Painting/Top Coat FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q. Do all Photopolymer signs require a top coat?
A. 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)

Q. What type of paint can I use?
A. Nova recommends using an automotive grade acrylic polyurethane, ie. Matthews acrylic polyurethane or equivalent.

Q. How thick do I apply the paint or clear coat layer?
A. According to Matthews Paint Company, it is specified that clear coats and/or paints should have the same amount of coating (4 mil wet/2mil dry)

Q. 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?
A. 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.