Home > Materials We Use >  Duro-Tek & Strato-Tek Duro-Tek & Strato-Tek (HDPE)   (Scroll to bottom to see examples.) Duro-Tek Duro-Tek is our trade name for High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) sheets. This wonderful material is commonly used on yachts due to its resistance to sun and salt water damage. It is extremely durable. Any graffiti sprayed on it is easily removed. The colors hold up very well. Click on the photo at right to see close-ups of the Texture! Available in 1/4", 1/2", 3/4" and 1” thickness. Currently available in black, white, some grays and off-whites, tan, and a few basic colors: blue, green, yellow, orange and red. It’s even recyclable!

Strato-Tek Strato-Tek is our trade name for High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) sheets that have been manufactured in layers (strata). These layers are not laminated; the material is actually cast in layers, so there is no worry about de-lamination. Strato-Tek is an excellent choice for pools, parks, spas, etc. Currently available in 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4" thicknesses.         Currently available in: Tan/Green/Tan;  Brown/White/Brown Black/White/Black;   White/Black/White Blue/White/Blue;  White/Blue/White Green/White/Green;  White/Green/White Red/White/Red;  White/Red/White  and Others

Advantages & Disadvantages Advantages Durability:  This material was developed to be UV Stable and to hold up under harsh conditions.  That's why it is so popular with Yacht Manufacturers. Price:  Duro-Tek and Strato-Tek Signs are surprisingly affordable.  The material is not all that inexpensive (the price is strongly affected be oil prices).  But it IS very easy to machine once you get  the hang of it.  A big savings comes when you factor in the fact that these products do not need to be painted.  Not only does this save money on the initial production of your sign, it also saves in the long run from not having to be RE-painted in the future. Nothing Sticks To It:  This material is actually slippery and so is very easy to clean.  Even grafiti from spray cans of paint can be cleaned off.  This slipperiness also makes the material suitable for use with food.    Disadvantages Limited Color Selection:  Even though the selection is small, if you need Black or White Letters, the Duro-Tek may be an excellent choice. Nothing Sticks To It:  As noted above, this is an advantage but it also places some limits on its uses.  For example, it cannot be painted so we are stuck with whatever colors it is manufactured in.  Also, glue does not stick to it so the letters must be Stud-Mounted. Special Note: Since Letra-Tek is a Leader and Inovator, we have developed techniques to overcome some of the limitations of Duro-Tek and Strato-Tek.  For example, we have ways of inlaying into this material.  Possible combinations include: Contrasting colors of Duro-Tek (As in the photo at the top of the page.) Acrylic Inlays (These Inlays can be Painted or Digitally Printed.) Chemetal Inlays  (Once again, these Inlays can include other graphics.)

Click on a photo to get a larger view with descriptions.