replacing over $25

replacing over $25,000 in signs

In the 1990s a new to the national sign market product that had been California DOT approved for years (it being a certified green product moved them up in California product sourcing), freshly approved by the Federal DOT and was getting fantastic reviews and press for being very versatile. The product named Medex is still produced by Roseburg and some sign vendors are still selling it as an exterior product. One of the major current suppliers of this product says this "Medex® is a sustainable, moisture-resistant, medium density fiberboard (MDF) panel utilizing a formaldehyde-free adhesive system and pre-consumer recycled wood fiber. Medex® is engineered for interior high moisture areas in non-structural applications". Using Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) program approval, Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certification along with CPA ECC Sustainability Standard from the Composite Material Association along with host of other such "lead ins" with advertising then a weak reference to water resistance many people don't research it well enough to understand it is an epic failure waiting to happen outdoors in humid and wet environments. it may work in southern California, Arizona, Nevada and other dry environments but take it to Washington State or bring it to the east coast and it set up some shops for bankruptcy.

Availability of Medex in full size range for 3/8" though 1" and up to 2.5" marketed for flat panel painted signs, use with reflective films, sandblasting, routing and more it seemed the miracle product and we leaped right in. We mostly used it for high end sandblasted signs where its cost and "green footprint" replacing the use of western cedar and redwood in many applications was a win for the seller, consumer and environment till we began to see problems. Soon as a sign took a hit from a mower or had the finish damaged by a weed eater or other landscape tools it absorbs water like a sponge. Once its penetrated by water it begins to grow a fungus and while we noticed this soon as it became obvious and discontinued use we had almost three years of high production out in the field. We immediately began repairing and repainting every Medex sign we had in the field but even with a repaint every two years all of our Medex signs were falling apart and to maintain our reputation we replaced them all.

Based on project and if it had gold leaf most of the Medex signs were replaced with western cedar or redwood which we make our sign blanks in-house. All the labor done twice, all the paint used trying to extend the life of the Medex signs before replacement was deemed mandatory was less than "green". one of our specialties is Green Energy audits and helping clients reduce their energy consumption in a budget friendly way plus years of recycli8ng every piece of lumber and used sign panel possible we were always on the forefront of being environmentally friendly. Pitching truck loads of Medex covered with paint, many with Manetti double thickness 23K leaf on letters and borders was a huge waste. Luckily all signs did not fail at the same time but basically about three to five years from original install date they were ready for replacement we were able to spread the financial and labor hit out over a four to five year period which kept us solvent and able to pay our bills.

This is how the Roseburg still leads in with their description of their product: "Medex® is a sustainable, moisture resistant, medium density fiberboard (MDF) panel utilizing a synthetic resin system and pre-consumer recycled wood fiber. Medex® is engineered for interior high moisture areas in non-structural applications and is used in place of sanded plywood or solid wood. With the versatility of a superior composite wood panel and the enhancement of indoor air quality, Medex® has been specify ied in hundreds of commercial, institutional and conservator projects since the 1980s. Manufactured in Medford, OR. Medex® is a sustainable, moisture resistant, medium density f iberboard (MDF) panel utilizing a synthetic resin system and pre-consumer recycled wood fiber. Medex® is engineered for interior high moisture areas in non-structural applications and is used in place of sanded plywood or solid wood. With the versatility of a superior composite wood panel and the enhancement of indoor air quality, Medex® has been specified in hundreds of commercial, institutional and conservator projects since the 1980s. Manufactured in Medford, OR." Reading the above statement there is no verbiage that warns the consumer its a water resistant interior product and not for long term outdoor use. Do not get stung with the shady wording and pay large for a sign that will not last outdoors.

Howmac Dimension Graphics advertises their Medex router cut letters in this verbiage. "Medex is a medium density fiberboard, wood-based product. It can be drilled for stud mounting and is a very practical solution for interior and exterior signage. Medex is primed and painted with an exterior water based paint. Stock thicknesses are 1/2” and 3/4”. There are still honest vendors of this product as deSIGNery Sign Company advertises their Medex letters for: "Interior sign letters for props and displays" and while they are in a way a competitor since I would be hesitant to sell a set of Medex letters unless its what the client wants and is educated on the product giving them props for being honest in their marketing and not just saying sorry after taking your money when a set of letters melts outside.

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