild detergent or alcohol/water solution and allowing it to dry completely. Sanding the surface can also help improve paint adhesion. The type of paint used is crucial, with fusion paint being specifically recommended for plastic. Applying a primer before painting is also suggested for better adhesion and to prevent the paint from peeling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Corrugated plastic, also known as Corflute or Coroplast, is made of polypropylene and has three layers of plastic substrate. |
| Use | Lightweight, portable, durable, water-resistant, and inexpensive. Commonly used for temporary signage, real estate signs, event signage, construction sites, political campaigns, yard signs, and informational messages. |
| Printing | Can be printed with high-quality digital printing equipment and customized with text, graphics, and images. Other methods include screen printing and litho printing. |
| Mounting | Can be mounted on various surfaces using stakes, stands, or hardware. For soft unpaved surfaces, the flutes (open channels inside corrugation) make it easy to mount on vertical stakes. For hard surfaces, small portable A-frames can be used. |
| Hanging | Can be hung using grommets or new hangers that fit inside the flutes. |
| Painting | Fusion paint is recommended for plastic signs. The surface should be clean and dry before painting. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat. Paint the sign while it is laying down horizontally to prevent the paint from running. |
| Edging | Optional but gives a professional look. Can be done with paint or colored duct tape. |
| Lifespan | Can last several years if properly cared for. Lifespan depends on the type of ink, environment, and mounting hardware. Signs printed with UV-resistant ink and displayed in protected areas tend to last longer. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning and preparing the surface
To prepare a corrugated plastic sign for painting, you must first clean the surface. Corrugated plastic, also known as Corflute or Coroplast, is a type of plastic cardboard that consists of three layers of polypropylene plastic substrate. It is important to clean the surface of any dirt or debris, which can be done with a mild detergent and water or a 50/50 alcohol/water mixture. Allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Once the surface is clean and dry, you may need to sand it to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. This can be done with 80-100 grit sandpaper. After sanding, be sure to wipe off any dust with a damp cloth or the alcohol/water mixture.
If you are using a primer, this will be your next step. Primers are especially important if your sign will be used outdoors and exposed to extreme weather conditions. A primer will help the paint adhere better to the surface and improve the overall durability of the sign. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to painting.
For the base coat, you will need to allow enough time for it to dry. The max wait time between coats is generally 12-24 hours, depending on the materials used. If the base coat is allowed to fully cure, you will need to sand the surface again for a mechanical bond or apply another 'wet' coat before the clear coat.
It is important to note that some screenprint inks used on corrugated plastic signs can bleed through certain primers and paints. Therefore, it is recommended to use a paint specifically made for plastic, such as fusion paint. Additionally, when applying the paint, it is best to keep the paint job within one hour to prevent damaging underlying layers.
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Choosing the right paint
Painting corrugated plastic signs requires careful consideration of the type of paint and preparation of the surface. The paint must be suitable for the plastic substrate and the intended use of the sign, whether it will be displayed indoors or outdoors.
Corrugated plastic is typically made of polypropylene, a stable surface with only hydrogen atoms. This makes it challenging to achieve good adhesion, and the paint may not withstand outdoor exposure or extreme temperature changes. To achieve better adhesion, you can modify the surface chemistry of the plastic by sanding it with a grit of around 80-100. This roughens the surface, allowing the paint to grip onto it. You can then wipe the surface with a 50/50 mixture of alcohol and water to ensure it is clean.
When choosing a paint, consider using a primer as the first coat. A primer will help the paint adhere better and provide a more durable finish. However, if you are using a paint that already contains a primer, this step may not be necessary. Fusion paint is specifically designed for plastic and is recommended for corrugated plastic signs. Latex paint is also suggested for this purpose and can be applied over a layer of white house paint for better coverage.
If you are looking for a more economical option, you can skip the primer and use a regular interior house paint after sanding and wiping the surface. Appliance white or a bright, noticeable colour can make text and graphics stand out. Keep in mind that some screen printing inks may bleed through certain primers and paints, so test a small area first if you plan to use this type of ink.
For outdoor signs, it is essential to use paint or ink that is UV-resistant to prolong the lifespan of the sign. Additionally, consider using a clear coat over the paint to provide extra protection. The wait time between coats is crucial, typically 12-24 hours, and allowing the base coat to cure before applying the clear coat will help achieve a smooth finish.
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Applying the first coat
To paint corrugated plastic signs, you must first prepare the surface by cleaning it with a mild detergent and water. Allow the sheets to dry completely before moving on to the next step. You can also wipe the surface with a 50/50 alcohol/water mixture, as this is a good pre-treatment for plastic.
Now, you are ready to apply the first coat of paint. The best paint to use is fusion paint, as it is made specifically for plastic. However, some people opt for standard interior flat paint with a primer, or even spray paint. If you are using a standard paint, it is recommended to use a primer as a first coat, as this will help the paint adhere to the plastic. However, if you are looking for a cheaper option, you can sand the surface with 80-100 grit sandpaper to roughen it up, and then wipe off the dust with your alcohol/water mixture. This will also help the paint stick to the plastic.
When applying the first coat of paint, it is important to keep the sign laying down horizontally to prevent the paint from running. Try to keep the paint job within one hour to prevent damaging underlying layers. Allow the first coat to dry completely before attempting to paint over it, otherwise, the paint may blister and peel.
Once the first coat is dry, you can add another layer of paint, or apply a clear coat. If you are applying a clear coat, make sure you do not let the base coat cure fully, or you will need to sand the surface again before applying another coat of paint.
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Adding text and graphics
To add text and graphics to your sign, you can use adhesive lettering, which can be easily aligned using the embedded lines on the corrugated plastic as a grid. Start by locating the centre letter of your phrase and apply it to the sign, then work outwards on either side. Alternatively, you can use digital printing, screen printing, or litho printing to add text and graphics to your sign. Corrugated plastic is also vinyl-friendly, making it easy to apply vinyl graphics.
If you're feeling creative, you can also paint your sign by hand. It is recommended to use fusion paint as it is made specifically for plastic. However, some people have used tempera paint, acrylic paint, or latex paint. Before painting, clean the corrugated plastic with a mild detergent and allow it to dry completely. Apply the first coat of paint and let it dry before adding additional coats to prevent blistering and peeling. Keep the sign horizontal while painting to prevent the paint from running.
Overall, adding text and graphics to a corrugated plastic sign is a simple process with a variety of options available, depending on your budget and design preferences.
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Hanging and displaying the sign
Hanging and displaying corrugated plastic signs is a straightforward process, thanks to the material's lightweight, durable, and versatile nature. Here are some detailed instructions on how to hang and display your corrugated plastic sign effectively:
Hanging the Sign:
- Using Grommets: One popular method for hanging corrugated plastic signs is to use grommets. Grommets are metal rings that can be inserted into holes punched in the corners of the sign. You can either use a hand punch or invest in a grommet machine for this purpose. After inserting the grommets, you can hang the sign using fishing line, string, or rope from a ceiling grid or any other suitable structure.
- Drilling Holes: Instead of using grommets, you can simply drill small holes in the sign and use fishing line or string to hang it. This method provides a more aesthetically pleasing look, especially if you want to avoid the appearance of smooshed grommets.
- Hooks or Hangers: For indoor displays, hooks or hangers that fit inside the flutes (open channels inside the corrugation) of the corrugated plastic can be used. Products like the Twist N Hook and Pick N Hook are designed specifically for this purpose and allow for easy hanging of signs.
Displaying the Sign:
- Yard Signs: Corrugated plastic signs are commonly used as yard signs or roadside signs. They can be mounted on wire stakes, also known as 'step stakes', which are simply inserted into the ground. Standard wire stakes are made from 9-gauge steel, while heavy-duty stakes offer more stability with 1/4-inch steel mated to a 9-gauge welded top.
- A-Frames: For sidewalk displays or in-store promotions, corrugated plastic signs can be displayed using A-frames. These signs are lightweight and portable, making them easy to move around.
- Rigid Substrates: Corrugated plastic signs can also be attached to rigid substrates using washers and screws. This method is suitable for both indoor and outdoor displays.
- Fences or Posts: Due to their lightweight nature, corrugated plastic signs can be easily hung from fences or posts. They are versatile and adaptable to various display needs.
- Wind Signs: For a more robust outdoor display, consider using Wind Signs. These have upper and lower channels into which you can slide the corrugated plastic sign. Wind Signs have heavy bases that can be filled with sand or water to increase weight and wind resistance.
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Frequently asked questions
Fusion paint is the best paint to use for corrugated plastic signs as it is made specifically for plastic. However, you can also use interior flat paint with a primer, or a base coat of primer followed by a layer of white latex house paint.
Clean the surface with a 50/50 alcohol/water mixture, sand it with 80-100 grit sandpaper, and then wipe it again with the alcohol mixture. You can also use a mild detergent and water to clean the surface. Allow the surface to dry completely before painting.
Paint the sign while it is laying down horizontally to prevent the paint from running. Apply the first coat of paint and allow it to dry completely before painting over it to prevent blistering and peeling.
Yes, corrugated plastic signs are lightweight, durable, and water-resistant, making them a popular choice for outdoor signage. However, they can be blown away by heavy gusts of wind. To make them more wind-resistant, you can use a Wind Sign, which has upper and lower channels into which you can slide the sign blank.
Corrugated plastic signs can last for several years if they are properly cared for. Factors that affect their lifespan include the type of ink used, the environment they are displayed in, and the type of mounting hardware used. Using UV-resistant ink and displaying the signs in a protected area will help extend their lifespan.
