Ooo I love this topic. "Wood"
signs look lovely, and they're always a pain. We've done the whole gambit -
- Actual Wood - (exterior/pressure treated) - This can go fine, there are plenty of
signs that do use real wood. I HATE using it. but that is at least 50% because I am a designer and a
sign that that will start orange and turn grey overtime is a nightmare to design around, no matter how many times you explain to a client that gray text on cedar is a bad idea they will still run head first off that cliff. Also obvious other concerns - cost, weather damage, idk bees? wood is great indoors - i'm not a fan for exterior
signs.
- DiNoc - (exterior rated only) - Wide range of colors. Works well if you have a good installer. Still makes me nervous long term in hot climates/long-term sun exposure. Can be a pain to get, and expensive. Install can get dicey on complex shapes.
- Painted wood grain using graining tool - Fantastic on posts, you can buy large Retique it kits for decently cheap. Takes some trial and error to get the hang of it. Subtle grains look more realistic. More labor involved than some other options.
-
UV printed wood grain on ACM - We paint a base color on ACM, print the grain, then clear coat the heck out of it. It can be way cheaper than other options and gives you complete control for custom wood colors. The main drawback of this one is that it will only work on
signs where you have the ability to print the faces. (So you could clad a welded box with printed acm but you're probably not putting a 10" deep cabinet on your flatbed)
- Niciha - it's a standard construction material for a reason. It's durable as heck and actually has a tactile wood grain. Main drawback - price and availability. Best-case scenario for us is when we can convince the main construction team to order extra on our behalf. The thickness of the material can be a benefit or pain depending on the design.
- Composite Decking boards - similar look/durability as Nichiha but way lower cost (fewer finish options) and easily available (we just get ours from Lowes). The thickness of the material can be a benefit or pain depending on the design.
- Milled Sign Foam - probably not the look you are going for here, but we have done this too. Upsides - no extra material, just a CNC and paint. Downsides - cost & it takes talent to paint well and get a faux wood finish that is convincing.
