Do all Photopolymer signs require a topcoat?

Yes, regardless of material selection or if the sign is sub-surfaced painted, the photopolymer layer must be protected from UV rays with a top coat (painted color or clear coat).

What type of paint can I use?

Nova recommends using an automotive-grade acrylic polyurethane, ie. Matthews acrylic polyurethane, or equivalent.

How thick do I apply the paint or clear coat layer?

According to Matthews Paint Company, it is specified that clear coats and/or paints should have the same amount of coating (4 mil wet/2 mil dry).

What is a Wet Film Gauge?

A Wet Film Gauge is the most accurate way to measure the thickness of the paint coating when it is first applied to a surface or substrate.

I am using a photopolymer sheet as a lens in a curved sign with a digital print. Do I need to apply a clear coat even though it is an interior application?

Yes. Regardless of the application (Interior/Exterior), a top coat must always be applied over the photopolymer. This is true for all sub surfaced painted signs, signs with sub-surface digital graphics, and materials that incorporate color or patterns in the base substrate.

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