Solid Surfacing Material (Corian, Avonite and others)  There is a difference in the various brands of Solid Surfacing Materials.  The biggest difference is in their respective chemical make-ups.  Corian (and possibly some others) are basically an acrylic product.  Avonite, on the other hand has some acrylic surfaces (the "Foundation" groups) while some others are a polyester product (the "Studio" groups).  None of them are technically designed for outdoor use, however the acrylic products (Corian and some Avonite) hold up much better than the others when subjected to the elements.   Solid Surface materials are safe, smooth, nonporous, easy to clean and require no sealing. They are commonly used on kitchen and bathroom counter tops. This is a wonderful choice for many types of signs. One of the most common uses is for unit numbers and directories in Offices, Hotels and Apartment Complexes.   A mind-boggling array of colors is produced to satisfy a wide range of design options. Some are solid colors, others are translucent and some mimic natural stone.
Advantages 1) Elegance: A properly made Corian or Staron sign is in a class of its own. 3-D engraving is an obvious choice, but also consider inlays. Imagine a satin or brushed aluminum piece inlayed into Corian. Or how about contrasting colors inlaid into each other. 2) Variety of colors and patterns. The patterns include Granite-Like with either small speckles or larger granules and Marble-Like with ribbons of color.
Disadvantages 1) Cost: This is pretty pricey stuff. That said, sometimes it is the only truly "right" material. We have replaced all the signs in apartment complexes with Corian or Staron, even the Stop signs! 2) Finishing and Installation: The dark colors need to be clear-coated to look their best. Of course, at that point you have to worry about the longevity of the clear finish. For exterior signs we try to steer our customers toward the lighter colors, which look fine without any clear coat.
These were small medallions for the Reliance Bank in Athens, Alabama.  They measured about 3.5" square.  Four different colors of Corian were used here. These were Cobalt Corian.  The numbers were 3-D Engraved and painted Metallic Silver.  The Inlays were 1/4" Clear Acrylic with a 3-D Engraved "R".  The Inlays were Back-Painted (2nd Surface Painted) the same Metallic Silver. This was a piece of Avonite.  We used a Flat-Engraving Technique with white Paint-Fill. 3-D Engaved Sequoia Corian 3-D Engaved Sequoia Corian
Solid Surfacing Material (Corian, Avonite and others)  There is a difference in the various brands of Solid Surfacing Materials.  The biggest difference is in their respective chemical make-ups.  Corian (and possibly some others) are basically an acrylic product.  Avonite, on the other hand has some acrylic surfaces (the "Foundation" groups) while some others are a polyester product (the "Studio" groups).  None of them are technically designed for outdoor use, however the acrylic products (Corian and some Avonite) hold up much better than the others when subjected to the elements.   Solid Surface materials are safe, smooth, nonporous, easy to clean and require no sealing. They are commonly used on kitchen and bathroom counter tops. This is a wonderful choice for many types of signs. One of the most common uses is for unit numbers and directories in Offices, Hotels and Apartment Complexes.   A mind-boggling array of colors is produced to satisfy a wide range of design options. Some are solid colors, others are translucent and some mimic natural stone.
Advantages 1) Elegance: A properly made Corian or Staron sign is in a class of its own. 3-D engraving is an obvious choice, but also consider inlays. Imagine a satin or brushed aluminum piece inlayed into Corian. Or how about contrasting colors inlaid into each other. 2) Variety of colors and patterns. The patterns include Granite-Like with either small speckles or larger granules and Marble-Like with ribbons of color.
Disadvantages 1) Cost: This is pretty pricey stuff. That said, sometimes it is the only truly "right" material. We have replaced all the signs in apartment complexes with Corian or Staron, even the Stop signs! 2) Finishing and Installation: The dark colors need to be clear-coated to look their best. Of course, at that point you have to worry about the longevity of the clear finish. For exterior signs we try to steer our customers toward the lighter colors, which look fine without any clear coat.
These were small medallions for the Reliance Bank in Athens, Alabama.  They measured about 3.5" square.  Four different colors of Corian were used here. These were Cobalt Corian.  The numbers were 3-D Engraved and painted Metallic Silver.  The Inlays were 1/4" Clear Acrylic with a 3-D Engraved "R".  The Inlays were Back-Painted (2nd Surface Painted) the same Metallic Silver. This was a piece of Avonite.  We used a Flat-Engraving Technique with white Paint-Fill. 3-D Engaved Sequoia Corian 3-D Engaved Sequoia Corian