I’m sure hoping this vinyl material lasts, since I’ve used it on a number of structures. I finally got around to giving my old stone mill a name: Smith Pond Mill. To help those who operate here, I made a sign for it today.
No, it’s not named after Mr. Pond 
, but in keeping with my naming convention, I’m naming it after someone I’ve operated with: Richard Smith. Richard has been an invaluable resource and an inspiration to my own modeling.
Nice sign -
What kind of vinyl… are you printing on it? We use cut vinyl signs all the time. There are different materials but some are rated for 10 years, others only 1 year.
Jon,
It’s “papilio” inkjet white waterproof vinyl. Kevin had mentioned it in an article in Garden Railways. It’s pretty neat; when you’re done, you run the sheet under water. Every time I’ve gotten any inkjet stuff wet, it runs like crazy, but not this stuff. I also overspray it with some Krylon clear.
Not heard of it, but probably similar to what my sign guys use for full digital signs on vinyl. They use a professional flatbed printer and inks designed for the process, so it probably doesn’t really compare.
Oh well - I guess time will tell. The PTouch I’ve experimented with (black on white) fades very quickly outdoors.
Really? I’ve had my P-Touch signs out for several years now and I haven’t noticed any appreciable fading. Not a problem with black on clear at all. The gold on black has faded a bit. (Pardon the flash, it’s getting dark out.)
(http://www.jbrr.com/Pics/Layout/2008/IMG_5668.JPG)
(http://www.jbrr.com/Pics/Layout/2008/IMG_5669.JPG)
I use a Brother’s P touch for quite a bit of stuff at work and at home. I’ve got a “Test” label stuck in direct sun light for over 10 years out at the marina and it certainly doens’t show much wear. I think it is white on black.
I ordered some of that after Bruce mentioned using it on the Produce building. I just created a couple of banners for Mills Manufacturing and Delores station. Haven’t gotten fancy with it yet.
Oh and P.S. …I like the Smith Pond sign.
I think it is a “quacking” good sign… 
Like I could have resisted that one…
Love the sign.
Is the vinyl paper available at one of the local office supply stores like Staples?
Steve Featherkile said:
Love the sign. Is the vinyl paper available at one of the local office supply stores like Staples?
I haven’t seen it at the office stores around here but there are a few online paper stores that carry it. I brought my freight house in to put around the tree -
(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n214/altterrain/temp%20layouts/christmas2008layout.jpg)
Its been outside for two years now and the signs still look like new. The front side get the morning sun. -Brian
Ric Golding said:White on black may be the key. I have one of the small hand-held label printers I borrow from work. I printed up a small name tag for "Arvy" and stuck it next to the door last spring. I used the outline font, black on white background. When I looked at it last week the tape was completely white.
I use a Brother's P touch for quite a bit of stuff at work and at home. I've got a "Test" label stuck in direct sun light for over 10 years out at the marina and it certainly doens't show much wear. I think it is white on black.
I’m not sure the one I have prints white. I’ll have to check.
There seems to be about 3 different qualities of the labels. Check the office supply chain stores or catalogs for choices.
