All signs and posts, stands or bases are to be constructed from high quality materials that require minimal ongoing maintenance. The materials and colours selected should ensure that the sign will be durable, readily seen and easy to read.
Sign design must consider the potential for vandalism and unauthorised entry by adhering to the following:
Use an anti-vandal coating to prevent graffiti.
Install sign in a concrete footing to minimise potential impact damage (site specific).
A sign attached to a fence must not create a foothold.
Two key elements to consider when choosing a metal for a sign are:
Colour-fastness, (how well the colour will last on the sign). Note: Avoid installing a sign facing due north (where possible), as UV bleaching from sunlight can reduce the useful life of a sign.
Avoid protrusions and sharp edges on metal signs.
Materials used for exterior signs must be attractive as well as durable. Effects and impacts from the following should be considered:
Table 1: Sign material options (listed in order of sign suite use)
Product
Product information
Recommended use/application
Key considerations
Hardwood timber (new and recycled)
Hardwoods come from the broadleaved, angiosperm (flowering) group of species (including Eucalypts), as opposed to softwoods which come from coniferous trees such as pines
Used where an organic theme is required, such as park / reserve name signs, environmental areas
Durable, long lasting and more fire resistant than softwood
Letters may be routed into the timber.
Timber is to be free of heartwood
F14 Stress grading
H5 Treatment level
Durability class 1 or 2
Where specified, timber finish is to be Ultradeck (or equivalent) (minimum of 3 coats). Polyurethane sealants are not to be used due to the labour intensive preparation required.
Painted timber finish is preferred to reduce maintenance.
Powder coated aluminium
Powder coating is a coating that is applied over metals as a dry powder or free flowing. Powder coating is applied through electrostatic means and is then cured by heating to build a skin.
Commonly used to coat metals, such as aluminium extrusions - premium level sign posts.
Used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint.
Anodised aluminium
Anodising is an electrolytic passivation process used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide film coating of aluminium.
May be used for permanent interpretive sign panels and posts in high profile locations and coastal areas.
Can include a baked enamel finish to provide durability, however this increases susceptibility to scratching
Considered environmentally safe
Unlike paint, this finish will not peel or flake off
Smooth and consistent finish.
Galvanised steel
Galvanising is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron to prevent rusting
Most common method is 'hot dip galvanised' aftermarket
Commonly used for regulatory sign posts and bracing frames.
Cost effective
Hot dip galvanising is to occur after fabrication to limit rust at weld points
Fixings are readily available.
Recycled plastic/sustainable material
The process of converting waste plastic materials into 'second use' objects.
May be used as permanent signage such as bollard trail directional markers
May be used as an alternative to timber or aluminium.
Long lasting, durable
Termite, microorganism and moisture resistant
Low maintenance, does not need repainting, and will not split, rot or crack
Removes plastic from the waste stream.
Flute board (Corflute or equivalent)
A hollow, fluted, twin wall polypropylene board
A lightweight ribbed plastic polymer material.
Used for temporary signage such as warning signs, major / minor project (construction) signs and instructional signs.
Flute board can be laser cut to shape, or cut with a knife
Good physical durability
Lightweight, flexible and economical
Fully recyclable.
Vinyl
Vinyl cut stickers may be used on any smooth surface, including paint, glass and metal.
Suitable for temporary outdoor use for promotions, special events and advertising banners.
Durable.
Concrete
Concrete is a material made from a mixture of stone and or gravel, sand, cement and water.
May be used for entry statements, plaques and memorials.
Strong and durable
Sustainable, very little waste and can be recycled at the end of life.
Marine grade (316) stainless steel (SS)
The preferred steel for use in marine environments, generally east of the Bruce Highway,
To be used for permanent signs exposed to coastal elements. However the current suite of signs do not specify the use of stainless steel, due to the cost.
Greater resistance to salt corrosion than other grades of stainless steel.
Granite
Natural igneous rock.
Entry statements
Plaques
Memorials.
Strong, hard and durable.
Expanded PVC
Polyvinyl chloride or foam PVC.
Use for temporary events, project information and temporary advertising signs.
Tamper proof security screws to secure the sign panels to a post.
Consider the use of drive screws or spears for single post and regulatory signs. Post socket metal spike – standard depth is 600 mm, however where there may be underground service concerns, 450 mm depth is recommended.
Consider using a High Intensity Prismatic Grade Reflective Sheeting. Some features of this product are:
High level of reflectivity - ensure consistent reflectivity when installed in any orientation.
High gloss and outdoor durability.
Excellent adhesion to aluminium.
Can be die-cut or screen printed.
Complies with AS/NZS 1906.1: 2007 Retroreflective materials and devices for road traffic control purposes - Retroreflective sheeting.
Meets the requirements of Department of Transport and Main Roads Design Guide for Roadside signs Class 1 and Class 1 W. Typical example:
Skate park signs (Activity entry sign type) must be printed on a Class 1 reflective material, which can be printed directly onto or a printed film attached.
All sign panels must be non-reflective (not capable of physical reflection), with a maximum 30% gloss finish (shiny and reflects light). This finish will allow the sign to be read clearly without reflections. Sign panels can have either a vinyl (preferred) or painted finish.
Note: Final product must have an anti-graffiti finish.
Vinyl
Full colour, high quality digital print direct to premium clear, polymeric external vinyl, has an expected 3-5 year lifespan.
Sign manufacturer to provide manufacturer's warranty.
Printed on a flat-bed printer.
Clear vinyl is cut to the outer shape of the sign panel and trimmed 3.0 mm from sign panel edge.
For a folded edge, cut vertically along the fold.
Paint
Print white first and over-print colours to ensure the opacity (lack of transparency) of the print.
Sign panel is to be clear coated with an anti-graffiti 2 pack satin finish (the absence of shine).
The clear coat shall be consistent and compatible with the paint finish and applied as per manufacturers instructions.
Clear coat shall consist of four sprayed layers of clear non yellowing 2 pack polyurethane paint.
See Table 2: Sign printing methods for further guidance.
Table 2: Sign printing methods
Printing process
Product information
Lifespan
Cost
Vandal resistance
Full colour digital printing
Allows the production of high quality, full colour images directly from:
computer generated artwork files
line drawings
half tones
mono tones
full colour photos.
May last up to five years before needing replacement.
UV-light resistance guarantee of between two and five years.
Medium
Relatively inexpensive compared to anodised aluminium.
Medium
Easier to scratch than etched anodised aluminium.
Anodised aluminium
Scratch and graffiti resistant material with a UV-light resistance guarantee of up to ten years.
Best suited to mono colour products although multi-colour is an option.
Relatively short life in terms of fading compared with etched anodised aluminium.
Medium
Relatively inexpensive in relation to etched anodised aluminium.
High
The anodising process provides greater vandalism resistance to aluminium surfaces,
Etched anodised aluminium
The art of cutting (etched) into aluminium. When etched, the black surface of the anodized metal reveals the naturally bright white aluminum underneath, with the ability to create super fine light lines on dark background.
Use for standard interpretive signs.
Cannot be produced in multiple colours.
Etched anodised aluminium lasts much longer than other materials (lifetime guarantees available by some sign manufacturers).
High quality finish may remain for up to 10 years.
High
Generally the most expensive option.
High
High resistance to scratching.
Screen printed
Multi-spot-colour technique, usually using the PMS colour system.
Some manufacturers can provide a high quality 'outdoor' product with a UV light resistance guarantee of five years.
Low
Relatively inexpensive.
Medium
Abrasion resistance is less than the anodised aluminium process.
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Sunshine Coast Open Space Landscape Infrastructure Manual (LIM) DISCLAIMER
Disclaimer
Information contained in this document may change without notice and you should use the current material available from Council’s website and not rely on material previously printed or stored by you.
All figures and diagrams are intended to be used as an aid to design and include Council’s preferred elements but they are not intended to be prescriptive and may need to be varied as dictated by site specific factors. While Council has exercised reasonable care in preparing this document, it does not warrant or represent that it is accurate or complete. The Council will not accept responsibility for any loss, damage, cost or expense that you may incur as a result of the use of or reliance upon any material contained in this document.
This document is produced to convey general information and is not intended to constitute advice whether professional or legal. Any reference to legislation in this document is not an interpretation of the law. It is to be used as a guide only. Consult relevant authority websites for current documents, revisions and amendments.
Where a particular product or supplier is profiled in this document, Council is NOT nominating this product or supplier as the selected choice. Product/supplier information has been provided to allow users to source products which contain the correct elements required for Council embellishments. Each product profiled states ‘or equivalent’ which means that different products may be supplied provided they satisfy the identified performance criteria, recommended standards, equal access guidance and product specifications.
Product design, manufacture and installation requires appropriately qualified people to provide site specific solutions to ensure the embellishment is appropriately adapted to local conditions and data.
This document does not override requirements stipulated in a development approval. Project specific variations may be appropriate as a result of site, environmental or other constraints. Any variations to these standards must be approved in writing by council prior to commencement of variation works. Components of this document may be used within a contract document but users should undertake their own investigations to confirm the information is suitable for this purpose.
Drawings contained in this document are NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION.
Details in this document are deemed to be the minimum standard and the user may wish to apply a higher standard subject to approval by council.
Acknowledgements
Council wishes to thank all contributors and stakeholders involved in the development of this document.
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