Southern California Sign Blog

Los Angeles Signs | Acrylic Signs of All Kinds.................

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Wed, Nov 30, 2011 @ 06:11 AM

Acrylic Signs

Acrylic signs are made of an extremely versatile plastic sheet with a glossy finish, which is also known as Plexiglas®. Acrylic is the perfect choice when you want signs with a sophisticated, high-tech look. Highly durable and available in a variety of colors, acrylic is often used for illuminated, architectural, tradeshow and point-of-purchase signs.

Acrylic Letters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acrylic Sign Applications

This plastic product can be heated to form many shapes. Use it to create:

  Boxes
  Brochure holders
  Signs and easels, all-in-one
  Point-of-purchase products
  Menu boards
  Tradeshow exhibits
  Retail signs
  Restaurant signs
  Nameplates and name badges
  Directional and informational signs
  Showroom signs
  Office building signs

Acrylic Sign Ideas

Increase the visual effectiveness of your acrylic signs by:

  Adding stripes and borders
  Applying multiple lettering colors
  Incorporating a logo or graphic symbol
  Using multiple layers of acrylic to enhance the image
  Creating a three-dimensional effect - giving the perception of
     depth to the finished product - using clear acrylic and applying
     a background color to the reverse side
  Designing custom applications
  Using bent easels
  Using non-glare acrylic to reduce glare problems

Acrylic Sign Sample Ideas

Installation

Acrylic signs may be displayed in several ways:

  Self-supporting (bent easel)
  Hanging
  Using Velcro®
  Gluing
  Using double-sided tape
  Applying suction cups

Care

  Do not leave acrylic in direct sun or in a hot car; it may bow or
     bend if not laying flat
  Handle acrylic signs with care because acrylic scratches easily
     and can shatter or chip upon impact
  Use acrylic signs for long-term indoor use or for short-term outdoor
     use in areas protected by overhangs or awnings.
     (This does not apply to acrylic used in light box signs)

Sign products and materials may vary by location.

If you have any questions or need further information, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or visit our website at www.signstudiola.com – You can also reach us by e-mail at info@signstudiola.com

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Acrylic Sample Colors

Topics: Signs, dimensional letters, Acrylic Signs, Acrylic Sign Faces

Los Angeles Signs | Affordable Real Estate Signs

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Mon, Nov 28, 2011 @ 06:11 AM

Real Estate Signs 

Stand out in a sea of properties with full-color real estate signs from The Sign Studio.

Whether you are in a thriving metropolis or small town, the real estate market is extremely competitive. We can assist you in attracting potential home or commercial real estate buyers with an array of on-premise signage.

Open House and For Sale Banners

Attract attention from down the street or around the corner with full-color open house and For Sale banners. Our affordable banners come in any size you need and a variety of attention grabbing colors. Custom Banners can be hung from the front of your available property, or feather banners can easily be positioned along sidewalks and in front yards to lead people in your direction. Full-color banners can be placed inside the property to provide potential buyers with easy to read descriptions and images of property rooms.

Freestanding Frames

The most common of our real estate signage products, freestanding frames are easy to transport and are reusable. Realtors are able to choose from a variety of materials – with coroplast being our most inexpensive and aluminum being our most durable - for the actual property information and contact information. Our freestanding frames come in various sizes and configurations to fit one sign or real estate sign, rider and brochure box.

Yard Signs

Want to direct traffic to your open house? Coroplast, or corrugated plastic yard signs, are affordable enough to buy multiple signs and stick them on every block to direct potential home buyers to your property. You can even write temporary addresses on the sign that can easily be removed or covered up for your next property.

Vehicle Graphics

Want to attract future clients? Take your message to the streets with full-color vehicle graphics. No matter what your budget is, we can transform your vehicle into a moving billboard that garners thousands of impressions per mile driven.

In addition to those listed above, The Sign Studio has been offering clients signage packages that magically transform many real estate transactions from “For Sale” to “Sold”! 

  • A-Frames
  • Feather Banners
  • Freestanding Signs
  • Metal Signs
  • Plastic Signs
  • Retractable Banner Stands
  • Vehicle Graphics
  • Vehicle Lettering
  • Vehicle Wraps
  • Vinyl Banners
  • Yard Signs

If you have any questions or need further information, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or visit our website at www.signstudiola.com – You can also reach us by e-mail at info@signstudiola.com

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Real Estate Sign Images resized 600

Topics: Yard Signs, Real Estate Signs, Real Estate Frames, Open House and For Sale Signs

ADA SIGNS – In the Construction and Architectural Industries

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Wed, Nov 23, 2011 @ 06:11 AM

ADA SIGNS – Common use in the Construction and Architectural Industries.

The term "ADA Signs" has come into common use in the architectural, construction and signage industries with the advent of the Americans With Disabilities Act, or ADA. Unfortunately, it's a misunderstood term. Most people think it's synonymous with Braille signs. Certainly, signs with braille and raised characters are the most visible manifestation of the law requiring access to the built environment, but the sign standards in the ADA Accessibility Guidelines, or ADAAG, require much more than just braille and raised characters on some signs.

In general, almost every sign that would be considered an "architectural" sign must comply with one or another of the ADA Guidelines. In other words, if a sign identifies a permanent room or space of a facility, including exits, directs or informs about functional spaces of the facility, or identifies, directs to, or informs about accessible features of the facility, it must comply. Signs for advertising and marketing purposes, temporary signs, company logos and names are examples of signs or sections of signs that do not have to comply.

Although, because of the rules requiring Braille on some signs, the signage section is looked upon as benefitting persons who are blind and visually impaired, some of the sign guidelines benefit persons with mobility impairments or hearing impairments. In addition, one can say generally that easy to read and well thought out signage systems are of definite benefit to people who are deaf, have problems speaking, have cognitive disabilities or psychiatric conditions that cause them to avoid speaking to strangers.

The general rules for signage covered by the law are these: (the exact wording may be consulted on the website of the United States Access Board at http://www.access-board.gov/)

All signs must have non-glare backgrounds and characters. (Exception is for reflective parking and other traffic signs.) Glare and reflection are a major problem for persons with vision impairments, and particularly for the elderly.

All signs must have a high dark to light (or vice versa) contrast between characters and their background. The important issue is not color, but lightness and darkness. Thus, a sign with very light gray letters on a charcoal gray background would be fine, but a sign with red letters on a black background would not.

All signs must have "easy to read" typefaces. The rules are different for signs that identify rooms and spaces, and signs that direct and inform. That's because persons who are "functionally blind," that is, have no usable vision, are able to locate doors, and therefore can locate signs adjacent to doors that identify them, but have no consistent way to find directional and information signs that could be located anywhere along corridors.

Directional and informational signs can use upper and lower case letters (recommended by many experts for visual readability) and "simple" serif typefaces of a non-decorative nature. No condensed or extended typefaces are allowed. Strokes are of medium weight, not too bold or too thin. The size of the letters is dictated by the distance of the sign from the expected position of the sign reader. Signs high upon walls or overhead must have 3 inch high characters (measured by the uppercase character).

Signs that identify rooms and spaces are to be located adjacent to the door they identify so they can be located by persons who are functionally blind. For the most part, one sign is used by both tactile and visual readers, so there are compromises to assist tactile readers. However, it is possible to use two separate signs with the same information. Tactile signs require uppercase characters in sans serif typefaces. (No, Helvetica is not required, other sans-serif typefaces can be used.) The characters can be from 5/8 inch to 2 inches high. The braille must accompany the characters (usually placed below the characters) and must be Contracted Braille (formerly called Grade 2 Braille). The signs are installed 60 inches on center from the finish floor. If pictograms are used to identify the space (example: restrooms with gender pictograms), they must be in a six inch high clear field and accompanied by a tactile character and Braille label below the field.

There are four pictograms that stand for accessibility. One is the familiar International Symbol of Access, or "wheelchair symbol." It's used generally to show that persons with mobility impairments can access entrances, restrooms, or pathways. Three are specifically for persons with hearing impairments. The "ear" pictogram is the International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss, and is used to show the availability of an assistive listening system. The "keyboard" pictogram stands for a TTY or text telephone. The "phone" pictogram with sound waves stands for the availability of a volume controlled phone.

The actual standards for the signs (and most other standards used in ADA regulations and state building codes), are actually the product of the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) A117.1 Committee. This large committee is made up of a balanced group of representatives from industry, the government, disability organizations, designers, code officials, and experts. it meets in 5 year cycles to revise the last published standard. The standard is then used by the International Code Council for its model building code, and has formed the basis of the new version of the ADA Guidelines, now called the 2004 ADA/ABA and available on the website of the Access Board at http://www.access-board.gov/ They are already adopted by several federal agencies, and had been approved by the Department of Justice and were awaiting final review by the OMB when the Obama Administration came in. Ironically, although they are actually a product of the Clinton administration and have taken 8 years to make it through the Bush Administration, the Obama Administration now considers them Bush Administration regulations, and is holding them up. Therefore, they are back at the Department of Justice for a review by the new administration.

If you have any questions or need further information, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or visit our website at www.signstudiola.com – You can also reach us by e-mail at info@signstudiola.com

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ADA Sign Images

Topics: ADA Signs, Accessibility Guidelines, ADAAG, Architectural and Construction Signs

Signs Los Angeles | Interior Wall Covering and Vinyl Graphics

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 @ 06:11 AM

Interior Wall Covering

Temporary, re-positionable, or permanent wall coverings can transform ordinary walls into interior design masterpieces. 

Want to create a certain ambiance within your office easily and quickly? Are you a restaurant owner who wishes to transform your dining room into a Tuscan villa without waiting several weeks for an artist to hand paint a mural? The Sign Studio has the answer - custom printed wall coverings.  

Our vast selection of wall covering materials, including canvas, spun silk, suede, luster and plaster finishes, are eye-catching and allow for the largest possible color spectrum. We can produce true to life landscapes, photographs and art that look hand painted at a fraction of the cost and time of hand painted murals. 

No matter if you are looking for re-positionable sports figures for locker room walls or full wall murals for your office, we can provide you with the perfect solution for your business. Some businesses and associations that have installed custom wall coverings include: 

  • Advertising Agencies: Wall-size collage of favorite client projects
  • Hospitals: Transform children’s wards into fun circus and zoo     environments
  • Doctor’s Offices: Wall murals of famous gardens
  • Hotels: Full-color scenic images for their lobby
  • Office Buildings: Create custom wallpaper out of the company logo

Custom wallpaper can add sophistication and flair to an interior environment. Did we mention several of our wallpaper materials are flame retardant? Installation of flame retardant wallpaper can lower your annual insurance premiums if reported to your insurance agency. Beautiful and economical, custom wall coverings will be a “must have” interior design trend for years to come.

If you have any questions or need further information/samples, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or visit our website at www.signstudiola.com – You can also reach us by e-mail at info@signstudiola.com

Topics: Vinyl Graphics, Interior Wall Covering, Wall Designs

Signs Los Angeles | Types of Signage

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Wed, Nov 16, 2011 @ 06:11 AM

Signage is any kind of visual graphics created to display information to a particular audience. This is typically manifested in the form of wayfinding information in places such as streets or inside/outside of buildings.

Types of signage:

If you have any questions or need further information, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or visit our website at www.signstudiola.com – You can also reach us by e-mail at info@signstudiola.com

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Sign Images

Topics: Signs, Visual Graphics, Sign Displays, Wayfinding for streets and buildings

Signs Los Angeles | Indoor Vinyl Lettering & Graphics

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Mon, Nov 14, 2011 @ 06:11 AM

Indoor Vinyl Lettering & Graphics

Indoor vinyl lettering & graphics can transform ordinary office & retail spaces into sophisticated, customer enticing locations. 

The Sign Studio’s indoor vinyl lettering & graphics are not only cost effective, but easy to install.  Businesses of all sizes and types, including restaurants and retail outlets, can apply lettering and graphics to practically any surface to create an appealing environment for your clients.

Are you a business that is trying to build a sophisticated identity?  The Sign Studio’s  etched glass vinyl graphics and vinyl give the appearance of costly etched glass cubicle walls and windows at a fraction of the cost.  Etched glass can also be applied to interior office doors to direct patients and identify specific doctor's offices.  Etched glass lettering on doctor's doors can build confidence in your practice.

Interior graphics can be applied to fitness center walls to create a fun and exciting atmosphere for gym clients, while at the same time creating a distinguished brand. 

Indoor vinyl graphics can be applied to virtually any surface including:

  • Cubicle Walls
  • Floors
  • Gym Equipment
  • Tabletops & Counters
  • Walls
  • Windows

Call The Sign Studio today to discuss how custom vinyl lettering and graphics can help transform your business!

If you have any questions or need further information, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or visit our website at www.signstudiola.com – You can also reach us by e-mail at info@signstudiola.com

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Window Vinyl Window Graphics

Topics: Vinyl Lettering and Graphics, Etched Glass Vinyl, Window Lettering and Graphics

Signs Los Angeles | Design Tips For Outdoor Signs

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Wed, Nov 9, 2011 @ 06:11 AM

Design Tips For Outdoor Signs

An outdoor sign is important to any type of business. When it comes to the design of signs there are a few design tips you should keep in mind in order for your sign to be as effective as possible. Here are the top 10 design Tips for effective signage:

1. Make sure your sign is visible and legible

It is very important that the majority of people passing by your business are able to see and read your sign with ease. People are driving past your business 24 hours a day. Make sure you are getting your message across to them clearly.

2. Grab the Readers attention

Your sign should command the attention of people passing by. There should be something about your sign that makes people literally take a double take. Use large dominating text and pictorial graphics.

3. Keep things simple

Do not crowd your sign with too many words. This can make your sign very hard to read from a distance. Use as few words as possible. This is critical in order for your sign to be effective.

4. Use Technologies

Add the time and temperature to your display. You can also use an Electronic Variable Message Center. This can help make your business a community landmark. The addition of a Time and Temperature display or an Electronic Variable Message Center can make your business a landmark in your community. Using an electronic message center will give you the ability to change the message on your sign whenever you please.

5. Appeal to impulse buyers

Did you know that at least 55% of all retail sales are because of impulse buyers? Too many business owners make the mistake of thinking that a sign is just a way to identify their business.

6. Keep the sign in plain sight

Put the sign as close to the street as the law allows. You want to make sure everyone passing by sees what you have to offer.

7. Avoid obstructions

It is very important that you make sure your sign can be viewed without obstruction from any source. Get in your car and drive past your business from every angle possible. This will help you determine how visible your sign is or isn’t.

8. Make your sign memorable

The message on your sign should be easy to remember. Use pictures, slogans and anything that will make potential customers remember your products and location.

9. Avoid clutter

At least 30% of the sign’s face area should be left as white space. You don’t want to add too much to your sign. Clutter will make your message very hard to read. There must be a balance between white space and graphics and text.

10. Make it enticing

Your sign should intrigue your potential customer so much that they can’t help but stop and see what you have to offer. Be creative.

Your sign is often times considered your first impression. Make sure you keep the 10 steps above in mind when considering what message to put on your sign. You want to make sure your sign is effective.

If you have any questions or need further information, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or visit our website at www.signstudiola.com – You can also reach us by e-mail at info@signstudiola.com

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Sign Color and Visability Chart

Topics: Sign Design, Outdoor and Indoor Signs, New Signs

Signs Los Angeles | Channel Letters - Neon and LED Lighting

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Mon, Nov 7, 2011 @ 06:11 AM

Channel letters are a very professional way to identify your business. The Sign Studio produces the top quality channel letters that will give you the maximum style, clarity, and visibility for your business. Our letters are constructed from aluminum, which weathers better than sheet metal; translucent acrylic faces and a custom-formed trim cap retainer. Our channel letters are internally illuminated with your choice of neon or L.E.D. lighting.

There are several different types of channel letters. The most popular are front-lit, reverse-lit, front + reverse lit, & skeleton-lit.

Front-lit: Aluminum sides & back with acrylic faces. Projects direct light.
Reverse-lit: Aluminum sides & face, open back. Letters are stud-mounted so that the lighting element reflects off the mounting surface, giving a ‘halo’ effect to the signage.
Skeleton-lit: Aluminum sides & back with open face or clear acrylic face. These letters showcase the neon lighting element within each letter.

There are two primary installation-methods for your channel letter sign: flush mounting & raceway mounting. The methods used for your signage depends upon mounting surface, access, landlord and other criteria. Call us today at (818) 843-9200 so that we can help you determine the type of channel letter and installation method that is best for your project.

We are a fully licensed sign contractor and are able to pull the necessary permits for your installation.  We will help you from concept to finish!

If you have any questions or need further information, please visit our website at www.thesignstudola.com or send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.comYou can also reach us at (818) 843-9200. 

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Channel Letters

Topics: Channel Letters, Outdoor Signs, Back-lit and Front Lit Channel Letters

Signs Los Angeles | Do you have an ADA Custom Sign Request?

Posted by Julie and Chris Ramirez on Wed, Nov 2, 2011 @ 06:11 AM

ADA Custom Sign Request…….

With The Sign Studio’s custom ADA signage solutions, being compliant does not mean you have to sacrifice your brand!

Regulation-based signage like ADA signage is mandatory for businesses to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  At The Sign Studio, we believe that every sign should be a reflection of your brand, even those signs that have a misnomer of being “standard.”

In summary, ADA signage is required at all restrooms, emergency exits, parking facilities, entryways and many more areas within any given facility. For business owners, keeping up with compliance standards can be overwhelming. That is where your personal consultant at The Sign Studio comes into play. We can provide business owners with custom company signs and office signs that are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

At The Sign Studio, custom does not mean costly. Our advanced printing and engraving technologies allow us to create sophisticated ADA signage in various shapes, colors, sizes and textures. Examples of custom ADA signage include:

  • ADA Bathroom Signage
  • Branded Suite & Room Numbers
  • Custom Handicap Parking Signs
  • Custom Metal Engraved ADA Signs
  • Elevator Signs
  • Stairwell Signs

Concerned that your business is not up to ADA standards?

If you have any questions or need further information, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or visit our website at www.signstudiola.com – You can also reach us by e-mail at info@signstudiola.com

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ADA Sign Images

Topics: ADA Signs, Americans with Disabilities Act, Stairwell and Bathroom Signs