Tree/Plant/Wildlife ID Signs by David Arthur
Frequently Asked Questions about High Pressure Composites Panels
(For information on our Standard Fiberglass Panels
go to Standard Panels FQA )
Examples of large format HPC Panels:
If you have questions not covered here please eamil david@edavidarthur.com or phone 434 321-2781.
1. How soon can I get my order?
2. What form of payment do you accept?
3. Do you have a catalog?
4. What sizes can you make?
5. What kind of material are the signs made of?
6. Can I supply the photos and the descriptions I want used on my signs?
7. How many colors can you use?
8. Can I get a color background?
9. What is the best way to mount and display the signs?
10. How should the signs be attached to the post/pedestals?
11. Does the post/pedestal come with the sign for the one quoted price?
12. How long will the signs last?
13. Who pays for the cost of shipping?
14. What do the signs cost?
15. How can I protect the signs?
How soon can I get my order?
Most of our orders are custom made by request, and there can be several days of email and/or phone exchange to arive at the final format and content. Once we know exactly what the customer wants, we can usually have the HPC signs made and delivered within five to six weeks. Sometimes the process is simple and we can deliver sooner.
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What form of payment do you accept?
We accept checks, money orders, Visa, Mastercard and Discover. We do ship from purchase orders and accept payment after the signs are delivered.
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Do you have a catalog?
We don't use a printed catalog, we do have web pages with examples Examples and Tree/Plant/Wildlife ID Signs
and if you are interrested in our stock images we will supply a web page of images based on a list of species which you send us. Please describe the format you are interested in, ie. .125" X 5" X 7" with photo and name or .125" X 4" X 9" with photo name and description.
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What sizes can you make?
The maximum standard sheet size is 24”x 36”.
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What kind of material are the High Pressure Composite Signs made of?
History
For more than fifty years, high pressure composites have been mass manufactured for specific markets, usually in a highly generic product range, including patterned surface material for counter tops, furniture, wall coverings, and flooring. With such a durability legacy, it makes perfect sense to utilize this tough media for signage.
High Pressure Composite is composed of approximately 13% plastic resins and 87% paper. The majority of the paper content, that composing the central "core" of a panel, is sourced from suppliers who are third-party certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard (SFI). the SFI is endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PERC).
High Pressure Composite is a chemically inert material that does not emit harmful gasses. For this reason, the US National Park Service and the Canadian Conservation Institute advise that it is an ideal material in which to store or to accompany fragile, archival materials. Further, it is an uncatalyzed product that "breathes" small amounts of moisture, reducing drying and yellowing and providing a long, useful life as reflected in our 10-year limited warranty.
How it is made.
High Pressure Composites, made by layering a digital print and melamine sheets, with a core of phenolic resin-impregnated sheets. The assembly is then pressed at high heat and pressure for an extended period of time. While still under pressure it is allowed to cool. As the melamine resin flows, it absorbs the print and all the materials are consolidated into a single panel of thermoset plastic.
What is the image material “glued to?”
It’s not glued to anything, it’s one solid piece! When pressed, the layers become a single, solidified composite, completely consolidated with the graphics. There is nothing to delaminate or come apart. This is also why the material is easy to cut and shape.
Can I use it outdoors?
Yes, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
What thicknesses are available?
1/4” (0.250”) Has a smooth, black back. Requires support along the edges and back. May be mechanically attached to vertical surface, or framed on all surfaces.
1/2” (0.5”) Has a smooth, black back and is self-supporting. May be used for freestanding elements and shaped pieces. May be edge polished.
3/4” (0.75”) Has a smooth, black back and is self-supporting. May be used for tabletops, freestanding elements or shaped elements.
1” (1.0”) Very solid and substantial. Has a smooth, black back and is self-supporting. Can be used for tabletops, freestanding and shaped elements.
What thickness should I choose?
It depends on the panel mounting. The rule of thumb is, 1/2” and thicker are self-supporting and do not need a stiffening framework. For thicknesses less than 1/2”, panels must be captured in a frame or backing. So, it comes down to the look you desire.
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Can I supply the photos and the descriptions I want used on my signs?
Yes, we can also suggest photos and descriptions based on your submitted species list.
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How many colors can you use?
We use a process similar to digital photo development, with the capability to produce 256 million colors.
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Can I get a color background?
Yes, but the prices quoted are for a white background which is the base color of our material. To get a color background we have to use pigments to cover the entire background. You may contact us for a quote on color backgrounds, the saturation level determines the cost, meaning a slight tint is less expensive than a deep color.
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What is the best way to mount and display the signs?
We have a web page with suggestions for mounting and displaying, including the aluminum post/pedestals which we can supply. ( Displaying your signs). We don't usually construct the wood post/pedestals due the cost for shipping the treated wood. Many of our customers have the post/pedestals made locally by their Boy Scout Troop. Many times scouts are looking for community projects and welcome the opportunity. It may only cost you the price of the materials and as a bonus you may have the scouts to install the post and signs for you. If you need metal post/pedestals and supports, contact us for quotes.
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How should the signs be attached to the post/pedestals?
In the 1/2" thick HPC panels, we can provide threaded holes from the rear to attach the panels with no visible fastners on the front of the panel. For thicknesses less than 1/2", we suggest either of two methods: 1. Drill a small hole in each corner and use stainless steel screws. or 2. Use an exterior grade construction adheasive such as Liquid Nails, available at your building supply store.
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Does the post/pedestal come with the sign for the one quoted price?
No. We have a web page with suggestions for mounting and displaying and we do sell aluminum posts Display Mounting Recommendations. We don't usually construct the wooden post/pedestals due the cost for shipping the treated wood. Many of our customers have the post/pedestals made locally by their Boy Scout Troop. Many times scouts are looking for community projects and welcome the opportunity. It may only cost you the price of the materials and as a bonus you may have the scouts to install the post and signs for you. They can also be mounted directly to trees with screws and hold off springs. (We don't recommend this) They can also be mounted verticaly on fiberglass rods using an epoxy ie. JB Weld, etc.
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How long will the signs last?
The High Pressure Composite signs are covered by a 10 year limited warranty. This warranty covers fading, even when displayed in direct sunlight (UV rays) and other perils. The signs are not affected by heat, cold, rain, snow, or even flooding. They will normally provide excellent service well beyond ten years.
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Who pays for the cost of shipping?
We add the cost of shipping to each invoice. We usually ship via the US Postal Service - Priority Mail, with insurance and delivery confirmation. For .125" thick 4" X 9" signs, the cost to ship up to 12 signs is $20.00, 15-28 $40.00, etc.
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What do the signs cost?
Our most commonly used sizes are either 5" X 7" (35 sq. in.) with photo and name or 4" X 9" (36 sq. in.)with photo, name, and description. We sell these (white background) High Pressure Composite signs for as little as $76 each depending on the size of the order. For pricing information see High Pressure Composites Price List
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How can I protect the signs?
Cleaning
• Mild soap and water is always best for general cleaning. Rinse with clean water after washing.
DO NOT use abrasive cleaners, acids or acetone. They will damage the surface of the panel.
• Graffiti (paint, crayon, felt tip markers, etc) can be removed using organic solvents, such as
Simple Green®, Goof-Off®, or similar non-abrasive, citrus-based cleaners.
• Very stubborn graffiti may require stronger solvents, such as mineral spirits. DO NOT use lacquer
thinner or acetone, as they will damage the surface of the panel. Always rinse with clean water
after cleaning.
• Minor blemishes, nicks, abrasions, burns, or light scratches can be concealed using a
polymer-based boat or car wax.
Maintenance
• Edges should be wiped with a liquid wax, like Thompson’s Water Seal annually. This helps re-moisturize
the core edges and maintains the black color of the edge.
• Occasionally wiping a cleaned graphic face with a polymer-based boat or car wax will assist in
removal of graffiti and dirt.
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Tree/Plant/Wildlife ID Signs
Copyright (c) 2000 - 2023 David Arthur.
This page was last updated on June 5, 2023
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