Billboard Frames & Structures

Mounting Signs

For support, and to insure continued flatness over an extended period of time, we recommend mounting the printed paper sign on a thin (.010”) sheet of styrene* using contact or rubber cement. Always follow the manufacturers instructions. We have had good success with spray-on photo mounting rubber cement since it gives a thinner, more even layer to the surface to be glued.

* The printed image can be cemented directly on to Walters molded styrene billboard.

Mounting Signs Directly on Buildings*

Before trimming to the final dimension, carefully sand the back of a paper sign. Use a fine grit sandpaper and lots of patience. Move your fingers frequently so that one are of the sign does not get sanded too thin. After thinning, the sign will be very delicate so handle with care. We suggest using a pair of small, sharp scissors to trim the sign. The type of scissor used to trim decals are OK. If you prefer to trim with a straight edge, use a new blade. Saturate the trimmed sign in a mixture of 30% white glue and 70% water. Position the saturated sign on the building surface and nestle it down with a combination of your fingers and a small paint brush. Allow to dry thoroughly. *This technique was suggested by Frank Pearsall in the Jan/Feb 1988 edition of Scale Coupler Magazine.       

Trimming to Size

Determine the final dimension you want for the image of your sign, then trim carefully using a straight edge steel ruler and a new razor blade or modeling knife. After it is trimmed, color the edge of the cut using a pencil of the appropriate color. This will help the white edge of the cut disappear.    

Mounting Signs on Buildings

Outdoor ads with a long life expectancy (soft drinks, cigarettes) were often painted directly on the side a buildings. Products with a brief or seasonal life (automobiles) were usually mounted on a conventional supporting structure that was attached directly to the side of the building or placed immediately in front of it. A conventional billboard support structure was also placed on rooftops of commercial buildings. Prototype signs painted on buildings are subject to the weather, while conventional billboards are usually replaced before any indication of aging or weathering becomes noticeable.