d.

Between baseline of a secondary message and top line of the second line and each succeeding line of a secondary message, allow space equal to one secondary lowercase letter height.

e.

Between the bottom edge of the top symbol and top edge of lower symbol, allow space equal to one primary lowercase letter height or one-third symbol height, whichever is greater.

f.

Between the bottom edge of the lowest symbol or message, allow space equal to 1-1/2 primary lowercase letter height below the message or one-third the symbol height below the symbol, whichever creates the greater total sign height.

g.

Signs with a symbol or arrow to the left or right of the message will have the message centered vertically on the symbol or arrow.

boat ramp

3.

h.

In a two-line message, the arrow should be vertically centered between the two.

Chicken Creek
Campground

Minimum Horizontal Spacing.-These proportions apply to all signs except Design
Types A and B.

a.

Between the left and right edge of the sign and the message, arrow, or symbol, allow space equal to 1-1/2 lowercase letter height or one-third symbol height.

b.

Between the first and last letter of a message and an arrow or symbol, allow space equal to one lowercase letter height or one-third symbol height.

C.

Between symbols, allow space equal to one lowercase letter height or one-third symbol height.

d. Symbols placed beneath or above a message will be centered on the message.

day use area

A

e.

Between symbols and arrows on signs with no written message, allow a space equal to one-third symbol height between them and center the arrow vertically on the symbol.

f.

A

1/3 symbol height

Between words in a primary message, allow space equal to one primary lowercase letter height.

one primary lowercase letter height

Sage Grouse

g. Between words in a secondary message, allow space equal to one secondary lowercase letter height.

one secondary lowercase letter height

recreation area

h.

Arrows should be aligned with baseline of appropriate message, allowing a space equal to one lowercase letter height between arrow and baseline.

campground

one lowercase letter height

R.

i.

j.

All margins are measured from the outside of the sign face.

Borders: Signs that require borders, except Design Type A,, should typically have a white border set in 1/4 inch from the edge of the sign face; however, different border colors may be used as necessary for interpretative signs, etc., depending on the background colors. Line weight should be appropriate to the size and overall design of the sign. Corners should be slightly rounded to match the sign. Borders on elongated signs and posters should be square. Borders should be used on fire prevention regulatory signs and posters but are not required on special purpose posters.

The width of the border should be determined by the width of the sign. The border width should be 3/16 inch for each foot of sign width. Corner radii for the border should be 1 inch per foot of sign width. In no case should the border be less than 3/8 inch wide. For signs that have routed borders, a 1-inch offset from the edge of the sign face is recommended to prevent chipping.

Sign Materials: Reclamation signs and posters can be manufactured from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass, and cardboard. These materials are called "substrates." The "message" is either painted or printed (usually by silk screening) onto the substrate. Other materials commonly used in the manufacturing process include reflective sheeting, paint, stain, and vinyl edge film.

As a general rule, the softer or more porous a substrate material is, the better paints will penetrate the surface and create a solid bond. The harder or more slick the material, the more likely the paint is to dry on the surface. The softer substrates are more easily damaged from deep gouging by vandals. The harder substrates are more likely to resist gouging and destruction of the substrate, but the paint is more easily chipped away.

The harder and less porous the surface, the better decals and pressed-on vinyls will adhere.

Some commonly used substrates for Reclamation signs are:

1. High-Density Overlay (HDO) Plywood.—Marine-quality, 3/4-inch plywood with one side covered with a high density, slick material (the overlay), to which adhesives cling quite strongly. Commonly used as the substrate for pressed-on materials such as reflective vinyl. This substrate should be used extensively for the larger signs. It weathers well, and holes in the vinyl can be easily repaired.

2. Medium-Density Overlay (MDO) Plywood.-Marine-quality, 3/4-inch plywood, with one side covered with a smooth but more porous overlay than HDO. This substrate accepts paint much better than HDO. The porosity of the overlay allows the paint to bond with the substrate better.

3. Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF).—A pressed-particle board product that accepts paint (silk screening) very well and weathers well. MDF is gaining adherents among transportation departments for large highway signs (green, blue, and brown).

4. Plastics.-Sign making can involve a variety of plastics:

5.

6.

Acrylic, or Plexiglas, is a hard, rigid material that withstands abrasion well but breaks easily. It is often used as a clear protective covering over another sign.

Polycarbonite, or Lexan, is similar to the acrylic panel but is softer, with a greater flex. Its softness makes it more likely to be marred by dust and blowing sand.

Polyethylene and polypropylene are fairly common materials that are suitable for most routine sign applications. They are soft materials that have sufficient rigidity to stand up as small signs, but not so rigid that they are easily broken. They come in basic colors, and accept paint (silk screening) well. Generally, they weather well; however, their softness makes them easy prey to vandals wielding sharp or pointed instruments. Initial and replacement costs are low.

Carsonite.-Carsonite is a patented material that combines fiberglass and epoxy resins to make a strong but flexible substrate. Used most often in a thin, vertical format, it is also used for small routine signs. Its hard, impervious surface is best used as a substrate for decals, although silk screening is possible. It is very resistant to impact and weather. Initial and replacement costs are low.

Aluminum.-A long used, common substrate for routine, smaller signs. Message usually silk screened onto substrate. Easily and significantly damaged by bullets and other forms of vandalism. It has good weather resistance. Medium initial and replacement costs.