Corrugated plastic concern

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Framar

Framar

WOW Framer
Joined
Jul 24, 2001
Posts
26,421
Loc
Buffalo, New York, USA/Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
I have become a huge fan of corrugated plastic lately, and I am so happy to be able to obtain it easily (and cheaply!). I saw it being used at the AGO or the ROM in Toronto 15 years ago and hunted for it of and on over the years.

Well, today I encountered a piece of very degraded corrugated plastic in the form of a window sign in a local store. The middle of the top of the sign was in shreds. It was as fragile as an eggshell. I was able to break off 1/8th inch chunks.

This sign had been in a south window for 5 years. So it has gotten full sun, with no UV shielding all this time. This has me worried. I realize that there are different kinds of corrugated plastic on the market, and this sign was subjected to conditions that the average framed item will (hopefully) never encounter.

Am I just being paranoid to worry about putting this stuff into frames? If it can degrade into a friable condition so rapidly....

Please, someone, set my mind at ease!!! Many thanks.
 
Hi Framar -

Don't worry, be happy ;) . Coroplast is not stable to UV, but this is not a problem with storage boxes and backing boards. I love it too. I've used Coroplast for at least 15 years, and my own collection (boxed and framed) is fine. I also used a sheet to bolster up my compost pile (another story) and yes, it cracked and shredded and splintered in a couple of years of outdoor (light) exposure. Just the nature of the beast. It really is ok - CCI says so !!

Rebecca
 
Thank you Rebecca!!! I was really concerned! You are an angel!!!
 
How does Coroplast compare to Bainbridge's and Crescent's corrugated boards?
 
Originally posted by FramingFool:
BTW, if the UV issue still bothers you, Coroplast is available in a UV-immune version.
Click to expand...
I believe the UV inhibitors found in some types of Coloplast may present chemical problems of their own in a framing package. They are un-needed since the material is not exposed to the light.

The UV inhibitors are intended for sign-making applications - especially the exterior ones. I believe this is the primary intended purpose for Coroplast.
 
Most UV inhibitors are large molecules and, thus,
are not likely to come out of the plastic and
into the surrounding material. A more pressing
issue with signage grade polypropylene double-
wall board is the presence of anti-oxidants.
These are smaller molecules and more likely to
exit the plastic. By now, most preservation suppliers have "archival"=no additives boards
of that sort. Whether their extra cost is justifiable for ordinary jobs is an open issue.
Back mats that absorb organic pollution may
handle any anti-oxidant donated by the signage
grade board.

Hugh
 
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