Southern California Sign Blog

What is the DURABILITY OF VINYL VEHICLE WRAPS AND SIGN GRAPHICS?

Durability of vehicle graphics is often a grey area. Some seem to last forever, others deteriorate quickly. Clients spending big money on a vehicle wrap are often concerned about this issue. The big question always is, how tough are your vehicle graphics? What is the warranty?

There are four factors that determine the durability of vehicle graphics:
• The quality of the mounting surface.
• The quality of the graphic products used.
• The installation methods used.
• Maintenance of the graphic during its lifetime.

WHAT'S UNDERNEATH?
The type of surface that the graphics will be mounted to has a major, but often overlooked, role when it comes to the long-term durability of vehicle graphics. For example, if the vehicle no longer has its factory paintjob, the quality of the repaint has a major effect on the adhesion of the graphics. The graphics might stick well to the paint, but if the paint doesn't stick to the vehicle, all is lost. Some unpainted vehicle surfaces, such as aluminum truck boxes, stainless steel tanker bodies or fiberglass box walls, may interfere with proper adhesion as well. Some graphic films specifically void any warranties on such substrates, others recommend various surface preparation techniques before application. Check with the manufacturer and proceed with caution. Preparation of the mounting surface prior to installation can have a huge effect on any graphic's durability. Not only must the vehicle's surface be squeaky clean, but all surface waxes and/or remnants of polish compounds should be removed as well. This can be done using a clean soft cloth and rubbing alcohol. A poorly prepared mounting surface will virtually guarantee early failure of an otherwise perfect wrap.

WHAT'S ON TOP?
The single largest factor in graphic durability has to be the graphic itself. This is a complex mix of print media, ink and overlaminate. All three items have to be carefully matched for maximum compatibility. Fortunately, manufacturers and sign professionals usually offer recommendations on which combinations work the best for their products and installations. Those with warranties only offer the maximum guarantees on specific tried and tested product combinations. Warranties on products range from one to seven years depending on the inks and overlaminates that are used. Recommended products are Avery Denninson, 3M, MACtac, Oracal and Arlon. All products offer different warranties so make sure you ask your Sign Professional what products they use.

WHO'S BEHIND THE SQUEEGEE?
Installation techniques are another critical aspect that effect long-term durability. Manufacturers' directions for each type of graphic material give specific instructions for installation that should be carefully followed. Special care must be taken when conforming the graphic film around complex surface shapes. These are the most likely areas to fail later. The more complex the surface, the more chances there are for tenting. The more cuts that have to be made in the graphic panel in order to make it fit the shapes, the more chances of edge failure. The more stretching that has to be done over convex shapes, the more chance of film cracking in the future. Anyway, you get the idea. Anything that you have to do to the graphic to alter its factory shape will affect long-term durability.

WHAT'S THE PLAN?
Maintenance after installation is the most overlooked aspect of durability for vehicle graphics. The client who might never consider missing an oil change might not help his wrap continue looking its best simply because they don't understand how to keep it safe. Keeping the vehicle clean and free from dirt, grease, salt, acid and drew build-up will help tremendously to extend the life of the wrap. The non-vertical or horizontal areas of a vehicle graphic can be the most challenging areas in which to maintain durability.

Here are some post-installation precautions that can improve long-term performance:
• Cleaning the vehicle should be done with a liquid, nonabrasive cleaner that has a ph value between 3 and 11 and no strong solvents in it.
• If using a pressure washer, make sure it has less than 2,000 psi of pressure; and hold the nozzle more than 12" from the graphic surface.
• Special care has to be taken around exposed graphic edges as well. Wash the vehicle with a soft cloth or sponge, not a hard brush, and avoid excessive scrubbing.
• Checking the graphic regularly can also help to prolong its life. Loose edges should be promptly repaired using an edge seal product.

THE LONG HAUL
Vehicle graphics can last a long time, or a short time. Either option may be required on any particular project. The short-term graphic is easy, but the long-term graphic requires planning, expertise and maintenance. It involves a delicate partnership between manufacturer, producer and client, but can produce amazing results when all of the stars are aligned.

REMEMBER....................

Key to success:
- Prior to installation, not only must the vehicle's surface be squeaky clean, but all surface waxes and/or remnants of polish compounds should be removed as well.
- Maintaining a wrap's good looks involves some effort from the client, such as using non-abrasive cleaners, avoiding stiff-bristle cleaning brushes, and checking frequently for loose edges.
- The quality of the installation will also affect a graphic's chances at long term durability. Careful attention to detail, making sure not to over-stretch the vinyl over curved surfaces and using a minimum of cuts and pinholes all add up to a more durable graphic.
- Failures generally happen first along areas where the vinyl was stretched to conform to dramatic surface features.

If you have any questions or need further information, please give The Sign Studio a call at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net

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HOW TO CREATE SIGN BANNERS that catch your ATTENTION!

Here are some statistics about basic color combinations, font styles, margins and graphics usage in successful banners. Since the primary goal of a banner is to grab the viewer's attention and then communicate a message, the banner should be readable and visually attractive. The following steps are a good place to start to create an appealing and attractive banner, and to maximize its effectiveness.

1. Choose appropriate font styles.
Avoid using more than two type styles on a banner. The more fonts used, the harder it is to read. Sans serif fonts like Helvetica, Futura and Antique Olive are the easiest to view from a distance. They should be used for the primary message on your banner. Likewise, serif fonts such as Goudy, Benguiat or Times are appropriate for a secondary message. Fonts such as Old English Text or Engraved are almost impossible to read correctly from a distance and should only be used when the viewer is stationary for a period of time (such as in a conference hall, meeting room or retail store) to be able to absorb the entire message at their own pace.

Take into account the type of business or event where the banner will be used. A bridal shop or beauty salon banner can be dressed up with a script font such as Brush or Commercial Script; however, these fonts would be out of place in an auto parts business.

Also, try to stay away from using all upper case lettering on your banner. It can be used for one word or a line of text for emphasis, however, it takes the human eye longer to read and process words in upper case.

2. Use Graphics Appropriately
Logos, clip art, borders, etc. can effectively be used to grab the viewer's attention, but should not overpower the sign's main message. If the viewer is only concentrating on the cool clip art or graphic, the message has been lost.

As a signage professional, we have already developed an eye for what works and what doesn't so if you need our help or have any questions, please give us a call. As you drive around your community, look around at all the banners grabbing for your attention. Notice the ones that stand out. Mentally take a note about one or two elements of the banner design that grabbed your attention in the first place.

3. Consider viewing distance and viewing time.
"How far away will the banner be from the viewer?" If a grand opening banner will be on the front of a business with a large parking lot between the storefront and the street, the letter height must be large enough to be viewed by drivers on the street. Also, keep in mind that a driver only has about 1.5 - 3 seconds to read a message while in motion. The chart below will help determine the correct height vs. viewing distance.

4. Use effective color combinations.
The following chart shows the most readable and successful color combinations in order of viewing effectiveness. Color combinations with high contrast between the background and letters are easier to read and can be viewed from greater distances. Always consider the type of business or event when choosing colors. Pink, purple, teal and orange colors aren't shown on this chart, but still can be used for certain holidays, special events or parties.

5. Banners need margins and white space.
Margin widths are usually the most abused spaces on a banner. Common errors include stretching letters and graphics to fill the entire banner to the edges, or the text and graphic is too small for the sign and the margins are too big. A general rule of thumb is to have the top and bottom margin be 10% of the height, and right and left margins be at least as wide as one of the banner's main font character width. For example, a 48" sign should have a 4.8" top and bottom margin. A three-foot wide banner should have at least a 3" margin on the top and bottom. Avoid filling the empty spaces of the banner with graphics. White space helps keep the viewer's eyes concentrated on the text.

Although these are good general guidelines, they might not always produce desired visual results. Use your own discretion and intuition. Creating attractive and effective signage is essential.

If you have any further questions or need The Sign Studio to design your banner or signage, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.com.

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Business and School Signage of all kinds!

Over many years, The Sign Studio has provided signage systems for many public, private and parochial schools, as well as conference centers and corporate training facilities.

Campus (or multi-campus) signage for all levels of facilities - elementary, middle, high school; community, junior, and four-year colleges - must facilitate the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, both inside buildings and on the grounds. Buildings and rooms must be identified, often by their generic (functional) name as well as their proper name.

With our vast experience in this type environment, The Sign Studio can assist in the design, wayfinding, and implementation of campus-wide systems. Solutions must recognize the need for durability, flexibility, consistency, and economy of scale, while also sending an underlying message of institutional identity compatible with the organization's values.

Drawing from a wide selection of signage materials and manufacturing methods, The Sign Studio can help plan and design solutions to meet practically any budget.

If you have any questions or need help with your Business or School Signage, please give us a call at The Sign Studio (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.com.

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Banners & Flags

Get your message across with big, bold banners and flags. At The Sign Studio, our banners and flags provide a powerful way to draw attention to your product, event, business or organization. Whether displayed indoors or outdoors, hanging or in stands, there is no better way to make an impact. Durable, flexible and portable, banners and flags keep working for you—again and again.

Banners-Indoor

Attract new customers and grow sales with one of the most cost-effective advertising methods available. Banners are seen, read and acted upon over and over again each day. Whether you want to create product awareness, introduce special pricing, promote an event or draw visitors to your tradeshow booth, colorful indoor banners are a sure way to make an impact and generate excitement.

Banners-Outdoor

Draw attention and awareness to your business or organization—or promote an event, product or service—with high-impact outdoor banners from THE SIGN STUDIO. Highly visible everywhere you go, banners are a versatile, durable and affordable way to get noticed, even from a distance.

Flags

Make a statement with colorful flags from THE SIGN STUDIO. Whether you want a polyester pennant string, a company logo or a grand patriotic flag, we offer a wide variety of flags to meet your needs. Choose from a range of sizes, materials, colors and designs, all made to be durable for use indoors or out.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact THE SIGN STUDIO at (818) 843-9200 or e-mail us at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net

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Vinyl and Graphic Sign Banners - How great they are!

Banners can do many things for you!
Vinyl Banners are meant to be noticed. Whether you are looking to target market potential clients, advertise an event, or send a message to the world, a banner will more than accommodate your plans.

The Sign Studio and it's team of design specialists, trained in the design and marketing field, use the most innovative technology available today. The Sign Studio is equipped to provide you with the most spectacular banners, your message is sure to be an attention getter. With a weather resistant vinyl format, these state-of-the-art banners easily mount to any location. Easy to display, rain or shine, a vinyl banner by The Sign Studio offers reliability without the stress of wondering if anyone will see your words. A stress-free, bold, brilliant color banner is beyond a doubt the answer to conventional advertising.

Aside from the fact a vinyl or graphic banner by The Sign Studio can feature full color photographs, customized to suit every need, it is an economically smart choice. Comparing the astronomical cost of print advertising to get the attention of potential clients, a vinyl banner is a far wiser choice. Even black and white newspaper and magazine ads cannot cost compare to a full color banner.

Ordering a custom banner is simple, either e-mail us a request at info@signstudiola.com or give us a call at (818) 843-9200. In addition to the professional service and easy steps it takes to order a banner, there are no hidden fees. The Sign Studio will send you a quote within a few minutes and we understand your need to advertise on a budget. Ordering a cost effective banner is not an opportunity you can only take advantage of certain times of the year. Vinyl banners by The Sign Studio are available at an economical price all year long.
Moreover, the quality of our banners demonstrates just how understanding the company is, knowing banners are not always used for advertising purposes. A family reunion, your child's baseball game, a neighborhood picnic, welcoming guests on a colorful banner is a keepsake to be remembered. A banner makes for a special gift when celebrating a birthday, birth of a child, even an anniversary. The Sign Studio always delivers high quality vinyl banners without substituting style and personal taste.

Delivering nationwide, ordering a vinyl banner for your personal event or business function relieves the stress of finding a quick turn-around company. Available at your fingertips, The Sign Studio realizes your need to have all of the particulars worked out in a timely manner. A 24-48 hour turn around time from the moment you sign off on your layout is simply another outstanding service you will receive from The Sign Studio. In addition to understanding the importance of a timely turn around, The Sign Studio acknowledges a businesses need to invest in a tool for long term. These superb vinyl banners can be used multiple times and always remain outstanding in color, giving you the results you need each and every time.

If you have any questions or need further information or simply want to order a banner, please send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.com or give us a call at (818) 843-9200.

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Wayfinding signage and Planning Services aka Directional Sign Systems

Buying a Custom Sign
Every business organization wants to look their best at all times. A great way to do that is with a high quality sign that projects the right image for your business. Many are surprised to find that getting a custom made sign seems easy at first, because there are many sign shops/manufacturers to choose from, only to find that the information required to obtain a quote is confusing. Some of this is due to lack of experience on the part of entrepreneurs as they may have never had a sign made, but the problem can be compacted by sign makers if they are not experts in the sign industry. Know your options and what will work best for your everyday use.

Custom Sign Options
First you must determine where your sign will be located and the drawing that you want to use to narrow the field of materials and custom options for your sign. The biggest factor is whether the sign will be protected from the elements inside/outside or where it will be exposed to the weather factors. This should be considered for the sign material. The agenda will be the budget for the sign, since the cost will be directly connected to the material used, the number of colors and a custom design is needed.

Inside Custom Signs
Indoor signs are usually much cheaper than their outdoor counterparts because they are in a protected environment. You no longer need to worry about strong winds, rain, snow, animals or vandals. Considerations should be made so that the sign blends with the building design and still captures the attention. Material options include custom interior signs, plastic, aluminum and PVC with variations that are a combination of the above substances, such as Dibond or Aluma-plastic signs.

Outdoor Custom Signs
Outdoor signs face many threats, including weather, animals, vandals and other external factors. The first step to an external sign is to verify the legal restrictions from your city, province and the owner or operator of the property. You may need special permission to hang a new sign or have a certain size, color or material requirement/limitation. Knowing this, before you begin your sign design will be very helpful.

If you have any questions or need further information or simply want us to take charge of your project, please send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.com or give us a call at (818) 843-9200.

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Coroplast Yard Sign Advertising - Good Advertising if you are looking to get the most out of your advertising dollars.

What size yard sign suits my needs?
Think about where your sign will be posted. If you're on a residential street, an 18x24 coroplast yard sign should be perfect. Most traffic will be moving slow enough to see your message. If you are on a busier street, you may want to look at our 24x36 coroplast signs and larger aluminum yard signs to ensure the visibility of your message for the heavier traffic.

THE SIGN STUDIO Lawn Signs also known as Yard Signs are a perfect choice for businesses advertising product sale signs, campaign signs to show support for your preferred candidate, residential sales, and many other purposes. In addition to being a perfect choice, lawn signs are one of the most economical means of advertising available today.

THE SIGN STUDIO makes it easy for you to design and purchase your real estate sign, political sign, For Sale sign, lease sign, or promotional yard sign by providing you with a large selection of choices. Our corrugated yard signs come in standard sizes as small as 6 inches to as large as 3 feet to accommodate all your advertising needs. If you need a larger sign, custom material, or contour cut, call us at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.com.• Affordable advertising for small and large businesses
• Available in a wide variety of materials (metal, plastic) composites
• Sign riders are available under main sign for added information
• Different mounting methods are available

Yard Signs

Tips & Upgrades
• Check with city regulations before putting signs in right-of-way
• Multiple colors available
• Multiple sizes available
• Yard signs

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Yard & Sidewalk Signs
Outdoor advertising is an excellent way to remind the audience of your product and strengthen brand awareness. Outdoor is the link between in-home advertising and the point of purchase. Yard signs are attractive and colorful, and serve as the ideal visual solution for advertising all types of sales, events, openings and much more.

Yard signs allow you to advertise your work to larger outdoor audiences by, for instance, placing a sign at an unfinished construction site, or a visual progress "log" at a place where project development work is still ongoing. As additional advertising for your business, yard signs also allow you to, for example, ‘sign your name' to a particular service you are performing as a contractor at a given client site.

In the real estate industry, curbside yard signs help in promoting the attributes of properties given out for rent, or being put on the market for purchase. You can make use of small directional yard signs that easily point the way to new commercial and residential developments.

Cost-effective and informative, outdoor yard signs are a great way to get information to your potential customers quickly, and to establish a company identity through consistent use of your logo, "company colors" and other design elements. Yard signs are available in all shapes and sizes to fit your specific requirements.

• A-Frames
• Directional Signage
• Event Signage
• Feather Banners
• Flags
• Golf Tournament Signs
• Metal Signs
• Plastic Signs
• Real Estate Signs

If you have any questions or need further information, please give us a call at THE SIGN STUDIO (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.com.

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Outdoor Solutions

Get perfect outdoor sign solutions produced with high-quality processes and materials by The Sign Studio experts based in Burbank/Los Angeles, CA. We specialize and serve the Los Angeles and Orange County, CA and surrounding areas.

At The Sign Studio, our outdoor signs are designed with attention to detail, state-of-the-art technology and high-impact visuals. We provide quality, commercial electrical and non-electrical outdoor signage in a cost-effective and timely manner, at sign prices that are always competitive. Most of all, we guarantee you will be excited about the finished product.

We offer permanent and temporary outdoor signs for various types of applications such as directional and informational signs, vehicle wraps and advertising, illuminated signs and much more. There are numerous benefits of a branded and prominently displayed exterior sign including:

• The large format digital printing technology we employ allows for extended creativity and provides bold, bright colors and dramatic images viewable from far away.

• The current imaging technology provides stunning displays that were not possible by hand-painting, and new display techniques allow for even greater creativity that cannot be executed in other media.

• Outdoor has a naturally large audience. Outdoor displays grab people's attention while they drive or walk.

• Efficiency is paramount in outdoor advertising. Due to its relatively low cost and extremely high audience, the cost per thousand impressions is substantially lower than radio, TV, and print media.

• Outdoor advertising is an excellent way to remind the audience of your product and strengthen brand awareness. Outdoor is the link between in-home advertising and the point of purchase.

At The Sign Studio, we offer numerous types of outdoor signs, including but not limited to:

• 3-D Letters
• Directional Signs
• Illuminated Insert Signs
• Lawn Signs
• Lighted Business Signs
• Magnetic Signs
• Monument Signs