What is with this sign?

[unclebun]

 

[LizKeenan]

So what is that we are seeing where the letters used to be? Definitely some ghosting of some kind. When I first looked at the image, it 100% looks like vinyl that someone peeled off - but I can't explain the shadows on the letters.

I am not totally certain what is in the build/ "ink" in buildable/ tactile printing, but ghosting can happen just from the material being covered while the rest is exposed. It could also have maybe been UV build printed. They are usually fine for office signs, but this can certainly happen there as wel

with some UV flatbed printers, you can print in multiple layers. The UV ink is thick, and as it layers up it gets thicker. I don't know if all printers can do this - ours can (Agfa Annapurna) but I've never had the need to try it. We do 5-layer printing for 2-sided window graphics, and that get's pretty thick, but I've never explored the capabilities of printing braille or something thick.
As others have said, I would sell them some new signs produced within your capabilities. And fitting for a pool environment.

one note about using a regular flat bed is in my experience it takes a lot longer than tactile printing machines since it is many layers building vs tactile build printers. I am pretty sure UV printers are using varnish as a build, and then just ink on top after curing. Where tactile printers are using some other thing that seems to have more thickness and builds faster. Either way this process makes them easy to pick right off if you really wanted to since it is cured on and not actually using adhesive.

 

[John_Smith]

Since that style is so problematic - I would suggest something more durable and move on. UNLESS, they have other signs of the same design in the area and they want it to match.
I've done quite a few plaques where I glued plastic letters to a sheet of textured plexiglass (with good results). But, it is time-consuming and very little room for error.

 

[Jean Shimp]

The owner said the sign is only about 3 years old. I see Gemini does raised print and guarantees outdoor for 7 years. I think I'll wait and see how this plays out after a few years. I think I'll propose doing a digital print applied to ACM for the pool rules. I have no idea what the other company charged for the existing sign but it's probably a lot more than a printed sign. Here is another photo she sent me of a failed restroom sign.

 

[DL Signs]

As great as UV is, I wouldn't be confident enough to trust printing that large and thick, and expect it to last for very long anywhere other than in optimal environmental conditions. Pimping 7 years outdoor when most UV printed signs are only rated for two years... Something doesn't add up, and 4 out of 5 voices in my head agree.

 

[Gino]

Regardless of how it was made or of what, in 3 years it failed miserably. Most things point towards some kinda vandalism. I'd offer up a flatbed printed sign with a good UV laminate and be prepared to replace it in several years. That way, it won't be expensive to replace.
And whoever heard of a bronze plaque for a pool sign ?? Change or add one rule and you screwed yourself

 

[John_Smith]

LOL Gino - the bronze plaque photos were just an example of gluing plastic letters to a plastic substrate. Which Jean's sign "appeared" to be for me.

 

[ddarlak]

Wow, a lot of answers yet none hit the mark.

Who cares what it was, it obviously didn't work, tell them you'll make a sign that works and charge them double.