Epic Signs & Graphics Blog

One of the most common requests we get here at Ep!c are “those letters you see on buildings that light up”.  Channel letters, as we call them in the industry, could be the perfect option for your business or organization’s exterior signage.  During the daytime they provide a way to identify your store or company easily, while at night they provide a bright, vibrant look of your company and logo so customers can find you.

 In order to install lighted letters, there needs to be a power source in place.  Unless there is somewhere to connect the letters to electricity, they will simply be dimensional letters.  We use LED illumination since they now provide lower maintenance cost than flourescent lights, and usually last longer. So when your planning your new space, be sure to include a plan for installing and positioning an electrical junction box for connecting the building letters so they light up.

Another point to consider when planning to purchase channel letters is the installation options.  Mounting dimensional letters on a raceway means the letters will be attached to an aluminum cabinet which houses all of the wires and includes a power supply. Once the letters have been attached to the raceway, it can be mounted onto the building in one or two pieces, which saves installlation labor.

The other option is flush mounting, which involves each letter being attached directly to your building without a raceway.  While this provides a very polished look, it does require more labor and interior access. That is because each letter has to hook up individually which usually means more drilling through a wall so the wiring and power supply can be hidden. Some times, access behind the wall can be a problem.

A final option to consider for an extremely sophisticated look is reverse channel letters, which are lighted from the back, rather than the front, and mounted an inch or so away from the wall so that the light can spread out, giving a halo effect.  During the day the front of the letters can have a color, while at night they can appear black when illuminated.

Once you have decided channel letters are the right choice for you, it’s time to customize them for your brand.  They can be manufactured in a wide array of colors and fonts, and as we mentioned earlier, we can create channel letter cabinets for your logo. Give us a call for a free consultation to to see what is possible for your exterior illuminated channel letters!

Dimensional letter signage is exactly what it is sounds like, three dimensional letters installed on the interior or exterior of a building, promoting the company name or slogan. These signs are incredibly versatile.  When tailored to your exact needs, they give your company a customized and organized feel.

    In order to make sure your dimensional business letters are perfectly designed for your company or organization, there are a few options to review and select from pertaining to materials, finishes, colors, and font.  Material options include plastic, metal, acrylic, and high density foam.  Plastic letters are shaped with molding machines and set letter templates  in order to get your desired size and shape.  Acrylic letters are routed out into any style font and logo shapes as long as they have thick enough letters, because there is a limitation to detail.  These can also be created with metal laminate face and textures if you would like the metal look without real metal.  Authentic metal letters are made out of aluminum or steel, finished with polish or brush, and available in colors such as silver, black oxide, or bronze.   Dense foam, also known as foam urathane, can be painted or finished with laminate.

    Dimensional letters are a versatile option for your signage needs. Dimensional letters can be used for lobby signs, exterior signs, interior signs and business signs in general. They come with many options so they can be carefully reviewed before making your final decision. Contact the Ep!c team today to see examples and we can start creating your ideal sign today!

The Reiki Room, located in Lakewood, Ohio, recently made exciting upgrades to their window and exterior signs.  Desiring to improve the old, fading vinyl window signs, they contacted us to design bright new cut vinyl window graphics, which, will last for years to come. They wanted to let people that saw their store, see what services they offer. The window signs were added in an artful way so that they complemented their theme.

  

Epic Signs & Graphics has expertise in helping businesses design and install signage that compliments their business, yet delivers the message so that customers want to come inside to get more information. Thoughtful and well designed sign plans provide businesses a professional look so that customers have confidence they are dealing with a first class organization.

We would love to help you design and install your ideal window signs too!  Contact us for a free store front evaluation and estimate!

    Vinyl lettering for truck fleets are a highly effective form of advertising, utilizing space that is seen by many potential customers, yet is, without the presence of graphics, vacant. Any organization or company in need of truck decals or wraps of any kind should consider putting this space to use by immediately calling Epic Signs & Graphics and get a free consultation.

    Upon receiving your vehicle, we must prepare it so that the graphics can be applied properly. Although you should bring it to us clean, we do further cleaning to ensure that no dirt is trapped under the wrap.

    Following this, we remove any previous letters or logos that might still be on the vehicle.  When this is finished, we also remove any parts that would hinder our ability to properly administer the wrap, such as door handles.

    By the time the vehicle is prepared, the vinyl for the wrap is done with lamination.  Full color digital printing from our HP LP2600 60" latex printer ensures radiant images and colors every time.       

    We use cast vinyl to handle the curves of your vehicle, and calendared vinyl for flat surfaces, although some types are calendared yet can go around rivets on box trucks.

    Now that the materials are ready, as is the vehicle, it is time to begin application.  To begin, the vinyl, with backing still in place, is positioned onto the vehicle.

    Next, 1/3 to 1/2 of the lining is peeled away, and the vinyl is adhered and squeegeed into place. The next 1/2 or 1/3 is then peeled, applied and squeegeed. Some times it takes careful massaging and a touch of heat to conform the vinyl into position or around a tight curve. This takes an experienced hand to acheive but the results are....well......Epic!

    This process is repeated until the entire vehicle is covered with your brand new graphics. 

    Vehicle graphics are an incredibly efficient way to advertize, utilizing an otherwise blank space that is seen by many potential customers.  Any company in need of fleet graphics, or even graphics for just one vehicle, should consider putting this space to use by contacting Ep!c Signs and Graphics for all of your vehicle graphic needs.

Have you ever walked through your facility in the shoes of a visitor?

Since I have been in the sign business, I now consciously look to see how well signs direct me through an organization. If it's my first time there, I try to see if I can find my destination by using the signage in place. I know what your thinking......you have to assume I can read directions in the first place and people who know me will certainly question that assumption! Anyway, maybe you have felt my frustration. I see all kinds of problems when I make my observations and I just want to find the nearest person responsible for sign directories and give them an education. Excuse me....who is your designated sign person around here?.....I usually get a blank look.

Needless to say, it takes a walk-through to check and see if your directory sign program, or even your signs in general, are helpful, or just sort of hanging there, reflecting old strategies and slogans or just dressing up areas willy-nilly. If they are not meant for direction, are they helping show your products and servces? Do they help employees?

Things to look for:

Parking Lot

Are the driveway or parking lot signs clearly pointing where to park? or where the entrance that you need is located? If you have a large facility, do they indicate which direction to go and guide drivers to the closest available lot to their desired entrance? If not, how frustrated would you be if you had to walk across campus in -5 degree North East Ohio weather in February? Ready to buy something after that?

Entry Way

When some one walks in and looks at your interior signs, can they determine the direction of each division or department, or where to seek answers? Good place for a general directory sign, or depending on the size of the organization, a full building directory. Do they know if they are even in the right building? Maybe a good spot for a lobby sign.

Further Directions

When the person has determined the general direction, are they greeted with another directory to get an office number? Or can they decipher if they need to take an elevator? Maybe the offices are numbered and identifies each tenent office. These questions should be plain to see by a good directory sign program.

Office Signs

While narrowing down the office location you are seeking by walkig down the hallway, are the offices labeled consistently? Or is it a free for all for every office to install what ever they want?

ADA

There must be a way to identify elevators, stairs, closets and most importantly, emergency exits. And there must be braille involved, in particular sizes and locations so they can be found....especially in an emergency. 

Style, Color, and Material

Finally, there are many varieties and styles of directional signs that can be designed. They can be made to fit the current style of the facility or can be simple to stay within a budget. We can design using acrylics, metal, vinyl or all 3 elements.

Call Epic Signs & Graphics if you need to have your directional and office signs evaluated and replaced. Or if you need to evaluate your current product and service displays, wall murals and lobby signs. We can help with the entire process, so that when it is complete, they reflect what your company is about what it has to offer. Call for a free walk-through and consultation!

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  Staffing Solutions Enterprises recently made the decision to upgrade their entry area!  When they contacted Epic Signs & Graphics, they were not sure what types of materials were available to produce a lobby sign. So when Epic came to assess the space and listen to their criteria, we developed  few options to choose from based on price, types of materials, and size.

After a second consultation with the leadership team, they narrowed the choice down to using high quality, ¼” acrylic lettering adhered to a ⅛”, state-of-the-art, brushed aluminum base. Full color digital vinyl graphics were applied to the face of the letters. The sign was then mounted to the wall with ½” offsets. This was coordinated with the timing of their freshly painted lobby. When it was completed, the reaction by the employees was a resounding thumbs up! The new interior lobby sign will enhance the professional look of the company and showcase the redesigned logo leading to brand recognition. Potential clients, vendors, and anyone else stopping by will no doubt be thoroughly impressed with Staffing Solutions Enterprises, a woman owned business, specializes in recruitment solutions and career matchmaking.

CEO and founder Carmella Calta has created a business that sustains growth through devotion to integrity, customer service, and innovation.  If you are looking to recruit exceptional employees, Staffing Solutions can help.  Additionally, if you are an enthusiastic individual, they can help place you in a working environment perfect for your needs.

When two amazing companies work together, the results can be astonishing.  That is why when Staffing Solutions contacted us at Ep!c Signs and Graphics, we were so excited to work on this project.  Together we discussed solutions, worked with design options, measured available space, and offered many different options and prices for an interior sign.  When the planning was done, we professionally installed the sign of their dreams.  We would love to help you create interior signs designed with your dreams too!

Ideas To Consider When Planning Signs For A New Interior Space

You may be expanding your retail space, or perhaps you are moving into a new facility that requires new visual communications for employees and/or clients. That was just the case with Frantzward in downtown Cleveland when they moved into this new space. Whatever the case may be, there are many ways to display your services, messages and products through effective interior signs.

Consider The Space Available

Check the amount of space available before planning the visual communications of your new area. Is there adaquate wall space available to place graphics? If so, how big of an area is available? Also, what type of wall is it? drywall? brick? If there is considerbale space and viewers will see it from a distance, full wall murals may be the way to draw attention. If people are too close to the wall, you may lose the dramatic affect. But seeing a whole wall with a high resolution image installed of a city scape, for example, adds impact. 

If space is limited, it may make sense to install a series of images of your products in action or people receiving service or clients enjoying the end product. There will be value in displaying images of people using your products to promote ideas and establishing a sense of purpose. It may add a stylish flair to mount high resolution printed posters in frames along the wall. If you need lobby signs installed, be mindful of the logo shape and letters because that will determine the width and height required to keep it in proportion correctly.

What Are You Telling People?

Is there a message to go with that? Add dimensional lettering made of acrylic or brush aluminum to add a saying and an attractive touch. These can be created with many different fonts and mounted flush against the wall or they can be mounted with stand-offs anywhere from 1/2" to 2" from the wall. Another option is to use cut vinyl letters or graphics applied directly to walls to display a quote or a slogan, and the color options are virtually unlimited. We can also die cut any shape around images or logos to make prints look like they are painted to the wall.

Lights! Action!

How about adding lights? You can add internal LED lights to a light box with a full color digital print on the face for a dramatic look, or you can use lights positioned above or below a sign or letter display to add a certain mood. You can even add lights behind the letters, called reverse channel letters, for a very attractive, classy look to a business sign.

Keep in mind the type of theme or message you want people to remember. If your product or service is intended to be a fun event or represent something happy, consider bright colorful ideas. An example is an LED light box with a formed acrylic color face such as the one we produced for Gelato Star. The star and letters were molded into a shape on the face of the sign and then painted with primary colors so that the strong LED lights made a bright, fun impression since ice cream ...I mean Gelato.....tends to be a positive experience.

Do You Have Windows?

No problem. There are many ideas!  Windows provide valuable space that can be utilized for eye-catching graphics. Cut vinyl graphics of your logo, products or letters can be applied to windows inside or out. If you would like to see out of the window, but limit the ability to look in, then perforated printed vinyl may be the answer. We have even printed graphics on mesh material and installed hardware to make shades for customers so they can block bright sun but still be aware of the arrival of visitors. 

There are many options for displaying your message, either on drywall, brick and even windows. Be sure to consider your audience, the type of space involved, and what type of lighting you may need to set the correct tone for your message or pictures. Epic Signs & Graphics would be happy to provide a free consultation to help you decide the best options within a budget that fits the strategy. Do not hesitate to inquire below and make it Epic!

More than likely you posses a valuable marketing tool that can get eyeballs on your business name every day with a low investment that provides returns for years. This is particularly true if you have a fleet of vehicles on the road daily.  Consider keeping it simple and have Epic Signs & Graphics install cut vinyl or even full color decals on your trucks, cars or SUV's. 

In this case, OnSite went with cut vinyl graphics that was a lower price point than a full wrap, yet it provides an eye catching way to advertise. Plus the vehicle graphics are on display while their crews work on projects, and they get more attention when they make a few stops every day picking up supplies, seeing a potential customer, or even stopping for coffee! In the example above, the orange graphics from the logo shows up well on the all white cargo van and extends their identiy so people remember their company because it is a unique pleasing color.

Here is another great example, Epic Signs & Graphics installed truck decals for Advance Door using strategically placed color vinyl, again for a lower investment than other forms of adverising. Using three different colors of cut vinyl with no printing, the truck graphics provide an effective advertising campaign, particuarly when used on several of their trucks because it appears they are all over the city,,,which they are, so why not get recognized!

Keep in mind too that we can produce full color, eye popping images on decals on our printer, plus laminating for extra protection and professionally install them on your vehicle so they provide an attractive identity for your vehicles. Vehicle graphics like this can also be die cut into specific shapes to strategically place your logo, flag or whetever image supports your brand identity. The ideas are endless, so call us today to see how we can help you get your fleet graphics noticed like we did with the above examples.

We will evaluate your graphics and vehicles and consult with you to determine a budget that works for you, and when considered over several years, this can be an effective way to get people to notice that you get around. When customers see your vehicle pull up they know who you are, and the more they see you, the more likely they will think of you when they need your services. Have a professional sign and graphics company like Ep!c take a look at your vehicles, review your logos and brand colors to determine how to effectively place graphics on your vehicles so you get the most bang for your advertising buck! Call us for a free consultation.

     It is very likely that you pass by many businesses each day, just on your way to and from work, seeing thousands of signs. Assumably, many of these commercial signs are window graphics, a highly effective use of space and money, providing businesses with many additional square feet of advertising space. To join in on this marketing revolution, contact us, Epic Signs & Graphics wants to help you with the ideal window pictures for your business. Our signs will have pop and get you noticed from the street, as they are printed and cut with premium vinyls and ink on a high quality digital latex printer. There are many options to choose as seen below and we have expert designers to achieve the look for your brand.

Cut Vinyl

     Cut vinyl graphics are typically single-color logos, words, or designs cut from sheets of thin vinyl, extruded on a liner, so we can die cut virtually any shape you want with our 65” wide high-end plotter. Vinyl comes in hundreds of brilliant shades and there are many varieties used dependent on the application and the time duration required. Cut vinyl graphics are an affordable way to get your messages displayed.

Full-Color Decals and posters

     Full-color window decals can also be made with vinyl graphics, however, these can include a much broader array of colors (millions even!) and even include full color photo type images. They are printed with our state-of-the-art full color digital printers that use a water based latex ink. Decals can also be die cut into any shape, for example around logos or products such as the shape of a car.  We also have the capability to print on paper to create posters that can hang in windows as well as clings that adhere via friction and are easily removable.

See Through Window Graphics

Perforated window graphics are another fantastic option. A great way for a design to fill the entire window. This choice allows visibility through one side, while your design is displayed on the other. Perforated vinyl has small holes built-in that allows printing on one side and yet it allows light through the window so you can still see out from inside the building. There are various varieties for this type of treatment as well, so call us to check out what you are trying to achieve and we can determine the best application or your situation.

Frosted or Etched Window Graphics

     Frosted or etched glass vinyl is a way to make glass look like it has been etched. Once again we can cut patterns into this vinyl so you can have just the look you want. This is a good way a to have a sophisticated look, provide an accent to the office area or even add privacy without blocking all the light. There are also various varieties so call us to see what is available. A perfect way for attaining a professional effect.

Window Shades

     Window shades can be customizable to fit your exact needs with size options, as well as any color, design, or graphics you desire. They can be used to effectively block sunlight, keeping out heat while adding a decorative flair or advertisement to your business.

Consider investing in window graphics to maximize your opportunity to utilize window space and advertise your brand and services. Contact the team at Epic Signs & Graphics and get a free quote and start designing for success!

In preparation for the upcoming season to distribute magazines and trade show events, Today's Bride contacted us to provide them with a vibrant new vehicle wrap to replace their previous one, which was deteriorating after years of utility. New vinyl laminated vehicle graphics that we apply will last for years since we use premium materials and professionally install for a beautiful look.

The GMC cargo van, pictured below, is a truck wrap with gloss laminated 3M vinyl and has full color graphics, which were digitally printed on our state of the art HP latex printer. We use strict color control management to achieve bright vibrant reproduction.

Today's Bride is making a smart advertising decision in wrapping their vehicle with van graphics. A truck wrap cost compared to the impressions they will make on a daily basis and over the life of the vehicle especially in urban towns such as Cleveland and Akron, results in highly affordable and effective marketing strategy. Any business with a fleet of vehicles can benefit from custom decals and vehicle wraps including plumbers, roofers, gutter services, landscapers, cleaning and restoration, and other types of companies. Even a business with only one or two company cars or trucks and a tight budget, can and should take advantage of  the space on their vehicles and use decals or car wrapping, an affordable and innovative advertising method. Contact Epic Signs and Graphics today to get a free estimate for a great design and high quality, custom vinyl wrap and decals.

Today's Bride, founded by Jim and Denise Frericks, is in its 25th year of business. they publish a high-quality magazine, which is available for free through their advertisers' retail locations. This valuable resource is also available online at todaysbride.com, which is one of the first wedding websites with 35,000 unique visitors and 103,000 page views per month. In addition, they produce six bridal shows per year. Today's Bride is often recognised as the areas most sophisticated and esteemed bridal enterprises in Northeast Ohio. Meet Denise and Jim at one of their upcoming bridal shows either at the Cleveland IX center January 17-18, or in Akron at the John S. Knight Center January 11.

Contact Epic Signs and Graphics today to get a free estimate for a great design and high quality, custom vinyl wraps and decals.