Stand-Off Sign Thickness

[Liesl Dexheimer]

When you create stand-off signs, what thickness of plastic do you generally use? If I use 1/16" thick plastic, will this cause any bowing issues?

[Michael Hunter]

How big?

Assuming that you mean Rowmark or IPI 2-ply stuff, anything more than about 6x4" would need something extra to support it - aluminium sheet, plywood or MDF spring to mind.
Even smaller signs would need reinforcing if they were to be placed where people could push on them. 1/16" plastic isn't very strong.
1/8" material is much stronger, but still prone to bowing.

[Mike Null]

I agree with Michael though 1/8" gives you more latitude.

[Joe Pelonio]

The 1/16 will not warp indoors as long as the holes are larger than the standoff going through it, but it is pretty weak. In a high traffic area I;d really prefer 1/8". When doing this kind of signs with vinyl lettering, I'll use 1/18" and then non-glare 1/16" on top to prevent people from picking at it.

[Liesl Dexheimer]

Thank you for the responses. I was figuring stand-offs would be best with the thicker 1/8" plastic. Just wanted to double check.