From: Skistz@aol.com
Date: Fri, 12 May 2000 03:37:59 EDT
Subject: Re: SDS Outside
To: angie@thepartywizards.com, balloondeco@balloonhq.com

I have received a few questions about using SDS out side so I am posting the 
response to the list if anyone else had similar concerns.

<< I have been admiring your work for some time now.  I am quoting for a job 
that will use SDS panels and spell out a company name.  The job is outside on 
June 4 for a major bike race and I need your help.  I am familiar with SDS 
but have never actually used it.  I took a class at Ballooniversity last year.

What kind of balloons should I use?  I am thinking about micro-foil that will 
last outside better. I really need your advice on how this can work 
effectively.

They don't want it too big, probably 6' x 4' but I need to work out the 
letter size.  The name of the company is ______.com. 
 >>
 
Foils are a good bet, but latex should make the day also if they are a light 
color.
SDS Flex-frame could do the trick outside also, if properly braced, with the 
latex alternative but I presume you are  talking about SDS quick-frame.
Taking the size of your wall into consideration, I really don't think trying 
to create the logo out of balloons would either be practical or actually look 
very good!
I would suggest 2 alternatives:
    1.  Replicate 2 logos out of foamcore or sign transfers to fit on 2 
separate foam   core or coreplast panels that would fit inside the wall, 
upagainst the steel, back to    back.  Thus creating a 2 sided sign (which 
should make the client happy!)  The panel   should be designed in 6     inch 
increments, i.e. 12 in.     by 60 inch., 18in. by 48 in. etc.   These 
dimensions relate to the grid format of SDS.
    The rest of the SDS panel gets packed with balloons.
    2.  Recreate the logos out of Foamcore large enough to bridge the spaces    
between the high points on the  balloons (when they are packed into the grid).
    Stick the letters directly onto the balloons wherever the letters touch 
the balloons.
    This is a little harder to do, particularly if the letters are not large. 
 If you like, you   could put smaller foils on the lettering to incorporate 
the balloon look.
    3. Combine options

Now, standing your sign up...  if it is on a vertical format it will be 
higher and thus more in line with the publics sight, but the sign will be 
smaller, and it will also be harder to freestand if there is wind. 
Horizontally would probably make the client happier since the sign could be 
larger but to raise it higher you need stout poles secure bases, unless you 
create a sandwich board effect by doubling the amount of grid you are using 
and creating a rigid connection between the base of each wall making an "A" 
frame structure.  This would also work well with the vertical format.  
There are a ton of solutions to the problem most of which deal with weight, 
secure bases, some physics, some experience and a lot of luck outdoors!
Hope I have been of some assistance,
Jim