University of Southern California’s aquatics venue was in need of replacement backer panels for dedication plaques that they had installed on the diving boards for the dive lanes and swim lanes. With the combination of the constant movement and exposure to sun and water, they wanted to update the plaques and get brand new faces and backer panels. They provided the plaque faces but needed us to manufacture the backer panels and handle the removal and installation.
Depending on the type of sign and the location, there are many things to consider when choosing the materials and mounting method for a sign. For example, an interior wall sign can be put up with adhesives or be printed because it doesn’t need to stand up to the weather or be permitted. But an exterior building sign needs to be more durable and needs to be stud mounted into a wall due to the weather conditions, UV rays, and sign codes that are put in place by the city.
These plaques didn’t require any sign permits, but we did need to make sure that they were durable enough to withstand the wear and tear that they were bound to go through. The plaques were provided to us to install. They were made from 1/8″ etched stainless steel and they had raised lettering, paint, and a semi-gloss powder coat on the front and back. The backer panels we made were routed from 1/4″ thick aluminum so they were double the thickness of the plaques, and are going to have more exposure to the water as the plaques are facing outward.
The plaques were installed with a bolt that threads through the backer to the plaque so the plaques are removable. We made separate mounting arms that were welded to the backer panel. The plaques are very secure and are sure to hold up for years to come.
