stupid question about panface sign

[grafxxx]

have a customer wants to change out name on a small light box. it's a smooth pan face. the question is. can i just put replace it with a flat piece of lexan?
thanks in advance
~mike

 

[J Hill Designs]

replace the pan face with sheet stock lexan? usually pan faces are used on thinner cabinets, and replacing with a sheet stock will most likely show hot spots..

I have cut out the inner part of a pan face and skyped on a piece of flat stock for a cheepo customer once, just had to design in an opaque border to hide the overlap

 

[grafxxx]

ok cool thanks

 

[Gino]

Of course you can. Will it look good ?? Probably not, but like jhill said..... measure the existing can. If it's less then 7" you probably should stay with a pan face. The rule of thumb is about 3.5" to 4" from bulb to face. Otherwise, you'll get the hot spots and while some people don't mind that dumb look to save some money..... you'll never wanna show any potential client that sign and admit to doing it. -)

 

[grafxxx]

gotcha. thanks for the advice .
now does any know of a any pan face companies in the Boston area????

 

[Billct2]

I believe Hart & Garston can both supply blank pans

 

[MrSigns]

If really want to know if a flat face will work in an existing cabinet. You have to factor in lamp space. Not just a general rule of thumb of so many inches away. If you have lamps on 8" centers your face should be at least 4" (half the lamp space) away. 6" centers 3" away. etc. Another small detail Polycarbonate(Often called Lexan) is more translucent then acrylic. So it requires a little more distance from the lamps for even lighting. I prefer to retrofit with flat flex face if the cabinet is larger. The retro frames typically will get the face far enough away. 5x10 or smaller i typically will purchase pans.

 

[UFB Fabrication]

Is it white poly carb or back sprayed clear? If clear than you can strip and repaint.