There are two main types of metal plaques: cast and etched. On their own, one type of plaque is not necessarily better than the other. It all depends on what look you hope to achieve with your metal plaque and for what purpose it will be used. This entry seeks to answer the question: “What’s the difference between cast and etched metal plaques?”

Cast Metal Plaques

For more than 6,000 years, people have been performing the process of metal casting, and it is still in widespread practice today. These plaques are made by pouring molten aluminum or bronze into a mold of clay or sand crafted to the desired shape. The molten metal is then allowed to solidify. The result is a heavy duty, single piece plaque that can be mounted and finished to fit any purpose.

Cast metal is used to create logos, emblems, and plaques where a sense of architectural depth and permanency is needed. They are perfect for universities, government buildings, and professional offices. In addition, these plaques are available painted, oxidized, polished, and with more than a dozen other finishes. Plus, the manufacturer we use, Gemini, has an environmentally friendly process that uses only mercury and lead free alloys.

To commemorative plaques, we can add a bas relief casting for added dimension and detail. We can create a raised likeness of any image you submit to us. A clay mold is created based on the picture, and then, it is cast for attachment to your plaque.

Etched Metal Plaques

When panels and plaques made with precise detail are of the utmost importance, nothing beats the etching process. Even the most complex artwork can be transferred to copper, brass, stainless steel, or bronze with chemical etching. The image of your choice can be turned into a piece that will be admired for generations.

Some of the more popular graphic options for etched plaques are

• Line Art – By reproducing a black and white line drawing, a sketch can be etched with fabulous results. The fine lines are captured in exquisite detail.
• Recessed Graphics – Recessed graphics and text that are paint filled are the standard for etched plaques.
• Photography – With halftone images, etched photos are created. They have visible dot patterns and resemble newspaper photographs. To contrast with the brushed metal finish, the dots are filled with black ink.
• Raised Graphics – The background is painted with raised graphics or text. This leaves the graphics and text in the alloy color.

Gemini: World-Renowned Plaques

As mentioned above, all of our plaques come from Gemini, a world-renowned manufacturer of metal letters and plaques. For more than half a century, Gemini has been an established name in the signage industry. Plus, they have been producing plaques of top quality for the recognition, sign, and award industries for twenty years. Gemini uses only the best quality materials and guarantees their products for life.

If you are ready for a marker that will last for many decades to come, contact The Sign Studio for a free consultation today.

Freestanding signs are typically used to increase visibility near entrances or for wayfinding purposes. There are several kinds of freestanding signs, from architectural aluminum wayfinding sign systems to road signs or simple pavement signs. In addition, they are commonly used as point of purchase (POP) signage in malls and stores, especially near the checkout.

The Benefits of Vista Systems Freestanding Signs

Freestanding signs can be hanging from the ceiling, have 3D images, be mounted next to the cash register, or have post based aluminum sign frames. The options are virtually limitless. This entry will go into the factors we consider when recommending signage and will give you an idea of the versatility of Vista Systems signage for Los Angeles.

Appearance

The overall appearance of a sign must be taken into consideration if you want it to have a maximum impact. We can help you choose the right pictures, text, special effects, graphics, and fonts to communicate your message. Size is equally important. It is crucial that you pick a size that is appropriate for how far away readers will be standing. Finally, the right colors must be selected to make the message stand out. Vista Systems can be customized to fit any appearance.

Durability

How a sign is going to be used will determine the level of durability that is needed. If a sign is only going to be used for a few days leading up to a holiday, then less expensive materials can be used. However, something more heavy duty is needed if the sign is going to be exposed to the weather and needs to last for years. We have options for every need.

Quality

It is our job to come up with signage alternatives that match your demands. This is why we go with Vista Systems freestanding signs. Los Angeles businesses can get a high quality sign that meets their budget constraints and gives their business a professional appearance.

Purpose

Vista Systems signs can be changeable or constant. Consequently, if you would like to use the same sign frame to promote different sales events throughout the year, we would recommend a durable, high quality freestanding sign with different inserts for each of your promotions. On the other hand, wayfinding signs rarely change. This would call for a more permanent solution.

Portability

One of the great benefits of freestanding signs is their portability. With minimal effort, you can swiftly transport signs throughout your business. If portability is not necessary for your needs, we can bolt down your sign, so it will stay put and last longer. However, if portability is important to you, we have many wider-based options that are extra sturdy.

When you contact The Sign Studio for freestanding signage, we schedule a free consultation with you to figure out what your vision and goals are for your signage. Once we have a good understanding of the specific factors for your project, we can make a recommendation that is right for you. Then, with your approval, we create and install the perfect marker for your business.

If you are ready to get started, please contact us today!

Where is the best place to mount your office door signs? Many of the businesses we visit have their signs announcing what a room is used for mounted directly on the door that leads into the room. If the signs are not meant to be ADA compliant, then this is an acceptable practice. However, how should ADA signs be mounted? If they are meant to be used by those individuals with disabilities, then the general rule is to mount signs that carry tactile letters and Braille on the wall adjacent to the side of the door that latches.

Why Do ADA Signs Get Special Treatment?

There is a rather logical reason why ADA signs should not be mounted directly on doors. It is a given that when you place Braille or tactile sign anywhere, it will be read using a person’s sense of touch. When someone opens the door unexpectedly, the person reading the sign faces the possibility of being injured if the sign is posted on a door.

In the blind community, this has already happened to a number of individuals. Blind residents of Los Angeles have been hit and injured when trying to read Braille or tactile signs mounted on doors. This kind of incident can lead to lawsuits, complaints, injuries, bad public relations, and upset customers and workers. No company wants these things.

Mount ADA Compliant Signs Next to Doors

You must always place your ADA door signs on the walls next to these doors to avoid the above issues. To further reduce the possibilities of anything happening to people reading these signs with their hands, they should be mounted on the side of the door where the latch is. In addition, the standard is to mount these signs 60 inches high from the floor to the middle of the sign. This is where the vision impaired visitors to your building will expect the signs, and the potential for harm will be greatly reduced.

In some instances, there may be little to no space to install the sign on the latch side of the door. There are other installation alternatives available for these instances. For example, the sign could be placed on the nearest adjacent wall to the latch side.

Opening the door to check for the sweep of the door is a good way to test the likelihood of someone getting hit. Measure approximately eighteen inches from this sweep and install the sign at the 60 inch height. This will make sure persons with disabilities who visit your building remain out of the line of fire of your doors.

We Can Help!

Are you still confused about the best way to place your ADA signs? Los Angeles business owners can get help from The Sign Studio as they navigate the many ADA requirements. The Certified Access Specialist that we work with can go through your building and come up with a plan to make it compliant and welcoming to users with disabilities.

Contact us today for a free consultation and quote!

The age makeup of the United States population is experiencing a major shift. Americans are living longer than ever before with new technologies and improved healthcare. In fact, twenty percent of our nation’s citizens will be over the age of 64 by 2030 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. To reflect the needs of our older population, marketers would be wise to begin tailoring digital and printed signage to this demographic. You can make certain that important content is being effectively and carefully communicated by enhancing visual messages.

Older Adults Have Specific Visual Needs

The ability for light to reach the eye is reduced by as much as 75 percent by the time people reach the age of 60. This leads to colors appearing less distinct and dimmer. For more strategic signage, marketing geared toward seniors should consider this and other health factors.

When advertising to older adults, changes like less visual clutter, larger fonts for signs, typefaces for poor eyesight, color combinations for simplified reading, and low glare, high contrast designs can make all the difference. To best serve an aging population, we will show you how to create signs that cater to older customers in Los Angeles in the sections below.

Typefaces for Poor Eyesight

Consider sans serif typefaces for your signage fonts. These are the most readable for people with poor eyesight, since they have consistent stroke widths and larger heights. In addition, sign fonts should contrast clearly against the background and be bold. For typefaces in signage systems, both width and height ratio guidelines are set out in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is why you need ADA signs for older customers in Los Angeles.

When selecting a font for aging eyes, consider including the following text properties:

• More distinct forms for each character, such as the tails you see on j and t
• Consistent stroke widths
• For certain letterforms, extended horizontal strokes, including the crossbar on the letter t
• Wider horizontal proportions
• Open counterforms

Color Combinations for Simplified Reading

Designers should consider the effects of colors on both mood and vision when creating signage for seniors. Colors appear grayer as people age, since the lens of the eye becomes more yellow and hardens. This makes it hard for them to distinguish green from yellow and purple from blue. It is more difficult to perceive color contrasts, so using a color wheel will aid in finding the high contrast combinations.

Keep It Simple

People over the age of 65 will have a harder time of comprehending or even seeing advertisements with a lot of words. You will be much more effective in communicating to seniors with a simpler sign. For text, use plain backgrounds. And, since pictures are viewed more easily and quickly than copy, consider using graphics in the place of words.

At The Sign Studio, we have extensive experience making ADA signs and signs that cater to older adults. Contact us today for a free consultation on how we can make your business friendlier to seniors.

Many building and business owners come to us with questions like “Should I install ADA signs for my business in Los Angeles?” Or, “How do I know if I need ADA signs in Los Angeles?” The ADA website has the answers to both of these questions as well as more information about ADA compliance. However, below is what we generally tell business owners.

Why Do Companies Need to Install ADA Compliant Signs?

There are a variety of reasons why businesses are required by law to have ADA complaint signs. Regardless of what disabilities they may have, every person in the United States is entitled to the same rights according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The act of discriminating against people with disabilities is effectively outlawed by the ADA.

It makes sense that people are given equal chances to access goods, jobs, and services with the number of disabled people in the country and the many more who stand a chance of getting a mild to extreme disability in their lifetime. One of the several regulations that allow people with disabilities to have access to and find such services, jobs, and goods as everyone else is the use of ADA complaint signs in facilities and buildings open to the public.

Why Do Signs Need to Comply with ADA Rules?

There are also a lot of reasons behind the necessity for ADA complaint signs. First of all, businesses open themselves up to both lawsuits and complaints when they do not comply with the ADA regulations for signs. Since you are considered to be discriminating against people with disabilities when you are not complying with ADA rules, anyone who notices your non-compliance can file a complaint or lawsuit.

People with disabilities really do need these signs to help them get around your business. This makes ADA signage quite necessary for the success of your enterprise. In fact, a lot of revenue for companies is from customers who have disabilities. Not only do they buy your products and services, but they also bring other people with them. If you do not cater to those customers with disabilities, you are potentially turning away your best clients.

Which Establishments Do Not Need to Follow ADA Standards?

Putting up ADA compliant signs in and around buildings is a requirement for all but a few types of facilities. Among these establishments are religious entities and the facilities they run, railroads, and private clubs that do not open their doors to the general public.

Hopefully, this has shed some light on the ADA compliance guidelines. If you need more information, The Sign Studio is here to help you. We create standard as well as custom ADA signs that are up to code. Are you unsure of what signage you need? No problem! We work with a trained professional who is certified through California’s Certified Access Specialist Program and who can go through your building and break down what you need to do to meet regulations.

Contact us today for a free consultation or click below for a free quote!

With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it became illegal to discriminate against those individuals with disabilities. The ADA requires altered or newly constructed local or state government facilities, places of public accommodation, and commercial facilities to be usable by and readily accessible to people with disabilities. Part of these requirements is having the right ADA signs for recreation facilities.

ADA Signage Requirements for Recreational Facilities

Los Angeles facilities and buildings must comply with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines. This includes amusement park rides and other recreational facilities. The following elements and facilities are covered by the recreation facility guidelines:

• Shooting facilities
• Exercise equipment
• Miniature golf courses
• Boating facilities
• Wading pools, spas, and swimming pools
• Bowling lanes
• Golf courses
• Fishing platforms and piers
• Amusement rides

ADA Signs for Amusement Rides

There are specific signage requirements for various types of recreational facilities. To indicate the kind of access provided by rides, signage must be provided at the entrance of the waiting line or queue for each accessible amusement ride. For example, you may have a sign that indicates there are transfer rides or that the ride has wheelchair spaces.

In addition, so that riders can avoid unnecessary backtracking, there must be signage indicating the location of the accessible load area if the route for accessible load areas are different for people with disabilities than that for other riders.

The above also holds true for other recreational facilities. All of the accessible routes for those people with disabilities must be clearly marked so as to avoid any backtracking.

California ADA Compliance Signs

In addition to the above requirements, the signs must be made a certain way to ensure that everyone can read them. Some of the laws for signage include:

• Signs must have a non-glare finish
• Mounting location and height is specific to the kind of sign
• Typestyle must have contrasting colors, like light characters on a dark background or vice versa, and the font must be sans serif
• Text may need to be accompanied by symbols
• The viewing distance from which a sign will be read must be taken into consideration when determining the height of the characters on the sign

These are not the only requirements. Many sign types also require the addition of Braille, the raised dots that accompany the text of a sign. Room signs, restrooms, stairways, exits, handicap access points, exit routes, and other permanent sings are required to have Braille in any recreational facilities that are open to the public.

We Can Help You!

The Sign Studio specializes in ADA signs for amusement parks. Los Angeles businesses can pick from our full line of standard signs, or we can create something custom to match your company’s branding. We even have you covered if you are confused about what signs you need to be compliant. We can send a trained professional, who is certified by California’s Certified Access Specialist Program, to your building to determine what is needed.

If you are ready to make your recreation facility inviting for disabled people, give us a call today for a free consultation!

Image credits Sarah_Ackerman / Mark Falardeau / Brisbane City Council

Few people realize that they can get custom metal plaques from a commercial sign company. Yet, The Sign Studio has been offering Gemini metal plaques for many years now. These plaques are what we use when businesses come to us for long lasting metal plaques for ADA signs in CA. What are the benefits to using Gemini metal plaques for your ADA signs? This blog will answer this question and more.

Why Gemini Metal Plaques?

Gemini Incorporated manufactures all of the metal plaques that we offer, and we customize the plaques to meet your requirements. Gemini has been a world renowned name in the signage industry for over 50 years. Plus, for two decades, they have been producing high quality metal plaques that have become the standard in the recognition, sign, and award industries. You are sure to be impressed by the array of options for ADA signage that Gemini offers.

ADA Compliance

When the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1993, business owners had a lot of questions about compliance. Whether you are requesting custom designed pieces that seamlessly blend into your office or if you are just ordering standard plaques, our design team in conjunction with the quality control and manufacturing standards at Gemini will make certain that your ADA markers and signage are in compliance. Your imagination is the only limiting factor when choosing the design, shape, and color of your ADA plaques.

You will not just be up to code when you choose our ADA compliant signage. You will also aid in reducing the difficulties for disabled individuals trying to make their way through everyday situations on their own. Plus, we do not just want to make ADA signage more user friendly for those with disabilities. We want to make it better for everyone.

Features of Metal Plaques

As mentioned above, we can customize Gemini metal plaques for ADA signs in CA to be exactly how you want them. All of the plaques are made from one piece all metal construction. This means that the braille, design elements or emblem, and copy are all part of the body of the plaque. Consequently, they will never crack, chip, or have missing lettering or braille indicia.

To deliver a plaque that is completely customized for your application, we combine our full color, high resolution printing with top quality plaques. Through our cutting edge printing processes, we can achieve up to 1200 dpi resolution. The quality of the image provided for reproduction is the only limitation on design for the plaques. Plus, we make sure there is a sufficient contrast between lettering and the background to meet ADA regulations.

Your ADA signs will also be protected by a vandal resistant powdercoat finish whether you choose a metal finish, single color, or full color plaque. In addition, your plaques will be protected from most wear and tear found in various environments.

ADA requirements are strict in California. ADA metal plaques provide an affordable, long lasting way to comply. Contact The Sign Studio today for a free consultation.

In order for you to operate your vehicle legally, United States Department of Transportation (DOT) numbers may be required if you move cargo or people across state lines or drive a commercial vehicle. You must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to get your USDOT number. This must then be displayed on your vehicle.

Your DOT number is used for a variety of purposes, including when conducting audits and reviews, monitoring safety records, during crash investigations, and when completing inspections. The Sign Studio has a lot of experience with USDOT vinyl lettering and numbers. Here is an overview of what you need to know.

Who Needs DOT Numbers?

According to the guidelines from FMCSA, if you have a vehicle that matches any of the following descriptions, you are required to obtain a DOT number:

• The vehicle is used or designed to transport sixteen passengers or more, which includes the driver, and is not used to transport the passengers for pay.
• The truck has either a gross combination weight or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds.
• The vehicle is used to transport material that is found to be hazardous by the Secretary of Transportation and in a quantity that requires placarding.
• The truck is used or designed to transport nine or more people, including the driver, for pay.

Displaying the Numbers

The numbers are required to be posted on both sides of the commercial vehicle, though FMCSA does not specify an exact location. Before applying the numbers, it is a good idea to measure the space you are considering to make sure the numbers will fit.

From 50 feet away, people should be able to read your numbers when your truck is parked. This means using letters and numbers that are a minimum of two inches tall. Also, the numbers should be in stark contrast to the vehicle color. So, a dark truck would have white letters, and a light colored truck would have black letters.

How We Can Help

The Sign Studio has years of experience providing USDOT truck lettering. Los Angeles businesses have a variety of options to choose from. The least expensive and most popular option is standard lettering. These are no frills, pre-printed numbers and letters using common colors.

Some companies prefer to get creative with their DOT lettering. Los Angeles companies can get custom letters that match their branding. This option makes your commercial vehicle look more attractive, rather than the DOT numbers serving as an eyesore.

While you are getting your DOT numbers, it is also a perfect time to consider sharp, vibrant spot graphics with your company name and logo for your fleet of trucks. Vehicle graphics are the most effective marketing tool on the road today.

Complying with DOT number regulations is the responsibility of the commercial carrier, both drivers and owners. There is no excuse for ignorance of the law. You can contact The Sign Studio if you have any questions about displaying DOT number or if you would like us to produce or install your numbers. Call today for a free consultation.

Image credits: brewbooks / Larry's Towing

Distinctly one of a kind marketing materials pique the interest of potential and current clients while enabling you to stand apart from your competitors in today’s highly competitive business environment. This is why The Sign Studio gets a lot of requests for custom banner printing. Los Angeles businesses can benefit from both digital and vinyl banners for their storefront, event, or tradeshow booth.

Vinyl Cut Banners

There are two main types of banners: vinyl cut and digital. Both have their pros and cons. For just about any budget, colorful vinyl banners can produce a huge impact. Whether in high traffic areas outside or in a busy enclosed retail area, these eye catchers are well suited for all kinds of temporary signage.

We offer dozens of standard vinyl lettering and graphic colors along with a wide array of standard banner colors. Our top quality banners come finished with grommets and hems and can withstand wet weather. We offer installation services throughout the Los Angeles area, or you can try hanging your banner on your own.

For events that only have a change of time and date each year, vinyl banners are a smart idea. For golf tournaments and other annual events, we can change out the old time and date when you bring it in. In the end, it only costs you a fraction of the price of a whole new banner.

In addition, we can make a basic banner for you if you have offices or apartments in your complex for lease. As different units become available, we can update the square footage, number of rooms, or price information on your banner.

Digital Banners

With even limited budgets, you can have a high impact promotion with large, vibrant digital banners. Add great pizzazz to the simplest banner with full color logos, background textures, and digital photos. When you want to decorate a warehouse wall long term or you need a lightweight, temporary, portable sign for a special event, these attention grabbers are perfect.

Just like with the vinyl cut banners, digital banners also come ready to hang (or we can install them professionally) with grommets and hems. They hold up well in wet weather, so they are great for interior and exterior uses.

What makes digital banners great is that the graphics are printed right on to the vinyl using our cutting edge wide format digital printers. Basically, with our custom banner printing, LA organizations can get any image rendered perfectly on top quality vinyl.

Some common uses for digital banners are

• School and church events
• Charity and fundraising events
• Community get-togethers
• Sponsorships and sporting events
• Tradeshows

Our Process

When you meet with The Sign Studio for your free initial consultation, we listen carefully to understand your vision and goals for your banner. Based upon this, we will create a design for your approval. If you do not like it, we take your suggestions and go right back to the drawing board. We keep working at it until you are happy. Once we have created a design you are happy with, we use only the best vinyl and ink to create your banner. We can then install your banner for you.

You do not get this kind of treatment when you order online or try a do it yourself system. Going with the pros will save you money and face in the long run. Contact The Sign Studio today to learn more!

We offer more than just vinyl car wrap advertising at The Sign Studio. We take full advantage of all of the versatile uses for vinyl, since it can be used to produce graphics on an array of different surfaces. One of our main specialties is using vinyl prints with vibrant graphics on the walls of galleries, offices, exhibitions, and stores.

Benefits of Wall Graphics

Vinyl wall décor has a bigger impact than other forms of wall art for a variety of reasons. Since we are experts at removing vinyl, wall graphics will not damage your walls. We are able to peel it off like a sticker without leaving any residue.

Another benefit is that high definition graphics, photo reproductions, and logos can be fully rendered on vinyl. With the use of state of the art, wide format digital printers, an image file can be printed directly onto top quality vinyl. Consequently, compared to traditional painting, you can use vinyl to expand to great widths and lengths.

You can have a compelling effect by using vinyl to spread your graphics from ceiling to floor. Plus, you can show that your business is at the forefront of contemporary graphic advertising when you go with vinyl art, since it is still a relatively new trend in wall and office décor.

Vinyl décor can be particularly effective in the following spaces:

Photography Exhibits

To let your viewers see even more detail in your shots, use vinyl at your photography exhibits for an added effect. Visitors to the exhibit will feel as though they were right there with the photographer when she took the shot when you use a massive vinyl replication.

Art Galleries

By adding environmental vinyl wall graphics, LA art galleries can enhance their visual appeal. Another great option is to use the vinyl conceptually to add to an existing art exhibition.

Retail Environment

To set the mood in their retail environment, vinyl wall graphics are already being used by the most popular and successful retail stores. The transformation of your store’s aesthetic with vinyl graphics will keep your business fresh and relevant. Your store will have style, class, and color instead of blinding white walls.

Restaurants and Bars

To add class and character to their interior spaces, many successful bars and restaurants are using vinyl wall graphics. Los Angeles bars and restaurants can set the tone for their establishment by using colorful modern art or beautiful scenes from nature and other tranquil images.

Office Lobbies and Waiting Rooms

You can add to your business’s professional image by using wall graphics in your office’s waiting room or lobby. To give your office an innovative aesthetic, display an artistic photo or graphic. Or, you can up your branding efforts with a massive version of your logo or top selling products.

If you are ready to use the walls of your business, gallery, or studio to their maximum potential, contact The Sign Studio today for a free consultation.