Vital Signs Pittsburgh: What WOOD You Choose?

The Substrate Choice

We make signs from a large variety of materials. In the sign industry, we refer to the material in which we place the message on, as a "substrate". A substrate can be metal, acrylic, foam, wood and engineered wood products,etc. Today, I would like to take a look at the difference between real wood and HDU (High Density Urethane) from a sign standpoint.

WOOD

There are a number of considerations to think about when trying to decide which product to use. Probably at the top of the list is the durability of the product. It is important also, to consider where the sign will be located (indoors or out) and exposure to the elements or other possible impacts.

Wood

As defined by Wikipedia, wood is a porous and fibrous structural tissue found in the stems of roots and trees & other woody plants. It is an organic material that has been used for thousands of years for both fuel and as a construction material.

Wood in the strict sense, is yielded by trees, either softwood or hardwood. For instance, the wood from broad-leaved trees (Ex.Oak) is called a hardwood. While wood can be fabricated to create attractive signs (as well as many other products), when used outside there are some distinct disadvantages.

An exterior sign is going to be exposed to weather with the change of the seasons. It will expand and contract, and may also experience bacterial/insect degradation.The primer seal may be broken. Paint, will degrade and the sign will require maintenance or replacement to present and maintain an attractive appearance.

SIGN FOAM

HDU Also Called Sign Foam

Engineered wood products are becoming a bigger part of various industries, including the industrial, construction and signage arenas. Engineered wood products are produced for application~specific performance requirements.

Different Sign Foam Textures

HDU or High Density Urethane is a rigid synthetic foam. HDU was first introduced to the sign-making industry in the late 1980's. There was a genuine need for an alternative to wood. A product that could withstand harsh environments and be more cost effective. Unlike wood, Signfoam will not warp, crack or bow like solid wood when exposed to the elements and humidity. It is slightly lighter than wood. HDU Sign Foam can be seamlessly laminated together to create any size, shape or form. HDU is also waterproof and impervious to solvents.Sign Foam is more cost effective than wood. Because of these positive attributes, Sign Foam is the preferred sign choice for most sign-makers. For the customer, this means a long-lasting sign at a better cost savings than using real wood.

Blast, Carve and Route

What makes Sign Foam continue to grow in popularity in addition to the details mentioned above is that the traditional wood carving tools that you use on wood will work great on Sign Foam. Because there is no grain, directional carving is not required. Penetration into the material is much faster than wood. Grain devices are available that will create the illusion of wood grain.

Wood or Sign Foam, Can You Tell? (Hint: SF)

For most people it would be very difficult to tell the difference between a substrate made with real wood vs. Sign Foam. Many creative techniques, using multiple levels of blasted or carved panels offer you (the customer) more three dimensional art for scenery, logos or other images. All types of router tools can be used to create an attractive sign.

Made With Sign Foam Panels

Not sure if an HDU sign would work for your project? Contact the Vital Signs Design Team to discuss the options. We have showroom examples; photo albums and can discuss your specific project to determine if Sign Foam will work for you. We look forward to helping you!