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How to turn your photos into metal and canvas prints

We have all seen the prize-winning photos in galleries and museums, but know that they probably cost a lot of money to produce professionally. Printed canvas roll, ready to frame or stretch on a frame. We also know that we have, or a friend, partner or lover has a wonderful photo that would be as good or better than the stuff we've seen hanging and with huge price tags... So how do we have a glass, metal or canvas framed print for ourselves, or to give as a one-of-a-kind gift? You need to have some basics down first, then I'll share how easy it is to get it printed. The Basics: Whether you're familiar with photoshop or not, it doesn't really matter here. So here are some very basic Dos and Don'ts for a superior print and for best results. Don't: Whatever format your photo is in, do not alter or change it and save it as a jpeg/jpg file. Why not? Because jpeg/jpg files are what are referred to as "lossy" format files. That's to say t...

Flags/Banners for City Display and Cross-Street Hanging

What are "City Flags and Banners" about? You may have seen them- the flags and banners adorning certain cities when you visit; the colorful banners draw attention to the high quality of life and to cultural celebrations and events by adding a splash of color. The banners that cross over the street may also announce an upcoming event or festival. Here are the different popular kinds available. The Cross-Street banners typically are suspended from an existing cable suspended far above the Cross-street banners attach to existing steel cables set up by the city traffic on busy boulevards. These are generally 3-4 feet tall by 20, 30 or 40 feet wide and contain information about an annual celebration, an upcoming event or even fundraisers. These must meet certain municipal criterion and start at around $700 and up, depending on the size and configuration. Municipal requirements usually include wind slits, extra heavy fabric, extra-strong hemming with nylon webbing (if r...

Window Cling and Static Cling Signs. What are they?

Meet the Storefront Retailer's BFF— the Window Cling Sign! Printed on clear static cling Printed on white static cling Your customers may find that window cling signage gets them in the door with a whole new way to see your messages. At least if your doors are glass. If not, window cling signage is perfect for...well...windows. These signs are custom printed for you and work on the inside or the outside of windows (and glass doors!). The signs are printed on white and clear backgrounds and in custom contour shapes to enhance their attention-getting powers. Like superpowers, right? Who wouldn't mind having a few extra super powers? Window Static Cling signs are easy to remove and so affordable that you can place them in different spots around the store and order new ones just for special offers, sales and events. You can stick it where   your customers can see it. On your windows! (And don't forget the doors). We offer Custom Printed Window Clings made on...

Concrete letter casting basics

This is a beginner's guide to the basics of casting concrete   For specific details, search online for how to create concrete casting forms. To cast concrete with lettering and a logo if desired, you need a form, concrete and letters. The form can be on a flat surface, into which you can pour your concrete, or the form can be erect with a bottom, sides, a front and a back. Be sure to mix sufficient smooth concrete so that a spill or leak won't scuttle your casting pour. Stir and poke the concrete to reduce incidence of air pockets. For the sake of simplicity, this article focuses on using a flat form or pan for making pavers. After deciding on the form or pan shape and size, follow the basic preparation instructions. I Reverse-cast metal letters with a 7-degree draft for casting f you're casting pavers , especially those with a pattern, design or wording combination, you'll likely want to have a reusable form with multiple-use letters. Letters made to be ...

Business and Wall Letter Selection Guide

What kinds of letters are there? Metal: Foundry cast letters,  Flat metal cut letters. Fabricated lighted and plain letters  All are available in custom paint or metals: Aluminum, stainless steel, brass and copper finishes. Plastics: Heat molded letters, Injection molded letters, Molded lighted letters, Flat cut acrylic, Metal film laminated letters Economy : Painted foam letters Metal laminated flat-cut foams What's the best letter to use for my building, monument sign or inside lobby wall? In the past, letter materials had a lot of impact on the cost of the letters. Today with modern tech and recycling, we've been able to significantly reduce waste so many of the letters are similarly priced and warranted for life with the exception of the lighted letters. So if you want a specific "look", that will determine the materials you order. We're available to answer your questions in basic and detailed technical specificati...

Crafts + DIY: How to Cover over Awnings with our DuraStik Self-Adhesive Fabric

Wait, what? Covering over Awnings can be simple Craft ideas below   So what's the scope of this #DIY craft project? We're going to go over how you can cover an awning that may have out-of-date writing on it to update the business name and information. To repair a tear on an awning tent or sail, jacket, canopy or flag, look here. You can cover over old names and information with DuraStik Why would you need to cover an awning? In the "old days", awnings were decorated with a special paint. The paint won't come off, so the best practice is to cover over with more pain- which can look pretty tacky if it's not done right. Modern awnings may be painted or if they're back-lighted, may have an area where light from behind passes thru the letters. This is called an eradicable awning. How can you use DuraStik self-adhesive woven fabrics? • When you're moving into a new store with an awning, • If the information on your awning is out of date, a...

Tricks and Tips for covering up old awnings

DIY Craft Project: How to add your name to old awnings and cover over previous names, and repair sails, tents and more. This is a practical Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Guide on covering over old awnings, covering old business names and adding your own, or repairing canopies, tents, sails and covers. What is the purpose of this article? We're going to look at low-cost options that may save you hundreds of dollars over replacing an old awning. We'll also cover how to cover up old business names on awnings, repair smaller non-structural tears, and even repair tents, sails and pop-up canopies! Where do I start? For the purpose of clarity, I'll refer to awnings, but this also works to apply in general to tents, canopies, sails, sport team uniforms and to just about any woven fabrics. Will it work on my fabric? Before going any further, you'll need to see if your fabric (awning, tent, jacket, sail, anything) has been treated with silicone, as nothing will stick perman...