Signs & Methodology

What are the Pros and Cons of using  Sign Frames v. Self-Adhesive Graphics ? You may be just starting out or a seasoned graphics, sign or marketing pro, so if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below. First, the basics. Outside bus and transit advertising is generally divided into one of two types : Self-adhesive graphics printed on vinyl, or printed signs on rigid panels in a sign frame. Whoa- aren't sign panels and frames from the 1960s? If Ad Frames are so "60s" why would anyone want to use sign frames? Yes, metal sign frames have been a low-tech solution used on city buses and trolleys since the 1960s- that's half a century ago.  Full-wrap graphics WITH a changeable frame Here are the pros and cons of these two ad systems. Self-adhesive graphics: This is usually printed vinyl with a removable adhesive backing Pro: May be applied to almost any smooth and clean non-porous surface. Surfaces must be non-porous beca...

All about replacement sign faces ...or how to choose the right plastic front for your broken sign. You're here because your sign is broken or you want to replace the "face", and need to know how to do it and what it may cost. Let's start with this; we will determine the basic different kinds of sign faces available. This will save a lot of time and unnecessary costs later on. To make it easier to decide if you can do the project yourself, I'm adding an aptitude scale to the projects. The aptitude scale is from 1 to 10. 1 requires little or no training and 10 is for highly-skilled pros.  Kinds of faces: Signs need to have the same kind of "sign face" to replace the existing faces in order to fit well. A portable economy sign with thin, flexible letters and track and a wavy face needs a wavy face replacement. It's not easy to modify the parts that hold the sign face in place if you get the wrong replacements. The wavy economy faces are ...

You probably are looking to order a sign, and have some reasonable doubt as to how effective it will be to spend a lot of money on a sign, or to buy the cheapest sign you can find. In a nutshell, here are the rules for Making Your Signs Count. The Three Zones The First Rule of Sign Legibility What exactly are The Three Zones ? Simply put, they are the signs on stores everywhere, divided into who can see them. Do you know the times you're driving around looking for a store you haven't seen before? You're looking for a sign in Zone 3 , the upper part of the store which is visible from a moving car. When you're walking in a parking lot of a strip mall, or walking across the street from the store you seek, you're looking at Zone 2 on the storefront. The Zone 3 is too high and Zone 1 is too low to see generally. Have you ever seen a person walking down the street and craning to look up to find the name of the store s/he's in front of? That's a perso...

 Details below. I want to put lettering or a logo on my awning What do I need to know? Important to test first : Find out what kind of material was used in making your awning  In the 20th century, awnings were predominantly made of a vinyl or fabric material. You need to determine which kind of awning material you have before you proceed, so you can order the right products from us. The lettering and logos are all custom made to order, so let's get it right the first time. If you have doubt as to the kind of material , ask the awning installer (usually has a label on the inside of the awning) or send us a clear focused close-up photo so we may be able to tell you what we think it is. Once we make custom awning lettering, they're not returnable, so check first (we'll help). My awning has letters on it already- How do I cover it up? REVISED JUNE 2014 Finding the best way to cover up existing lettering depends on the kind of awning material ou have. If it's fabric, you ca...

How do I find out what kind of signs I need? There are so many kinds of signs, from the most elaborate video displays in Las Vegas, to the humble Yard Sign. Sorting signs by category will help. Here are some questions to help you decide what kind of signs you need. Is it an interior sign or exterior sign? Examples of interior signs:  Directories and Lobby Signs, Door Panels, Memorial Plaques, Wall Graphics, Lighted Signage, Hanging Department Signs, Hospital Markings, Window Signs, Window Lettering, Magnetic Menu Boards, Imprinted Table Cloths and much more. See examples of lobby sign frames here Examples of exterior signs: Sidewalk Sign Lighted Business Letters, Free Standing Marquee Signs, Las Vegas-Style Video Panels, Awning Lettering, Side-of-Bus or Truck Signs and Sign Frames, Lighted Sign Panels, Pylon Signs for Multiple Business Listings, Bus Stop Signs & Parking Signs, Construction Zone Signs, Traffic, Highway and D.O.T. Signage, Airport Concourse Signs, Changeable Bann...

Yes, you can put wording on awnings. You can add a company name, you can add product descriptions, and now you can even add a color logo to an awning. Sometimes the best, longest lasting solution may be to have a new awning fabric made exactly as you want it. More about that later, as it is the most expensive option. Kinds of awning fabrics Most common in recent years is the upscale SunBrella and similar types If your awning already has wording on it, you'll need to cover the wording first. How to cover existing awning wording Most people use paint made for the particular fabric type that the awning is made of.

There are fewer places you can advertise due in part to tough new laws restricting sign space and size. Few laws currently address advertising on your store awning (check with your local municipal laws). What are the options? Each has pros and cons. Get a new awning - this is very expensive but looks great. Cons: Can't be changed. Prices usually start around $800. Get a sign painter - this is as good as the talent of the painter. Cons: Too bad if they're not able to do a good job for you. May cost $200 and up. Order and install fabric Awning Letters - Looks professional. Cons: You may need help to install or to hire a local sign person to apply for you. Price depends on the letter size and how many you order, averaging about $100 and up. Available at LetterBank online. Have a custom banner made , the same size as the part of the awning you want to advertise on. Cons: Many laws exist regarding use of banners, but I can help you to make the banner look more like your awning! Let...