Talk about a jigsaw puzzle! This project was definitely one of the most unique projects we have taken on. The fun part was that the customer knew what they wanted and it was up to us to figure out how to give them that. Three different layers of acrylic, translucent vinyl, 2 stage standoffs, and a UV printer and we were all set!
One of the first difficulties was how to produce a colored background with the ASGCT logo in a manner that it was visible across all the panels. Most of the panels were different colors and layered at a different level. So we started with clear acrylic. On each one we took a piece of translucent vinyl and printed a portion of the logo based on where the piece was located. Then, depending on the color, we either printed a lighter version of the host color vinyl or a darker color. On the face of the acrylic panels we used a UV printer and printed the verbiage on the face of the panels. This allowed the information to be easily readable and made the background color contrast with the words. The wall color added even more contrast to the overall design. Next we had to build a 3 dimensional map so we could determine each pieces location and the height of that panel. It required that we determined an exact height, location, and text with background prior to placing the piece. We then had to determine the height of the standoffs. Was it a two tier? Maybe a three? Each corner had to match up with another panel and in a couple of cases, the corner overlapped another panel. When this happens, we have to determine how to connect the overlapped panels. In a few cases, we had to drill an additional hole in the back panel. In a couple, we had to drill an additional hole through both panels.
Once we had the layout of all the panels and the correct height and location of the standoffs, we had to place the background print. The companies logo is printed on translucent vinyl. We started setting the color of the logo at +5% of the host color. Unfortunately, 5% wasn’t enough. At about 20% we found a good balance between color and contrast. This percentage was consistent across all of the background color and really popped with the red background color.
On the day of installation, we got to put the jigsaw puzzle together. The majority of our time was spent on placing the very first panel because all the other panels were located based on the position from the main panel. Each piece went together with little effort other than keeping finger prints off of the acrylic. Our total installation time was just under 5 hours with two installers working the install.
If you have the need of a custom wall sign for your business, whether you have the design or just an idea, Optimum Signs can help. We offer complete design, manufacturing and installation services to businesses in the metro Milwaukee area. Please give us a call at 262.289.9481 or email us at info@optimumsignswi.com. We would love to help you with your project.
