Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate??

[klemgraphics]

I have a customer needing a polycarbonate or acrylic cover for a menu board 4'x6'. It is a possibility that it could be hit by car/truck mirrors going through the drive through.

Anyway I know that the polycarbonate would be better as far as cracking is concerned should there ever be an impact but will it yellow from the sun exposure(west/northwest facing) quicker than acrylic?

 

[Gino]

Clear or sign white ??

 

[J Hill Designs]

clear I'd imagine

 

[klemgraphics]

Sorry, it will be clear. Covering a digital print for their drive thru menu board.

 

[Gino]

I thought so, but I've heard people call the first piece a cover already. In fact, we're printing a few in reverse for a shop locally and there won't be any first surface anything exposed to elements.

I would say if it's for protection, just use a clear 1/4" modified acrylic. It won't yellow in 10 years where I do know that white lexan discolors in two or three years. Clear also, but it's not as noticeable at first.

 

[Terremoto]

When using Lexan make sure you read what it says on the protective covering. One side is treated for UV and that is the side you want out. With the wrong side facing the sun it will go yellow fast!

Dan

 

[BigfishDM]

Polycarbonate is pretty much bullet proof and acrylic will break alot easier for sure. You shouldnt have any issues with yellowing either with the polycarb.

 

[Billct2]

I also suggest applying the print directly to the material (in reverse of course). Putting a clear cover over a print has never worked well for us. It will fog, get bugs between the print and cover, condensation etc

 

[John Butto]

Clear UV-Protected polycarbonate panels (removable, high impact) is what McDonald's has.

 

[klemgraphics]

I also suggest applying the print directly to the material (in reverse of course). Putting a clear cover over a print has never worked well for us. It will fog, get bugs between the print and cover, condensation etc

I would love to do it this way but of course they are older folks and a bit set in their ways, "this is what we had before, this is what we want again". Also they want to be able to change their pricing when necessary without making a whole new sign. It's like talking to a brick wall, so I'm just going to do it how they want and take the $$ to the bank.