Customer wants a 10 year print...

[Stacey K]

Customer needs 10 full color prints that are 11"x17" to put on metal buildings at boat launches. Applied vertically. Normally I would use something like IJ35/40 with 2mil lam. I don't really want to buy a full roll of something else. Does it pay to use a wrap vinyl combo instead rated for 8-10 years? I haven't had a sign fail in 8 years of using the IJ35 or 40 so I'm leaning towards using that. If I leave a white boarder that will probably help also. Thanks

 

[Geneva Olson]

will the sun be hitting the builing all day or just morning sun where the prints are or afternoon sun?
We use arlon for everything and even the 1.3 mil laminate (arlong 3170) has a 7 year durability on it. So i'm guessing the 3m is just as good.

 

[netsol]

what is the 7 years, actually?
is that how long it takes to turn yellow or brown?
or for the color underneath to fade?

 

[Geneva Olson]

outdoor durability rating...i attached the spec sheet. I thought it said UV protection. but I guess not.

 

[netsol]

they are rather INTENTIONALLY VAGUE regarding what WILL NOT happen in 7 years

 

[Stacey K]

My suspicion is that most will be in shade but maybe not all. I've got a lot of signs outside that are 8+ years old with the 3M 35/40 combo and no issues with them. I think I should I just do what I've been doing since I've had good success. I'm probably overthinking this! LOL

 

[Geneva Olson]

they are rather INTENTIONALLY VAGUE regarding what WILL NOT happen in 7 years

I've been using arlon slx and 3170 for 8 years now. I was going back in my memory on vehicles that we've done over the past 8 years with that particular wrap combination. I have a pool company that we've done all their vehicles since 2020. a couple of years ago he had to rebrand, so we replaced all of his logos on all of his trucks. He has at least 10 trucks. ALL of them are in good shape. back in 2024 i think we just replaced the logo. but the rest of the prints on the trucks are in great shape. of course they are on the verticle surface.

We had another pool company whos hood and roof were really cracked up after 2 -3 years. but they were printed solid black.
another customer we replaced her graphic on her hood after 4 years because it was AWFUL..but it was on a sprinter van and that hood is directly over that engine. which is what we see the most failure with in this houston heat.

 

[JBurton]

Stacey, have you not drunk the substance koolaid yet? Call/email them and ask for a sample roll. A full roll of 54" pm2755 is about $200, and behaves similar to ij35c.

Substance | Championship-Winning Graphic Films

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Also, at 11x17, I'd print it on whatever and just wrap the edges around the panels so it wouldn't ever lift.

 

[DrunknMonk]

10 years on a digital print, that might be in the sun most of the day, good luck, you might get a film and laminate on a 7 year, but the digi print wont last more that 3 or 4 years in direct sun on a building, best to use cad cam vinyl not a print.

 

[jimbug72]

If you don't want to buy whole rolls, you could get Signs365 to print some 3M IJ180Cv3 and call it a day.

 

[Stacey K]

Stacey, have you not drunk the substance koolaid yet? Call/email them and ask for a sample roll. A full roll of 54" pm2755 is about $200, and behaves similar to ij35c.

Substance | Championship-Winning Graphic Films

Our graphic films are tested to perform in the most demanding applications. Discover the products professionals trust.

substance.com

Also, at 11x17, I'd print it on whatever and just wrap the edges around the panels so it wouldn't ever lift.

I have not! But, I am making a note right now and will order some!
And wrapping the edges - duh, why didn't I think of that?

 

[gabagoo]

Just sell him 20 and he can change them out after 5 years

 

[netsol]

i have been buying gas at a station on the way back from my office
he has a large sign that is fading badly.
I SWEAR i can see the change from week to week. (yellow and reds are fading quickly)

 

[unclebun]

The real answer is that there really is no such thing as a print that you can confidently assure the customer will last 10 years in full sun outdoors.

 

[A Signage]

Fossilgraphics.com Does something called HPL and they warranty their stuff for a minimum of 10 years. It's not cheap but it's what we use for government, like train stations and directories, and outdoor trail signage when longevity and warranties are required.

 

[Joseph44708]

I use Krylon Satin Clear Coat in a Rattle Can with pretty good results. It has UV protectant in it.
Three light coats, 10 minutes between coats.
Works great on Window Perf also.

 

[garyroy]

And someone is going to measure the performance for 10 years???
That's a weird customer for just a few 11" X 17" prints.
I like the 20 print idea and tell him to replace them after 5 years.