Cody Casey
Pan face signs are commonly used in retail and are often illuminated, with the most common type being an aluminium pan with the company's logo and letters cut out. However, over time, pan face signs can become damaged or worn, requiring restoration or replacement. While it is possible to restore pan face signs, in some cases, they may be too far gone and require a complete replacement. This process can be challenging and requires specific tools and expertise. In this discussion, signmaking professionals share their experiences, challenges, and techniques for dealing with pan face signs, including replacement options, design considerations, and the importance of using the correct equipment to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing result.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pan face signs' material | Aluminum, plastic, vinyl |
| Pan face signs' shape | Rectangle, oval, circle, custom |
| Pan face signs' thickness | .040, .063, .080 |
| Pan face signs' size | Depends on the finished size, application, and location |
| Pan face signs' application | Building signs, vehicle wraps, vinyl graphics |
| Pan face signs' location | Installed all over the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex |
| Pan face signs' shipping | Available nationwide |
| Pan face signs' maintenance | Stripping, restoring, repainting |
| Pan face signs' replacement | Possible, but challenging due to size and weight |
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What You'll Learn
Pan face signs are important for safety and quality
Secondly, pan face signs are often made from materials such as aluminium, which is weather-resistant, rust-proof, and not susceptible to insect damage. This makes them suitable for outdoor use, where they can withstand the elements without deteriorating, ensuring that the sign remains effective and visible over time.
Thirdly, the three-dimensional design of pan face signs makes them highly visible and attention-grabbing, especially when placed in areas with high foot or vehicle traffic. This visibility is crucial for safety signs, as it ensures that individuals can quickly and easily identify and interpret the information conveyed, facilitating a swift response to potential hazards or dangers.
Moreover, pan face signs offer design flexibility. They can be manufactured in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours to meet specific requirements. This customizability ensures that the signs are suitable for a range of applications and environments, allowing for effective communication of safety information in diverse contexts.
Finally, pan face signs can incorporate internal lighting, enhancing their visibility, especially in low-light conditions. This feature improves safety by making the signs more noticeable and ensuring that important information is conveyed clearly and effectively, regardless of the lighting conditions.
In conclusion, pan face signs offer durability, weather resistance, design flexibility, and enhanced visibility, making them an important tool for conveying safety and quality information in a range of settings.
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Flat sheets of plastic are cheaper but less suitable
Plastic signs are an important and lucrative segment of the market. However, flat sheets of plastic are cheaper but less suitable for certain applications.
The first error typically made by a novice signmaker is to assume that flat sheets of plastic are suitable for every application. Although flat plastic sheets are less expensive than formed pan faces, the true cost of a flat face becomes apparent soon after installation. When a larger, flat panel is used, the sign cabinet must be equipped with a means to prevent the panel's edges from pulling out of the metal retainers. The cabinet should also be wide enough to prevent hot spots, and the sign builder should provide internal bumpers to limit inward deflection or sagging of the panel.
Pan faces are important for larger signs. The size of a sliding face panel should not exceed 40 sq. ft. and should not be used for signs with vertical dimensions of more than 4 ft. Large sign faces should either be stationary or hinged. Crawl-in signs, for example, are used for very large cabinets, but the width and lamp arrangement must allow a service mechanic to enter the sign's interior safely. The major drawbacks of this design are heat and cramped working space.
The pan itself is just a vehicle for the actual sign and is usually made of aluminium. The faces are cut-outs, and the outlines of the letters and logos are cut with a router. While pan faces can be restored, they may become too thick and unusable after many years. In such cases, only the frame can be saved and prepared for a new face.
Plastic sheets are versatile and can be used for a broad range of industrial markets, including aerospace, transportation, architectural, security glazing, machinery, marine construction, and more. They are available in various grades, thicknesses, sizes, colours, and shapes to suit specific applications. For example, polypropylene is a popular and economical choice that is resistant to acid, abrasions, moisture, stress cracking, impact, and thermal conditions. However, flat sheets of plastic may not be suitable for every application and may require additional design considerations to ensure their effectiveness and longevity.
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Pan faces need ridges for strength and to make lights shine better
Pan faces are an important component of signs, especially in retail monument signs. They are usually made of aluminium and cut with a router to include the desired letters and logos. While flat plastic sheets are less expensive, pan faces offer greater strength and durability.
The ridges on pan faces serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they provide structural integrity to the sign, preventing sagging or deflection of the panel. This is particularly important for larger signs, where the weight of a flat panel can cause it to pull out of the metal retainers. Ridges also help to distribute weight more evenly, reducing the risk of the sign face popping out of its retainer.
Additionally, the ridges on pan faces can enhance the illumination of the sign. By creating a slight distance between the light source and the face of the sign, the ridges prevent "hot spots" or areas of excessive brightness that can be unpleasant to look at. This also helps to ensure that the light is evenly distributed across the sign, making it more aesthetically pleasing and easier to read.
Furthermore, the ridges can contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the sign. In the case of frying pans, ridges can add "grill lines" to meats, creating a visually appealing pattern. Similarly, in signs, ridges can be used to create texture or depth, making the sign more eye-catching and unique.
While pan faces offer these advantages, they are not always the best option. In some cases, flat panels may be preferred for their lower cost and ease of installation. Additionally, pan faces may not be suitable for signs with vertical dimensions exceeding four feet, as they can become difficult to manage and service. Ultimately, the decision to use a pan face depends on the specific requirements of the sign, including size, durability, and aesthetic considerations.
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Pan faces can be stripped and restored
Pan faces are fabricated from sheets of aluminum, with thicknesses varying from .040, .063 to .080, depending on the finished size, application, and location. They are commonly used for retail monument signs, where the specific type of panel is a pan face. Over time, the sun can take its toll on a pan face, and it may need to be restored to its original condition.
Restoring a pan face involves stripping and preparing the frame for a new face. This process can be time-consuming and intricate, as the layers of the old face must be carefully removed. In some cases, the pan face may be too far gone to repair, and a new face will need to be created. This new face can be made from a sheet of aluminum, cut to the required shape and size, and joined to the frame using a two-part epoxy.
It is important to note that pan faces are designed with specific features, such as ridges that provide strength and allow for better lighting. Therefore, when restoring a pan face, it is crucial to consider these design elements to ensure the sign functions optimally. Additionally, the size of the pan face and the distance from the lamps must be considered, as flat faces may not be suitable for certain applications.
Overall, while it is possible to strip and restore pan faces, it requires specialized knowledge and equipment, and in some cases, it may be more cost-effective to create a new sign.
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Pan faces can be replaced with flat faces in certain situations
Pan faces are fabricated from sheets of aluminum and are commonly used for signs, especially in retail. They are often used in sign cabinets because they provide extra space and strength, and they help the lights shine better. However, pan faces can degrade over time due to exposure to sunlight, and they may need to be replaced.
In certain situations, flat faces can be used as an alternative to pan faces. Flat faces are less expensive than formed pan faces and are suitable for some applications. However, when using a flat face, it is important to ensure that the lamps are not too close to the face to avoid hotspots. Additionally, the sign cabinet must be designed to prevent the panel's edges from pulling out of the metal retainers and to limit inward deflection or sagging of the panel.
One situation where a flat face can be used instead of a pan face is when the sign is relatively small. For example, a sign with a vertical dimension of less than 4 feet can use a sliding flat face panel. Larger signs typically require a stationary or hinged face.
Another consideration is the thickness of the material. Flat faces made of thin aluminum sheets may not provide sufficient strength for larger signs. In such cases, a pan face with its ridges would be a more suitable option.
It is also important to note that the choice between a pan face and a flat face depends on the specific requirements of the sign. Pan faces offer more flexibility in terms of shape and depth, allowing for custom designs that can make a business stand out. Flat faces, on the other hand, may provide a more finished and aesthetically pleasing look, especially when using lightweight tubing for the frame.
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Frequently asked questions
Pan faces are commonly used for retail monument signs. They are normally made of aluminum with the company's letters and logo cut out using a router.
Pan faces are used because they are stronger and provide more space for the lights to shine through.
Flat faces are cheaper but are not suitable for every application. Flat faces may cause the lamps to be too close to the sign, resulting in hotspots.
Pan faces can be repaired and restored to their original condition. However, if the pan face is too thick or has been used too many times, it may be more cost-effective to build a new sign.
To remove a pan face, you will need to strip the layers off the frame. This can be done by lightly scoring the material and then clamping and bending it.
