I have a chance to make a big chunk of dough on a bunch of signs for a shopping center. The problem is they spec out signfoam, but what they're willing to spend won't cover that expense. I made a prototype using MDF which looked great, but not moisture proof. Anyone know of anything that routes like signfoam or MDF but is more waterproof like signfoam, yet cheap like MDF? 1" thick in 4 x 8'sheets.
Not trying to bust yer balls james, but "big chunk of dough" and "spec out SignFoam, but what they're willing to spend won't cover that expense" don't quite jive. Skimp on materials you're asking for trouble if something starts to warp, crack, fall apart etc. Sorry man, I'm not a sign guy, I'm a designer, and hopefully someone else can give you better advice, but if I spec SignFoam and the sign guy cuts a corner and something goes wrong I know who's pocket it's coming out of. Not mine.
If you don't find the answer here I bet they would have some ideas over at the Letterhead BullBoard. http://www.letterhead.com/ubb/index.html
Sign Craft Magazine has some good links. I don't know how Precision Board compares price-wise, but it sounds similar to SignFoam... http://www.signcraft.com/links.asp
Indoor,or outdoor ? I know Sign Foam is available in different densities, maybe you can use a lower density board to save some money.
For what it's worth, I gotta go with BigA on this. The deal doesn't sound right. Still and all, check out these sites: www.signcraft.com www.signboards.com www.raycosignsupply.com www.prezenta.com www.letterhead.com I hope this helps. Joel
Get it in writing that if one is acceptable you have the contract to do them all at a set price that you both agree on (a price where you make money). A big chunk of change is just that, a big chunk of change if it all goes to expenses. I don't have to tell you that nobody appreciates an artist's time in FL. Also, go talk to Lou at the office supply store on 41 downtown Bradenton. He'll find what you need. He a friend of mine, tell 'em Mike sent you.
Are you talking about Keaton's? Go there all the time. I used to have a studio a few blocks from there. Basically the deal is it's for 64 under canopy signs. Out of weather, but still in the florida humidity. It's about a 15 grand job, (what they're willing to spend), but foam alone (multiple layers) would run about 10g's, so when all's said and done I'll probably make 2-3 bucks an hour-- I don't think so!! I don't know, I usually just do painted lettering and sign installs, so I'll probably pass, I'm just kinda deep into it allready.
James: Are these supposed to be routed or sandblasted signs, painted. There are many types of high density or foam products out there. Figure out how many 4x8's it'll take to do them all. At a conservative $55 to $65 a square foot for production, painting, routing or sandblasting, sans design time and profit, you can see if it will be profitable or not. It sounds like it might be. Or farm the whole job out and make a tidy profit as "Project Shepard". Keep us posted! And yes this has nothing to do with Trad Hotrods and Customs. Joel
These are, besides the base, a 2" foam peice with a 1" "back ground" face on each side, with another, smaller 1" face with beveled edges, an inset routed groove, with vinyl letters. 5 peices of foam, plus the bases. Four different designs, one of which ends up being 24 different peices, so there is a LOT of labor involved. I should have passed on it in the beginning, but the money just hooked me. Luckily I've never done anything for this company before, and signs are mostly side work for me it's not gonna hurt me except for the materials and stuff I've already wasted..
Here'sa pic of one of the prototypes--this on is only a 2" with 1" on either side, and the sign is upside down, the "base" would mount to the ceiling. Ugly colors, eh? That's what the designer spec'd.
You ain't kidding! That's a bit labor intensive, all right. Good luck with the job and keep us posted. Joel
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