HDU Sandblasted Sign Compared to Traditional Wood

A sandblasted sign is a beautiful, functional addition to any office front or professional environment.

New high density urethane foam as compared to wood ...

High Density Urethane

"HDU" is short for high density urethane foam. It is a material expressly developed for the sign industry. Unlike other foam with which you may have experience, HDU consists of more solid and less air.

Urethane is a specialized material that it is unaffected by all petroleum-based solvents. Even in its "raw" state, it is completely waterproof and unaffected by temperature and climate.

An HDU sandblasted sign is impervious to water. Water and moisture cannot get under the finish and cause material break down.

HDU foam, unfinished is warranted for 10 years, indoor or out, against deterioration, warping, and cracking. It is 100% waterproof, not affected by temperature, and will not rot or decompose.

Traditional Wood

The more traditional product used has been wood - redwood and/or red cedar.

Great care is taken in the assembly of wood signs to insure against bowing, and they are solid, have a look like no other, and when installed properly will give years of use. However, there is no way to warranty a product of nature.

The primer seal may be broken with a landscaper kicking a rock from a mower, for example. This will allow outdoor elements to break down the wood. It is very hard to detect such damage, so routine inspections are required to protect the investment.

Usually refurbishing is necessary every 5 years or so and can cost almost as much as a new sign. In addition, refurbishing can take a couple weeks leaving you without your company name on your store front!

HDU Sandblasted Sign

This newer material has entered the marketplace and provided for a much more durable and dependable product when wanting a sandblasted sign. And the best thing of all is you really can't tell it's not real wood unless you touch it and feel it.

High density urethane foam allows for infinite shapes and dimensional relief techniques, resulting in the most innovative business signage found in today's competitive marketplace. HDU foam can be blasted with 2 basic patterns:
- Simulated Wood Grain
- Sandstone or pebble finish

Advantages of HDU Foam

HDU Foam will not warp, crack, or bow like solid wood when exposed to the elements. It is slightly lighter than wood, which might be a consideration when hanging or mounting, and the lighter weight saves in shipping.

HDU foam can be blasted with a simulated wood grain finish that, in most cases, looks better than a real wood grain.

Disadvantages of HDU Foam

HDU foam is slightly flexible, which might cause problems on long, narrow signs. If a dimensional sign is going between posts or in a situation where it might take abuse from wind or pedestrians, consider having it laminated with a backing for reinforcement.

In case of some special requirement, do let your sign company know how you plan to mount your sign to ensure no problems are encountered with the HDU sign installation.

About The Author-- For more information on HDU sandblasted sign options, contact Greater Baton Rouge Signs at http://www.greaterbatonrougesigns.com/. In South Louisiana or across the country, they can help serve your sandblasted sign needs wherever you are.

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