Commercial Signage| Reflective Vinyl
February 7, 2012
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Reflective vinyl comes in many colors and grades. Typically it is used because of its visibility at night. You see it on highway signs and on emergency vehicles. It comes in rolls and can be Engineering Grade, High Density Grade or Diamond Grade Reflective. Some years ago we fabricated some yard track signs for San Francisco BART using Diamond Grade Reflective vinyl. The material was used because of its high visibility and as a safety precaution to ensure that train operators could clearly see the yard and track markings.
Often you will see reflective vinyl used on emergency vehicles mostly because of the enhanced night-time visibility. It can be cut to shape and applied to a variety of surfaces. Although it is slightly more difficult to apply than standard vinyl, its metallic base causes it to reflect light back when light hits it. Typical uses also include road and street signs, ambulances, police cars, fire trucks and the like.
The benefits of this type of material include:
• Enhanced night time visibility
• Long lasting durability
• Suitability for parking structures and poorly lit places
• Well suited for tractor trailers/night time driving
Although the material is slightly more expensive standard vinyl the benefits outweigh the additional cost. If you have an application that calls for reflective vinyl, or for that matter reflective aluminum sheeting contact SignWorks at (510) 357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com.
Commercial Signage| Non-Glare Acrylic & Fire Safety
January 31, 2012
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At SignWorks we have done our fair share of evacuation maps and other fire safety signs. We have learned over the years to double check the materials from our plastics vendor to ensure that we use only non-glare acrylic cover lens when we fabricate evacuation maps. It is crucial that the cover lens of the map not be distorted by sunlight or glare which would hinder the occupant, in the event of a fire, from existing the building quickly and safely. We were told by our local fire department that when firefighters shine their lights onto an evacuation map in a darkened or smoke filled building, that the non glare acrylic becomes critically important.
Most fire department’s call for the use of non-glare acrylic cover lens and for the specific placement of evacuation maps at exit doors and elevators, so that the exit routes are clearly marked and easy to interpret. The size of the maps may vary depending on the particular jurisdiction of the fire department, even within the Bay Area. Most of our recent evacuation map projects are fabricated using a “second surface” process where the print is mounted from the rear of the acrylic using an optically clear adhesive. This makes for a very professional looking finish.
When you are considering the purchase of fire safety signs and/or evacuation maps, be careful to select a company that is familiar with the guidelines and the appropriate materials and fabrication processes. For more information and advice about this topic or to request an estimate on an upcoming project, contact SignWorks at (510) 357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com.
Commercial Signage| Metal Plaque & Exterior Aluminum Signs
January 25, 2012
Typically when you hear metal plaque, you may think of bronze metal signs that you find on the walls of the city hall or in the lobby of a big building. In actuality metal plaques can be used both outside and inside any building. For instance SignWorks was able to complete a project which included aluminum plaques for a medical facility/middle school.
Vandalism of signage is all too common when signs are installed on the outside of facilities which is why the architects for this project specified aluminum room signs and exit signs be placed on all exterior door locations. Although there is no such thing as an anti -vandalism signs these routed aluminum plaques are routed out of a solid piece of 1/2” thick aluminum which is effective in preventing anyone from prying off the letters. The powder coated paint also helps if anyone marks-up the sign because industrial cleaning supplies will not wear or fade the color. So if you are interested in metal plaques or a quote on any other signage please contact us at (510) 357-2000 or e-mail us at info@signworks.us.com.
Commercial Signage| Illuminated Channel Letters
January 18, 2012
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Illuminated channel letters are a very common sign type and are used by many retail chains. They consist of a dimensional letter, shape or logo, which is fabricated out of sheet metal with an outer acrylic face. Basically they are individual letter shaped boxes that contain a lighting element behind them that is either neon tubing or LED. The fact that they “light up” makes them highly visible and therefore very effective outdoor signs.
Various methods of illumination allow the letters to be front lit, reverse lit and both front and back lit. The type of lighting will produce different lighting effects. For example a reverse channel letter means the space “behind” the letter is lit making the letter appear to glow instead of light shining through the letter itself.
Illuminated channel letters are used on a variety of buildings, at shopping centers, by retail and grocery outlets and by banks, churches and schools. They are used to create professional looking signage that is versatile and will stand out, especially at night. It is very important to maintain your illuminated channel letters in a good working state. Avoid burnt out letters and the awkward spelling errors created by poor sign maintenance as this sends the wrong message to potential customers.
For more information on illuminated channel letters or to discuss and upcoming channel letter project, give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com.
Commercial Signage| Pan Faces, A Tutorial
January 9, 2012
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Just the other day I listened in on a tutorial about pan face signs and decided I would add my two cents in describing what they are and how they are used. They can be fabricated using .050, .063 or .080 aluminum sheeting panels. The signs will have a lid like appearance where the outer 1.5” to 2” edge has been bent in a 45 degree angle to form a lid-like shape. It makes the sign, when seated against a wall, appear to be 1.5” to 2” thick. Mounting is generally hidden behind the sign and the corners can rounded vs. squared to add a different effect.
Another type of pan face sign is vacuum formed plastic which is used frequently at gas stations. Flat plastic sheets are heated in large ovens. A vacuum process pulls the heated plastic over a mold to form the plastic sign face. In this process text and graphics can be added or painted onto the back of the pan (second surface mounted) or vinyl can be added to the outward facing, first surface.
In both cases dimensional lettering and graphics can be added to the pan face to create a bold multi-dimensional look that stands out. The decorative appearance makes them an excellent alternative to flat faced signs. They can also be used as reader boards or by adding tracks, used with changeable letter signs like those used to change gas prices.
If you would like to explore options for your next sign or would like more information on this topic, give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com.
Commercial Signage|Leung Attorneys Project Update
January 3, 2012
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We just completed a lobby sign for Leung Attorneys At Law and we’re very pleased with the result. There is something about brushed aluminum lobby signs that conveys both style and class. The pictured sign was created using a machine engraving process where aluminum sheeting had been applied to an acrylic blank. The lettering and symbols were created by routing away the metallic sheeting to reveal the black under surface of the acrylic. The end product is an expensive looking lobby sign that was produced at an affordable price point
When you are working on a project, especially if there are budget constraints, it’s good to explore the many alternatives available. If you let us know your budget we can help by making suggestions and recommendations that will get you just the “look” you want at an affordable price. We can work with you so that you understand all your signage and pricing options. If you or your colleagues are in the market for a new or updated logo or lobby sign, give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com.
Commercial Signage|Lowell Middle School Project Update
December 29, 2011
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We are celebrating the completion of a major signage project which involved working closely with our builder friends at Corbin Building and Arntz Builders. The process began several months ago when we were asked to bid on the signage aspects of the project by yet another builder, FOCON. As it turned out Corbin Building was brought in as a subcontractor and subsequently brought in SignWorks to work on supplying the signage for the entire project. There were several stages to this project including working on the submittals and providing samples of each specific sign type.
This large scale sign project involved working with several other vendors to match the specifications provided by the school district’s architect of record, LCA Architects. Because the project included specialty ADA signage which would need to be routed to accommodate recessed lettering as well as other specialized processes, the effort required very specialized project management skills. The large sign quantities, for example 216 room signs, and the degree of custom fabrication for both the ADA signs, dimensional letters and plaques, meant keeping track of multiple vendors, processes and shipment dates. Not to mention keeping everyone informed of the project milestones and expected delivery dates.
Though the project quantities and signage details varied from the original documentation, SignWorks was extremely pleased to have been included in the project and given the opportunity to work with such a wonderful team of building contractors and architects! We welcome the opportunity to do more of this type of large scale signage work.
If you are a building contractor looking for an experienced signage vendor capable of supplying a variety of sign types for school and college building renovation projects, then contact SignWorks at (510) 357-2000 or email us at info@signworks.us.com. We welcome the opportunity to work with you too!
Commercial Signage| Holiday Street Banners
December 23, 2011
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Well the Holidays are definitely upon us and all those parties and special events are filling everyone’s calendars. A recent project is very near and dear to our hearts and involves one of our favorite non-profits who needed a street banner in a hurry! The organization had been working with the City of San Leandro to ensure that the new street banner announcing the festive performance of, “A Christmas Carol, The Musical,” being performed at the San Leandro Arts Education Center, complied with local sign ordinances.
Like many cities there are guidelines which govern the size and method of attachment for banners which extend across city streets. In this case the 4 foot by 25 foot banner had rope/webbing extending 25 additional feet on each end, from both the top and bottom of the banner. Venting slits are also a crucial aspect of the design and ensuring that the banner isn’t blown away by excessive winds.
These festive street sized banners are excellent tools for garnering visibility on highly trafficked city streets. They are especially prevalent for special events, including fun festivals, Art & Wine Events, Concerts and the like. They can be used to promote both summer and holiday season events. If you, your church, or other organization is looking for ways to promote an upcoming event, a street banner might be a useful high visibility tool you should consider.
For these and other highly visible signage products and options, contact SignWorks at (510) 357-2000 or send us an email at info@signworks.us.com.
Commercial Signage| Maintaining Your Electrical Sign
December 16, 2011
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You paid a lot for your electrical sign so maintaining it in prime operating condition is a smart idea. Maintaining your sign so that the back lit letters or the entire area of the sign’s box cabinet is evenly lit is very important. It communicates that you value your business and its appearance. Often we are asked to update a sign because to ownership has changed or something needs to be removed or added to the sign. It is at these times that we may notice that a bulb needs to be replaced or that the sign is in need of some other type of servicing. Often, these minor corrections or maintenance items have gone unnoticed because a fresh set of eyes was needed. We become immune to what we have not noticed, but our customers are not as forgiving.
To neglect obvious repairs is a huge mistake because customers can take this to mean that you don’t maintain other aspects of your business in optimal condition as well. The implications can include that your workmanship may be shoddy or not up to par when compared to other vendors. A clean well lit sign says that you are serious about your business and the products and services you offer!
If you are considering changes to your existing electrical or back lit sign or lettering, give SignWorks a call at (510) 357-2000 or send us an email at info@signworks.us.com. We’re happy to lend you our expertise!
Commercial Signage| Project Update – Junior & Nic’s Garage
November 25, 2011
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Since the invention of large format printers that can print and cut vinyl, digitally printed vinyl graphics have revolutionized the sign industry. A project we recently completed was for a local auto body shop that was interested in a store front sign. The owner of the business was not interested in banners or any temporary signs because he wanted a permanent sign for his building. We suggested that he apply his logo on an aluminum sign face and directly attach that to his store front. He mentioned that he deals with metal fabrication and will provide the material and install it himself. In addition to the building sign he ordered another over-sized print for his store window. Once he gave us his logo in a digital image file (EPS) we loaded his graphics and printed them. The final step once they were laminated and reloaded back into the printer, was to contour cut the finished logo print. Our client was very pleased with the vibrant colors and quality of the prints.
If you are interested in over-sized digital prints or would like a quote on any other type of signage please contact us at (510) 357-2000 or e-mail us at: orders@signworks.us.com
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