Epic Signs & Graphics Blog

Before you leap into the process of shopping for a business sign that you expect to get attention for your organization, take a walk through this blog to learn a little about the terminology and types of signs so you can communicate with your favorite sign outfit about what your are looking to accomplish.

LED Signs

At the top of the list are LED Displays or also known as Electronic Message Center Signs. These are the latest in the sign arena that offer lots of messaging opportunities for your customers to see. You can rotate several messages, have full color images and text and you can control it all from the comforts of the inside of your office. Doesn't get any better than that! These usually require an investment of masonry and custom sign fabrication to accomplish but the results are very nice indeed. 

Monument Signs

Investing in an LED display sign may not be in the cards right now, but you can get a very nice exterior business sign out front that will attract attention if done with careful planning and design. There are various options that can be used to acheive the look you want, and it usually requires us to take a look  at your logo to see what would work well. Good old stone masonry is always a sturdy way to go, combined with a simple flat panel or dimensional lettering. Lighting can be involved either internally of the sign or a spot light on the sign some times provides an excellent dramatic look.

Channel Letters

Post & Panel Signs

If you have great signs around your business like on the building, on a monument sign or even throught the interior like the lobby and offices, I'd say it is now time to turn your attention to the truck decaling side of the marketing spectrum. Why not tackle that important area of the business this spring and be ready to roll through out the summer? Especially if you have multiple trucks going out every day, that is an opportunity to let potential customers know how much value you provide through out the community. Take a walk through the below visual blog to get inspaired with ideas for a fleet graphics program.

These recent examples show what new vehicle graphics can do for your fleet. The senior bus was brought in to us and we had it washed and buffed before vinyl decal application. The results were amazing because it looked like a new vehicle before the application of graphics and then BAM!!. The maroon truck above shows a great compliment with the gold color lettering. Cleveland Antenna wanted to use an image of a coax cable wrapping around the truck. These are only a few of the projects we have done for businesses all around Cleveland.

Whether your a sole proprietor of a plumbing company or a the Vice President of marketing that is responsible for visual branding, truck lettering and van decals will be a good way to get started without going all out with vehicle wraps. This is also true with trailer decals, bus graphics and box truck lettering. We would love to sell you a wrap for your next project, but if you woud like an introduction, then decaling and lettering vehicles is a fine way to start without breaking the budget.

We will use our wide format full color printing capabilities to produce bright vibrant colors and then apply premium laminate for solid protection from weather and harsh UV sun rays. Our plotter can then provide precision die cut decals for a really nice application of graphics that is second to none in North East, Ohio.

Give us a call or stop by Monday through Friday to see more pictures and get design ideas to get your truck graphics program started just in time for the warm weather. See below for other projects we have done in the recent past and we look forward to helping you soon.

It's kind of amazng that the Americans With Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990, not that long ago. It was ccreated to provide similar protections as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Braille was developed by Louis Braille of France in the early 1800's, out of necessity since he was totally blind starting when he was a young boy. He spent the rest of his life refining the system. Since that time it has been slowely adapted and is now used internationally.

There are 3 levels of Braille and each level refers to the level of complexity, grades 1, 2 and 3. Grade 1 is a basic version while grade 2 has 100's of abbreviations and contractions added. Grade 3 is not really used because it is made up of various versions of shorthand. For our purposes, ADA signage in the Unites States follows grade 2.

When planning for ADA tactile signs, be sure to understand the requirements so it is done right without the worry of having to rework them after it is too late. And besides, it is only right to provide a way for the visually impaired to be able to find their way around your organization. Contacting a reputable sign company that knows what is required will eliminate that worry.

Below are the guidelines for ADA capatable signs:

Sign Face

• Tactile logos and fonts. This means the lettering should be dimensional, so when you run your hand over, you can feel the letter shape.
• Typography - Use upper case and raised the lettering minimum of 1/32". And the font should be san serif, meaning a simple block type shape letter.  
• Yes there are font proportions to consider. The stroke (the width of the line of a letter) has to be 15% or less of the height of the letter.
• The height has to be between 5/8" and up to 2" maximum.
• The letter character spacing minimum is 1/8" apart.
• Line spacing (distance between 2 sentences) is to be between 135% and 170% of the capital letter from baseline to baseline.
• The sign must have as much contrast as possible and there can be no glare.
• Images must be within a 6" vertical area of space, the text must not be within that area.
• Text is to be placed directly below the image.
• Use standard international images.

Installation

• If possible, place on the latch side of the door.
• Install 60" up from the floor, verticle center of the sign.
• Finally, be sure to place far enough from the door so a blind person is not hit by an opening door.

Sure is a lot to consider isn't it? So that is a good reason to call Epic Signs & Graphics right now. We will help you from design through implementation of those important office signs.  Even if we do not have an immediate answer, we will research. Call us today for a free consultation to get your signs up to date and in compliance. Pronto!

If you are moving your business into a new space, there are various ways to add effective marketing signs. Consider windows, interior walls, exterior walls and a sign out by the roadway to  let people know about your business. It says something about the business when all the sign decorations are well coordinated and focused. Colors, slogans, vision statements and services all become the components of the message when planning a strategy.

Custom Interior Business Signs

A couple options to consider for interior office signs are dimensional custom logos or lettering and vinyl graphics. It will depend on the budget and style of graphics to determine which option is best. Dimensional lettering and logos can be made with acrylic, formed plastic, hard foam or metal and can be laminated and/or painted to provide many types of looks and effects. Other factors to consider are thicknesses, detail of the graphics and if the signs should be mounted off-set from the wall or flush.

Custom Door and Window Graphics

Don't forget the windows! Windows also present an opportunity to display offers and explain services. It's no problem cutting letters or even using full color printed images with our wide format printer and laminator. We can die cut images with our 60" plotter as well. Vinyl can be printed for custom colors and images or we can use cut vinyl that come in standard colors. Just think about the services that you want potential customer to know about, and we can design to meet the need.

Exterior Building Signs

 We easily help design and install a cabint sign or a channel letter sign that lights up. Of course illumination is not always required and we have soluutions for large dimensional lettering as well. Another option is flat panel signs mounted to the face of the building. The factors to consider those options is budget, type of space available on the building and city ordinances. We can help you sort out thise questions as each city has it's own set of requirements.  

Update Your Monument or Pylon Sign

It's not easy tracking your branding strategies to see if they really help pull in potential customers. The internet certainly has become an additional storefront that needs to be developed and then managed continuosly just like a physical store front. Often times, businesses get so wrapped up on that part of the strategy, they forget another daily touch point with the market place...you guessed it, your vehicles!

When you think about your vehicles out and about on a daily basis, it's easy to see how  many opportunities you have to make a good impression. In top 40 media markets, where there could be 61 million passers-by each year, you can achieve 16 million impressions per year. (Based on Media Buyers Guide presented by 3M). If you spend $1,000 to $1,500 on one vehicle for the year, truck lettering becomes a good justifiable advertising value that continuosly works through the year.

How does that compare to how many people see your website? Unless you are managing your website daily, doing all the right things, your truck sign may get in front of more potential customers then your website. Unless of course you have the  budget to buy your way up to the top of the search food chain. Or as I mentioned earlier, if you have the resources to grow tour website organically, then perhaps that is a good way to go. Below are some examples of effective truck signs and vehicle graphics that you know will hit many eye balls per day, why not take advantage of this low cost option so it is in place all year long. Sort of set it and forget it for the year. 

Vinyl cut lettering and Decals

We can provide design ideas based on lettering and effective decal placement. This is the most cost effective way to apply graphics to your vehicle and it will last many years. Since every square inch of the vehicle is not covered, you automatically save on vinyl. And the installation time is greatly reduced as well. If your vehicles roll at night, ask about reflective vinyl options. This will add even more impressions to your campaign since the truck letters will really be visable at night too!

Partial wraps

Partial wraps can be made to look like the whole vehicle is wrapped with effective design and placement. Consider it a step up from lettering and decals, but the idea is the same. Reduced use of material and labor yields a better price but you still get a truck wrap!

Full wraps

Of course the full truck wrap will be the biggest investment, but it does allow for the most design possibilities. Background
designs can be added and designs can be carried around the vehicle. Be careful not to put in too many elements as it can clutter up the design and the message can get lost, keep it simple!

What ever your advertising goals are for the year, call Epic Signs & Graphics for a free consultation and get your truck sign started today. We would be happy to survey the vehicle, listen to your branding goals, and provide design ideas. There are several options to get something done within various budget levels.

A new business moving into a new location often times needs to put up some information on the windows. But often times it is not possible to adhere graphics to the exterior of windows because of the temperatures outside. If it is too cold, the adhesive will not stick to the window because the glass is just about, or is frozen. So we either wait for El'nino to warm it up, or the climate change to kick in. Until then, below are some ideas.

Reverse Cut Vinyl Applied Inside

This is a good way to tackle the problem! We can use your window lettering and cut it out in reverse so that when it is applied on the inside, it is right reading from outside. This is easily accomplished with opaque vinyl that we can die cut into just about any shape. We can use this method with basic vector art work like solid shapes.

Full Color Prints

If you have images that have gradients, like photos, we can print on a substrate and apply that on the inside of windows. This is done one of two ways. The first is with double stick tape attached to the top and bottom of the substrate and that is applied to the windows. The second is to apply a mounting film to the substrate which is then applied to the inside of the window. Various substrates can be used for this application. We even have material that is perforated so you can see through the material.

Window Shades

How about this idea! We can print on a mesh material full color graphics and apply to hardware to make inside window shades. This was done at Buckeye Equipment Sales on Broadview Rd in Parma. They were having trouble with sun blinding them and the heat generated was uncomfortable so the idea was to use printed window shades.

All of this assumes there is not a heavy tint on the windows. That obviously would be a visual hindrance. Window signs can be done in many ways depending on what you are trying to accomplish. We can help any type of business with window signs including retailers, HVAC and Heating companies, plumbers, electricians, small companies and definitely restaurants and bakeries. Give Epic Signs and Graphics a call today for a free consultation and we would be happy to visit for measurements, listen to your vision and discuss solutions to get your great offer out customers!

The incredible banner! There are numerous uses for banners. From interior displays for events to exterior temporary signs for large building signs until a permanent sign is in place. We have even done them to let people know a business is moving. They are also versatile because we can print any image for you to show products, explain services, or anonunce events, or even call attention at trade shows. They can also be made with a variety of vinyl types and fabrics.

General Event Banners

The most common banners for general events are made with 13 or 9 oz vinyl material. Be sure to check out the thinner banner vinyls as they can allow light through if placed against windows. We generally use a 13 oz banner vinyl since it is versatile enough to use inddor and outdoor. Also, be sure to specify the number of grommets needed. It helps to know how you plan to hang the banner so you know what the banner will require. Keep in mind that it is wise to roll up a banner for storage so that fold marks do not scratch off the images, espcially if other stuff is piled on top. Taking care of the banner will allow you to use it several times at events through out the year.

Trade Show Banner Displays

There are various options for trade show displays. If you are considering pull up banner stands, we like to use a knock-out banner material that does not allow light through and has a smooth surface finish for a clean sharp printed images. It also has a "no-curl" feature so it does not fold inward while on display. This material comes on a continuous roll so we can print just about any size you may need.  We can also supply printed table throws and tents as seen in this picture. There are several sizes and options of these displays so give us a call to find out what might work best for you and we will evaluate your images to see what print method would be best. 

Building Banners

When an event calls for a big splash, why not make it epic and install a really large banner that attaches to the side of a building!  These are either made with mesh banner vinyl or heavy 18oz vinyl banner material. An installer will tell you to use a mesh banner for two reasons. One, it will be lighter, and second, it will allow wind to go through when installing and when installed. A solid banner can become a sail like on a boat and it has plenty of force to take a peron out of a bucket truck! So safety procedures are crucial! The beauty of these banners though is the ability to still print in full color so that your message and image can be displayed in a super large format size.

 We have only scratched the surface about discussing banners because there are many ways to create custom banners for other applications. One is pocket pole banners that hang on poles usually along streets. These have sewn-in pockets and are reinforced for durability. So call Epic Signs and graphics today for a free banner consultation and we would be happy to develop a plan for your events this year!

We know when potential customers contact us for wraps, decals or cut vinyl lettering, they plan to call at least 2 other sign companies to compare prices. That is fair, and I would do the same when shopping. But I would suggest you look beyond price before making the decision. Buying truck decals or vinyl lettering is a big investment, and a bigger one if you are getting a wrap. Not only do you want a fair price, you also want it done professionally so it looks good for a long time. 

One of the important items to check out is if the installing company has insurance for your vehicle while in their possesion. You never know what can happen when the vehicle is in the garage.  If the sign company is not properly covered, you will be forced to use your insurance and hopefully they cover. Your carrier may go after the sign company's carrier for compensation. This whole messy scenario can be avoided by using a professional sign company in the first place that is adequately covered for unexpected events.

The second item to ask is what type of vinyl and laminate they propose to use? For flat surfaces and one or two color designs, cut vinyl is a good choice. For one, it is economical and will help the budget. It may not be neccessary to use a cast vinyl in this scenario, particulary if the vehicle is leased and you think it will not be in your posession after 5 years. It is a different story if the design calls for a full range of colors or there are curves and rivets to contend with on the surface of the vehicle to be covered. This will require a cast vinyl and cast laminate. Find out what is proposed based on the design and the type of surface of the vehicle. 3M, Avery and Oracal are all very good vinyl choices. Just be sure if they are using an Avery Cast vinyl for example, they are also using the matching Avery cast laminate, or else the warrenty will be automatically void.

You should find out from the sign company how they intend to produce the graphics. Will they print and die cut the design? or will it be pre-colored vinyl that only requires a plotter? Or will they use a combination of methods? Not that any of these methods are any better than another, each are used depending on the design and shape of the truck, van or car. If the sign company is willing to explain these differences, then they are demonstrating some knowledge and working with you for the best solution.

There is a third item you should ask about and unfortunatley, I cannot give you the answer in this blog. In order for you to get the answer, ask me for a quote and ask me this question; what is the very last step performed when installing a wrap? If they do not know the answer to that question, I suggest you check with other companies before spending hundreds of dollars. It is vital that this procedure is performed as recommended by vinyl manufacturers and expert installers, or else you will most definitely experience a failure of the installation.

At Epic Signs & Graphics, we do our best to give you the solution that best fits all of the criteria involved. Factors such as type of vehicle, required vinyl duration, quantity and type of vehicles, time frame the job needs to be done within, sometimes install location and the type of design all play a part in determining the best solution. Call us today for a free consultation and find out about that last step!

The sign in the above picture was actually an update. The original sign had smooth flat brick texture and a flat cabinet that was attached. It was nice but the client wanted an updated modern look based the brandiing they started at other properties in their portfolio. The client wanted to reface the masonry portion with stone and chose a natural ledgestone look. After that was completed we fabricated and installed an alluninum sign. The face is routed out to spell out the name. The inside acrylic behind the routed face has day/night perforated vinyl so it will look dark during the day but illuminate white at night. There are LED lights installed inside the cabinet to provide a bright look when illuminated.

The base of the above businees sign is actually constructed out of synthetic materials. It was a great solution for this client that sells and rents outdoor equipment from everything from snow blowers to chain saws to commercial grass cutting equipment to backhoe's. Since there was already power at the location, it was matter of adjusting the cement pad to include appropriate stud mounts for anchoring. The base was placed and the displays mounted to steel poles located in the center. The client wanted to use a stone style base but had budget concerns, so this application was a good solution.  The electronic display sign is illuminated LED using RGB colors controlled through web based software and is easy to install new graphics as needed to push special promotions. 

Keep in mind as you look around your conference room or restaurant determining new decorating ideas that vinyl wall graphics, murals or acrylic lobby signs can spark ideas for communicating your message to customers, clients and employees. Just considering vinyl alone, we can bring messages alive as seen in the pictures below.

In the examples to the right , cut vinyl was used to create the words. A specialty vinyl that has a metallic look with slight sparkles was used to add a touch of class to this design. The vinyl has the same look of high quality paint on a classic automobile even when applied to the wall. On the customers request we typeset the words at various sizes which was a great design idea adding interest to the wall. Overall, the design blends well with the décor of the restaurant while adding something interesting to look at while waiting for really good pizza at InForno in Avon!

Finally, the last picture shows a full color printed wall mural. Many times it is not necessary to fill the entire wall, although that is really cool to see as well! However, a banner mural spread around the office or down the hallway is a very effective way to deliver visual communications. Another idea is to produce cut out’s of people or things such as products like tractors if you were selling Deere, Gravely or Husqvarna.  This type of wall sign is an affordable way to communicate with employees and clients.

Call Epic Signs & Graphics to have us help you with design ideas like those shown above whether that is for office signs or building signs, we can create custom signs that meet your budget yet deliver the messaging you desire.