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Wow, 40ft square... Impressive! 

Not sure if this will be much help, but here are some thoughts:

I like the etching idea... How about sandblasting the smooth surfaces after
etching to make it slip resistant?  Perhaps use a different material such as
Trex plastic lumber.  Consider going 3D (smooshed in the z-direction) and
carve it out with a CNC router.  

Also check out colored concrete: http://www.terrazzo.com/ 
Or consider a stone or tile mosaic.

-Eric
Exhibit Developer
The Children's Museum of New Hampshire



-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ric Ambrose
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:41 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ISEN] What is the best material for "sidewalk" graphic?

ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
****************************************************************************
*

Hi Everyone

The Lawrence Hall of Science will embark on phase II of Forces that  
Shape the Bay outdoor exhibition. The centerpiece of Phase II is a 40  
by 40 foot map of the San Francisco Bay on the northeast plaza. The  
Map will be a high-res satellite image of the entire bay area mounted  
or adhered to a six-inch concrete slab that the public will walk over  
and discover familiar geographic locations and fault lines.  We have  
obvious concern with the durability of most outdoor graphic materials  
that can not withstand fluctuating temperatures, moisture/humidity  
conditions and discoloration over a long period of time. Our desire  
is to find a material that could survive five or more years and then  
be replaced with an more advanced or improved material.

We are exploring one source that meets our initial specs but has only  
a 3- month warranty. It is a 3-M product- 3648 Floorminder laminate  
with a 3662-10 Sidewalk Floor Minder adhesive (the adhesive is made  
to be safely removed but there lies the problem with durability).  It  
is a people- texture laminate vinyl that is heat mounted to virtually  
any surface. It is a common product used in the Entertainment  
industry but generally displayed for less than a year. Is anyone  
familiar with this material or has used it and did it meet your  
expectations? We have explored laser-etched imagery on black granite  
but concerns were with its lack of slip-resistant on large smoothed  
areas, color range,  heat absorption and believe it or not- buildup  
of abrasions. And finally, are there other materials that we should  
consider that can capture a high-res imagery and resist wear and tear  
over a prolong period of time?  I appreciate your thoughts, comments  
and input.

All the Best,


Ric Ambrose
Project Manager
Lawrence Hall of Science

Email:  [log in to unmask]
Phone: 510-643-3869
Fax:	    510-642-1055

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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

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