Applying an adhesive banner in cold weather - HELP!?

Question

I bought a banner sign with adhesive backing, to apply to a currently installed acrylic sign. I had to do this because of miscellanous reasons like size of the original sign, landlord requirements, etc. so this was my only option.

Once I paid to have the sign designed and made, Kinkos gives me the instructions on applying, which say I cannot apply this in weather below 50 degrees. It's around 30 now, and probably will stay that way for some time. Does anyone have ideas? The original sign cannot be removed and brought indoors to warm up.

Or, does anyone know what would happen if I try to apply in this weather? Will it not stick at all?

Answer 1

A few years ago we tested all manner of things in a cryogenics lab to see how they perform in cold conditions (I love snow sports so it's useful to know these things). You're absolutely right that adhesive tapes, signs, Band-aids and the like lose their stickiness in the cold but I don't know the physics behind it other than things don't react so well in the cold.

The sign *may* stick in the cold but not as well as in the warm, it may be enough to work. Try sticking a small piece of the sign (not a corner as it may not stick properly later), if it works then stick the whole sign - make sure that the surface you're sticking it to is really clean and dry.

Is the surface you're sticking it to illuminated, if so the heat from the lighting may be keeping the acrylic warm enough. If it's not illuminated can you do so with halogen lighting - this gives out a lot of heat.

For the time being you may want to temporarily attach your new sign by taping it over the acrylic sign with a good quality adhesive tape - the type builders use.

If the worst comes to the worst you can always apply contact adhesive to your new sign and stick it over the old one. Use a solvent based adhesive - not only do they work better at lower temperatures but they're not affected by rain, snow etc.

Answer 2

It won't stick at those temps.

You could try buying and applying some heat tape to warm the sign up. It could be a little pricey.

You might be able to use cold weather builder tape to stick the sign on.

Can you attach the overlay with hardware - screws/washers/battens?

Answer 3

You dont mention where this sign is located, and how large this sign is... If it's on a building, and not too,too large... maybe you could get a step ladder, and hook up an electric blanket to it to warm it up, and then have new sign ready to be put on the old PROMPTLY!!! Could this sign be put on inside a heated garage, or an unheated garage where you have an electric heater hooked up? Hey, these are just thoughts and not to be taken literally, unless of course you may want to try it out !!! Sorry if you feel my answer is" out to lunch!"...

Answer 4

use a heat gun or other device to heat the sign but you have to be quick if the temp is below 50 it will not stick you could try securing the sign by mechanical means until the weather changes