Let’s Talk Substrates II: Non-Standard and Custom Stonehouse Substrates

Fri, 2011-09-30

In the previous article, Let’s Talk Substrates I, we showcased our standard substrate materials, including some of their specific properties.  This article explains some additional substrate materials that we offer, ranging from everyday materials to substrates we recommend for specific applications. 

Keep in mind that these are just ideas to get you started.  Our expert staff will help you determine what substrate works best for your application. 
 

Click on the links below to jump to the material you’re interested in!

Steel
Magnetic
Fiberglass
Reflective Vinyl
Porcelain
Additional Custom Substrates

Steel


Available in 18, 20, and 30 gauge, a Stonehouse steel sign is perfect when you need a durable sign with magnetic properties.

 

Steel Substrate- Perfect for Safety Scorboards and More

  30 gauge

  • Light-duty
  • Recommended for indoor use only
  • Constructed for mounting on a flat, rigid surface such as a wall or door.

 Note: 30 gauge steel is not recommended
  for outdoor use

  18 or 20 gauge

  • Medium duty
  • Indoor or outdoor use
  • Electro-galvanized surface treatment provides good paint adhesion and corrosion resistance.
  • Rigid enough for post mounting in sizes up to 12 inches in width.

 

Expected outdoor life:
3-7 years*

 

 

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Magnetic


Stonehouse magnetic sheeting is a great choice for applications where signs are changed out regularly, or places where mounting a sign with standard mounting materials is difficult.

 

Stick Your Message Anywhere With Our Magnetic Substrate Material
  • It’s one of the most flexible substrates we offer, so mounting on curved surfaces or in odd places is effortless.
     
  • Easy installation and removal since no mounting materials are required.
     
  • Sticks to most ferrous metal surfaces.

 

Expected Outdoor Life:
2-3 years*

 

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Fiberglass


Fiberglass signs are extremely durable and non-conductive, which makes this substrate effective for outdoor applications and places where electric shock might be a concern. 

 

Fiberglass is perfect for outdoor applications- It's non-conductive and durable.
  • There’s no need to worry about rust-  since a fiberglass sign doesn’t contain any metal, it’s completely rustproof.
     
  • Since fiberglass is non-conductive, it's perfect for any application where electricity is involved.
     
  • Fiberglass is also Chemical & Abrasion resistant- it holds up in adverse conditions.

 

Expected Outdoor Life:
5-8 years*

  
 

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Reflective Vinyl


If you’re looking for a substrate that offers night time visibility on a flexible material, Stonehouse Reflective Vinyl is exactly what you need.  It’s easy to install, and has a great service life!

 

Reflective Vinyl from Stonehouse has great night-time visibility and is easy to install!
  • A pre-slit release liner for a quick installation makes Stonehouse vinyl signs and decals easy to apply.
     
  • Reflective vinyl retains its brilliance even when wet or when viewed at wide observation angles.  
     
  • Expect an extended service life, especially when the sign or lettering isn't exposed to the elements.  Indoors, you can expect the graphic to remain vibrant and durable for even longer.

 

Expected Outdoor Life:
7-10 years*

 

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Porcelain


Porcelain enamel has a surface with the hardness of glass combined with the strength and rigidity of steel.  It provides a multitude of advantages to give it one of the longest service lives of any Stonehouse Substrate.

 

Porcelain is one of the most durable Stonehouse Substrates.

  • A porcelain sign has tremendous chemical resistance, and is unaffected by practically all acids, chemicals and solvents.
     
  • Scratching and abrasion isn’t a problem- porcelain even resists a steel blade.
     
  • It can withstand temperatures as high as 1000 and as low as -200 degrees Fahrenheit.
     
  • Porcelain enamel is also weather resistant (including ultraviolet light, condensation, precipitation and salt air), vandal resistant, and non-conductive.

 

Expected Outdoor Life:
30 years*

 

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Custom Substrates


Stonehouse Signs has the capability to print on virtually any material.  Our expert staff will help you evaluate your project and application and recommend a substrate that maximizes the life and appearance of your sign.

Below are some examples of substrates that Stonehouse works with, but you’re not limited to the items on this list.  Contact one of our expert staff for any questions or special requests you may have!

 

  • Expanded Rigid PVC
     
  • Heavy Duty Foam Board
     
  • Aluminum Composite Material
     
  • Fluted Polypropylene
     
  • Wood Products, including:
    o   Medium Density Overlay (MDO)
    o   High Density Overlay (HDO)
    o   Aluminum-Bonded Overlay

 

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* Expected outdoor life of a product will depend on user definition of failure, climatic conditions, chemical exposure, mounting techniques, material color, and print colors used.  Contact Stonehouse for specific recommendations.