How Custom Commercial Signs Are Made
Custom signs are effective tools for branding, wayfinding and engaging customers. They are also a cost-effective form of marketing.
In a world of out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality, it is vital for businesses and organizations to be visible and easily navigable. Large buildings signs make this possible. Signs convey opening hours, rules and regulations, products and services, as well as a company’s personality.
Design
Typically, the design process involves meeting with your chosen sign company and discussing your desired signage goals. It’s best to be open to suggestions at this stage. While you may have an idea of what kind of sign you want, it’s likely that there are other sign types that can accomplish the same goal or even better.
The sign company’s team of designers will create a design for your approval. They will consider a range of variables, including the sign’s location, its purpose, and its visual impact on potential customers. They will also determine whether it meets by-law requirements and industry standards.
The design will include font selection, color, and spacing. The latter is particularly important, as the ideal signage is readable at a distance. Additionally, color choice can have a psychological impact. Serif fonts tend to convey a more traditional angle while sans-serif fonts communicate a more modern feel. The size of the text is another consideration, as it must be large enough to be easily read at a distance. A backlight or other illumination is often incorporated for use at night.
Engineering
Once you have a design that meets your goals, it is time to turn the concept into a reality. A professional sign company is able to do this by combining their engineering, construction and fabrication skillsets with the most advanced materials available. They use a process that utilizes computerized designs, cutting and fabrication technology and a manufacturing workflow that is optimized for quality, efficiency and safety.
Legibility: The primary purpose of a sign is communication, and if it isn’t easily legible, then the message is lost. This means that fonts should be simple and clear (no fancy scripts or sizes too small for the setting), and there should be sufficient contrast between text/graphics and background.
Engagement: Effective signs evoke emotion and/or pique curiosity, drawing the audience in for a closer look. This can be done through a splash of color, custom commercial signs a clever phrase or an interesting visual element. Consistency: A consistent style and use of imagery across all business signage reinforces brand recognition. It also demonstrates attention to detail and a high level of professionalism.
Fabrication
Once your sign’s design has been finalized, you can begin the fabrication process. This includes preparing the sign’s substrate, or the signage material it will be printed on. Signage materials can include acrylics, fabrics, vinyl and foam core. Each of these materials has a unique set of advantages and specialized applications. A local SpeedPro studio can help you find the right fit for your business.
Once the substrate is ready, your local SpeedPro studio will use a variety of printing methods and inks to create your custom sign. This process ensures that your sign’s graphics are clear and crisp. They may also apply a coating to protect the sign from weathering, UV radiation and other environmental factors.
Wood is another popular choice for commercial signs. Depending on the desired aesthetic, sign companies can choose from various types of wood, such as glued panel boards or high-end wood slabs with or without live edges. For added protection, some signage material manufacturers offer edge capping to give your sign a framed look. In addition, some types of wood are more structurally sound than others, making them a better option for outdoor signage.
Installation
As a business owner, you want your signage to look great and stand out from the competition. You can achieve this by incorporating a design with panache and choosing contrasting or complementary colors. However, you need to remember that a sign is a long-term investment and therefore requires regular maintenance and cleaning.
A sign company with expertise in the type of signage you need will provide you with detailed quotes. These quotes should include the design, installation, and maintenance costs for easy comparison. You should also evaluate the quality of each quote, including the materials used and workmanship.
Prior to installing your sign, experts visit the location to survey the site. They check for obstructions, measure the space and determine the best placement for maximum impact and visibility. They also take into account any zoning requirements and obtain permits. This ensures that your signage meets local regulations and avoids costly complications in the future. This step is vital to your success and is worth investing in.
Shipping
Custom commercial signs are an excellent Custom commercial signs form of branding for your business. They help you stand out from the crowd on a busy street, at a trade show, or on a display table. They allow your business to be top of mind for customers and help them remember key information about your company.
Once the design is perfect, the sign professionals at your local FASTSIGNS will produce a digital proof of the final product for you to review within a few business hours. They will work with you on any revisions needed until you are satisfied.
Depending on the material chosen for your sign, the sign professionals will use different manufacturing techniques to bring it to life. For example, metal signs are made using a variety of methods such as welding, bending and cutting. Wood signs can be carved, milled and/or fabricated to achieve the look you desire. HDU signs (High-Density-Urethane) give your signage a dimensional effect similar to sandblasted redwood at a fraction of the cost. HDU is also a great choice for signs where corrosion resistance is a must.
