One of the best things about the sign industry is working one on one with a client to determine their exact needs, and then making a recommendation that accomplishes their needs – – and then some. Providing a material option that not only met the demands, but included additional benefits that surprised the client. Such was the case for a recent project for the Winder Public Library in Winder, GA. The library was going through a name change, and needed a replacement monument sign panel. The ideal sign panel would be attractive, easily readable, and would be long lasting and easy to maintain. While the graphics would be simple text, appearance would be an important factor.
The Options
The majority of monument sign panels are made one of three ways. First are sandblasted wood or sandblasted HDU. This option is quite popular because of its appearance – – with raised graphics on a “blasted” or recessed background, or recessed graphics that have been blasted on a protected background. The second option is engraved sign panels, made out of substrates such as wood, PVC, or acrylic. This option often produces striking results, using a variety of engraving techniques and varying depths. The final commonly-used option is an aluminum pan background with stud-mounted graphics made from metal, acrylic, formed plastic, or PVC. While each of these are excellent options, they do have limitations when it comes to high-traffic areas where durability is key – – especially for applications where vandalism and graffiti are frequently a concern.
The Challenges
Show me an exterior sign at a school, library, bus station, athletic facility, recreational facility, swimming pool, tennis court, soccer field, baseball field, nature trail, train station, apartment complexes, etc., and I’ll show you a target. Signs at these locations seem to be convenient canvases for “aspiring artists” who seem to be able to easily reconcile their need for expression with the public and private costs of their actions. Not only are spray paints and markers a threat to signs in these high-traffic areas, so too are rocks and balls, rackets, bats, and a variety of other tools to wreak havoc on your new sign. Signs in these areas get bumped, bruised, and climbed on.
Finding the Right Sign Material for Your High Traffic Area Project
So, what are the best options for high-traffic area signs? The answer to the question of what product can best survive the challenges of high traffic areas is ColorCore® from King Plastic Corporation. King ColorCore is highly durable, environmentally stabilized substrate that was developed for signage, marine, recreational and playground applications. Available in eighteen color combinations, its multiple layers of contrasting colors means it can be easily engraved using a CNC router to create attractive signage that stands up to the high-traffic demands that most substrates aren’t designed to withstand. ColorCore is available in three standard thicknesses; ¼”, ½”, and ¾”. ColorCore is manufactured using a state-of-the-art process called PolyFusion®, which produces a polymer that is highly impact resistant. ColorCore is also resistant to a wide variety of chemicals, ranging from sulfuric acid to boric acid to petroleum spirits. It is this resistance that makes ColorCore easy to clean, easy to remove graffiti from. King ColorCore is easily recyclable, does not off-gas when being cut or carved, and does not emit harmful gases when burned. ColorCore can be cleaned in most instances using soap and water.
Is King ColorCore® the Right Choice for Your Next Sign Project?
For the Winder Public Library, King ColorCore was the right choice. Their sign was cut from ½” thick black-white-black ColorCore, engraved using a CNC router, and installed directly to the monument. If your next project requires a sign that will stand up to the challenges of a high traffic environment, then King ColorCore might be the best choice! ColorCore can be easily turned into attractive, highly durable, highly-visible monument signs panels, directional or wayfinding signs, amenities signs, building markers, property signs, facility signs, etc. Contact us and we’ll be happy to review the specific needs you have, and help determine if ColorCore is the right product for you!
Written by Big Mouth Signs – Lilburn, GA
