Oracle 651 and Outdoor Backlit Sign

[missmkwhit]

Hello,

I am looking at doing a an outdoor backlit sign for a small business. I know that there is specific vinyl, Translucent Backlit Sign Vinyl, for these signs. The business would like me to look at less expensive vinyl options. I am wondering, if anyone knows, would Oracle 651 permanent outdoor vinyl be a good alternative? I have done a lot of research and just can't find an answer. I would prefer to use something of higher quality if I am putting my name on this project. I have used 651 on outdoor wood signs, but this is going on plexiglass that will be lit up. Thank you so much for your time and any advice you can give me.

 

[Modern Ink Signs]

SMH!!

Why in the world would you stake your reputation/business on “less expensive”!

Not to mention 651 is NOT a translucent vinyl.

Do a cost comparison of the “less expensive” option vs. the correct option. You will find the cost to be less than you think. Educate your client!

You could use Oracal 8500 series (translucent) if you are using an Oracal product.

 

[visual800]

oracal 651 is not good outside UNLESS short term. It is also not translucent. if they want cheaper alternative send them elsewhere. Qute them on good translucent material and then let them shop around

 

[Snydo]

There are many places on the interwebs that sell cast translucent by the yard.

 

[Mike Paul]

Use cast translucent film.
And polycarbonate not plexiglass.
If the customer want to save a couple bucks
Tell him to ….
Make scrambled eggs next Friday night instead of the nice family night out at a restaurant. He’ll break even cost wise, and have a long term proper sign face.

 

[bcxprint420]

If you are concerned with your reputation then go transluscent material. Its night and day difference. Pardon the pun. But 651 is very decent quality material for standard signs mnot backlit. There is quite a difference in cost yes but the reason for the lights is to show the public your store is here and is open so its a waste to use anything but the right stuff. One way to put it is to tell the customer this is a sign that will be in use for years so spreading the cost over that lifetime is a bargain.

 

[Gino]

If you can't do it with the correct materials, make yourself a little sample board for you and your customers. Get a piece of 3/16" white acrylic about 24"× 60" and make 5 or 6 columns and put a few colors of translucent in one column, some 651 in another column, some cast in another and some digital prints in another showing 1, 2 and 3 pass solutions and hold it up to a light when someone needs convincing.

Transparent/translucent vinyls have that name for a reason vs cast and calendared vinyl are called opaque. Other than black, your theory..... or your customers dumb request, will never work

 

[weyandsign]

How much would they be saving by using cheaper vinyl? $100? Sounds like a customer I would be cautious in dealing with. Make sure you get a nice deposit first.

 

[missmkwhit]

SMH!!

Why in the world would you stake your reputation/business on “less expensive”!

Not to mention 651 is NOT a translucent vinyl.

Do a cost comparison of the “less expensive” option vs. the correct option. You will find the cost to be less than you think. Educate your client!

You could use Oracal 8500 series (translucent) if you are using an Oracal product.

Thank you for your response! I prefer to go with 3M than oracle.

 

[missmkwhit]

oracal 651 is not good outside UNLESS short term. It is also not translucent. if they want cheaper alternative send them elsewhere. Qute them on good translucent material and then let them shop around

Thank you for your response! I will pass this info on.

 

[missmkwhit]

Use cast translucent film.
And polycarbonate not plexiglass.
If the customer want to save a couple bucks
Tell him to ….
Make scrambled eggs next Friday night instead of the nice family night out at a restaurant. He’ll break even cost wise, and have a long term proper sign face.

Lol, I'll tell her to make those eggs! Thank you

 

[missmkwhit]

If you are concerned with your reputation then go transluscent material. Its night and day difference. Pardon the pun. But 651 is very decent quality material for standard signs mnot backlit. There is quite a difference in cost yes but the reason for the lights is to show the public your store is here and is open so its a waste to use anything but the right stuff. One way to put it is to tell the customer this is a sign that will be in use for years so spreading the cost over that lifetime is a bargain.

Thank you so much! Very helpful!

 

[missmkwhit]

If you can't do it with the correct materials, make yourself a little sample board for you and your customers. Get a piece of 3/16" white acrylic about 24"× 60" and make 5 or 6 columns and put a few colors of translucent in one column, some 651 in another column, some cast in another and some digital prints in another showing 1, 2 and 3 pass solutions and hold it up to a light when someone needs convincing.

Transparent/translucent vinyls have that name for a reason vs cast and calendared vinyl are called opaque. Other than black, your theory..... or your customers dumb request, will never work

Thank you for your response!

 

[missmkwhit]

If you can't do it with the correct materials, make yourself a little sample board for you and your customers. Get a piece of 3/16" white acrylic about 24"× 60" and make 5 or 6 columns and put a few colors of translucent in one column, some 651 in another column, some cast in another and some digital prints in another showing 1, 2 and 3 pass solutions and hold it up to a light when someone needs convincing.

Transparent/translucent vinyls have that name for a reason vs cast and calendared vinyl are called opaque. Other than black, your theory..... or your customers dumb request, will never work

Also, the sample board is a great idea.

 

[missmkwhit]

How much would they be saving by using cheaper vinyl? $100? Sounds like a customer I would be cautious in dealing with. Make sure you get a nice deposit first.

I will not do another project for this customer. Thank you for your response.