FAQs about Communication Boards

The typical lifespan of a communication board depends on several factors, including the material it is made from, the quality of the construction, the environment in which it is used, and how well it is maintained. Here are some general guidelines for the durability of different materials:

1. Plastic (6MM PVC/Sintra) boards: These boards are long-lasting and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They can withstand various weather conditions and should last for several years with proper care.
2. Wooden (High-Density Fiberboard) boards: These boards are weather-resistant and can last for years if well-maintained. However, they may be more susceptible to wear and tear compared to plastic or aluminum boards.
3. Aluminum (3mm) boards: Aluminum boards are very durable and can last for many years, even in harsh outdoor environments. They are resistant to weather, fading, and abrasion, making them a reliable option for long-term use.

To extend the lifespan of your communication board, it is essential to follow proper maintenance and care instructions. This includes cleaning the board regularly, avoiding exposure to extreme conditions, and checking for any signs of wear or damage. By taking care of your communication board, you can ensure it remains effective and functional for as long as possible.

To further extend the lifespan of your communication board, you can consider adding a protective layer of plexiglass to the surface. Plexiglass is a transparent, durable, and lightweight material that provides an additional layer of protection against wear and tear, as well as environmental factors such as moisture and sunlight.

Adding plexiglass to your communication board can help preserve the printed images and text, ensuring that they remain vibrant and legible for an extended period. This option is particularly beneficial for boards placed in high-traffic or outdoor areas, where they may be exposed to harsher conditions or more frequent use.

Given that this is a highly customizable product. We do not offer a refund on the product. However, our team is happy to work to make sure you are happy with the product before any fabrication takes place. That’s why it is very important that you ask all your questions prior to fabrication of your board. If your board arrives damaged, please submit photos of the damage and the box immediately upon arrival so we can address it promptly.

Under no circumstance we will issue a new reprint of products beyond 30 days from delivery of your product.

The material you select for your communication board depends on factors such as the intended use, location, and budget. Here are the three material options offered by Smarty Symbols along with their characteristics to help you make an informed decision:

1. Plastic (6MM PVC/Sintra): Durable plastic signs printed with UV ink are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. These long-lasting signs can be placed on wood back posts or attached to fences with zip ties or other methods. If you are looking for a cost-effective option that can withstand various weather conditions, this might be a suitable choice.
2. Wooden (High-Density Fiberboard): Weather-resistant wooden signs are printed using a four-color UV printing process on high-density fiberboard. They are eco-friendly and resistant to weather, fading, and abrasion. These signs are approximately 0.5″ thick. If you prefer a more natural look and want an environmentally friendly option, wooden signs might be the right choice.
3. Aluminum (3mm): Aluminum signs are made of two 0.008″ aluminum sheets sandwiching a solid polyethylene core. They are printed with eco-friendly, weather, fade, and abrasion-resistant UV ink, and an optional extra UV protection glossy layer can be added. Aluminum signs are durable and offer a professional appearance, making them ideal for situations where aesthetics and longevity are important considerations. Aluminum board are not recommended for cities in very hot climate.

When selecting a material, consider the environment in which the board will be placed, your budget, and any specific aesthetic preferences. If you are still unsure about which material to choose, you can always reach out to the Smarty Symbols team for guidance based on your particular needs and requirements. Here is a brochure with installation ideas, which can help determine the best material for your need.

Smarty Symbols offers boards made from a variety of high-quality materials to suit different needs and preferences. Some of the materials available include:

1. Plastic: Durable 6MM PVC plastic (sintra) signs printed with UV ink for long-lasting indoor or outdoor use. These boards can be attached to wood back posts or fences with zip ties or other methods.
2. Wooden: Weather-resistant wooden signs printed using a four-color UV printing process on high-density fiberboard. The eco-friendly, fade, and abrasion-resistant UV ink ensures durability. These signs are approximately 0.5″ thick.
3. Aluminum: Aluminum signs composed of two 0.008″ aluminum sheets sandwiching a solid polyethylene core. These 3mm signs are printed with eco-friendly, weather, fade, and abrasion-resistant UV ink. An optional extra UV protection glossy finish can be added for increased durability.
4. For the Social Communication Portable A-Frame Sign, the premium A-Frame itself is made from durable and weather-resistant materials to ensure stability and longevity. The graphic inserts are designed for easy slide-in and slide-out functionality, allowing you to change messages quickly and effortlessly. These graphics are also made from high-quality materials and printed with vibrant, fade-resistant inks to maintain their visual appeal even in outdoor environments.

Of the three materials used for Smarty Symbols communication boards, aluminum is the most durable option. The aluminum boards are made up of two 0.008″ aluminum sheets sandwiching a solid polyethylene core. These boards are known for their excellent durability, weather resistance, and resistance to fading and abrasion.

Aluminum boards are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making them a reliable choice for long-term applications. Additionally, they can be printed with eco-friendly, weather-resistant UV ink, and an optional extra UV protection glossy layer can be added for further protection. However, these boards are not recommended for extremely hot environments without an additional layer of plexiglass. As children will be touching it to communicate. In such case, the plastic is the more recommended material.

While plastic (6MM PVC/Sintra) boards are also durable and suitable for indoor and outdoor use, they may not be as resistant to extreme conditions as aluminum boards. But will still last years. Wooden (High-Density Fiberboard) boards are weather-resistant, but they can be more susceptible to wear and tear compared to plastic or aluminum boards.