SolaRay® Installation Suggestions

 

 

 

SolaRay is an extremely versatile material that can be used in numerous applications such as TV commercials, movies, billboards, signs, displays, floats, industrial art and background decor. It is easy to install on wood, Vinyl, plastic, concrete, metal, fabric or any other substrate.

SolaRay can be applied using any number of methods, here are a few suggestions:

 

 

  1. Staples — use rust-proof, 3/8 inch crown staples for outdoor applications.

  2. Tack or nail — use zinc coated nails for outdoor applications.

  3. Screws — use Tek (Self Tapping) or Sheet Metal Screws - No. 8.

  4. Pop-rivets — (aluminum 1/8" diameter).

  5. Glue — for Vinyl and plastic application we suggest the use of 3M Scotch Grip(r) Plastic Adhesive 4475. However, many other number industrial adhesives can be used for applying SolaRay to other substrates, such as LiquidNails(r) or PL(r). For more information see the section below on adhesives.

 

 

 

Two points we do recommend you follow consistently are:

 

  1. SolaRay should be installed in horizontal rows whenever possible for ease of installation. You can place it on circles and around letters and logos.

  2. Spacing between rows should be approximately 7/8" for 3/4" diameter SolaRay and 1-3/4" for 1-1/2" diameter SolaRay so that each disc is allowed to swing freely.

 

Another point to remember:

The results obtained from SolaRay are in proportion to the SolaRay mass; the more you use, the more satisfied you will be. Seldom will you want to use less than a 2-disc stroke. A 6-disc stroke will attract more attention and resultant in more consumer feedback.

 

For rapid and exact installation, you may want to rule lines, or when stapling, you may simply want to use a hand-held spacer which can be cut from wood, metal, or plastic to give you the spacing you require. For large areas, you might use chalk line marks.

 

For use on metal signs, SolaRay may be attached with self tapping screws, "pop-rivets" or adhesives. Many prefer to cut from a good grade of marine plywood the letters or art that will carry the SolaRay, attaching SolaRay as above, and then attaching the wood to the metal. When using adhesive, we advise you to carefully follow the instructions of the adhesive manufacturer. When properly used, adhesive will work wonders, but it may be expensive to fit the specific requirements. There are now many good adhesives on the market each designed for certain tasks. For application of SolaRay to Styrofoam, Wilhold White Glue, Dow GE or Universal Silicone adhesive may be used.

 

From a study of technical information and data obtained from 3M and our own research and experimentation and use, it is our conclusion that 3M Scotch Seal Metal Sealant No. 2084 is a satisfactory bonding agent for outdoor and indoor use. If it is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, it should bond SolaRay to most surfaces, including: metal, porcelain, baked enamel, wood, glass, rubber, Plexiglas, etc. It is aluminum colored and dries reasonably hard, flexible and permanent. A 1/8" continuous bead should be applied to the backside of the SolaRay rail. Surfaces of the area to which SolaRay is to be applied must be clean, dry, and above freezing temperatures. Necessary cleanup may be accomplished with MEK (methyl ethyl-key-tone) or lacquer thinner.

 

3M Scotch Grip Industrial Adhesive No. 4475 is a clear adhesive that is fast tacking and dries quickly to a firm bond and may be used to bond SolaRay to vinyl, ceramics, glass, leather and plastics. Cleanup may be accomplished with Acetone.

 

Some billboard companies are using LIQUID NAILS in a caulking tube made by MACCO ADHESIVE GLIDDEN COMPANY or 3M 4323 CONSTRUCTION MASTIC.

 

Individual discs may be attached with a special 3M tape or on cloth with plastic barbs from a clothing price tagging gun.

 

For stapling Radiant Manufacturing recommends Duo-Fast Model ENC-5418 stapler using No. 5412 narrow crown staples, galvanized or bronze.


 

 

 

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Photo Gallery Page

 

solaray photo gallery link

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click the link below for a PDF version of the SolaRay Specification Chart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SolaRay Specifications

 

 

solaray spec chart one and one half inch

 

 

three quarter inch solaray specs chart

 

You may also download PDF versions of the charts for your convenience, available in the right sidebar.

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