Epic Signs & Graphics Blog

     Directory signs are important for one main reason, it confirms the location of a destination such as an office someone is looking to go. If it is in an entry way of a building, customers can verify which floor they reside and take the elevator to the proper floor. With out a updated directory sign, they may not find your office. That is why NAI Daus gave us a call. They called about updating the existing directory sign in the main lobby and installing a new directory sign in the entry way of the back of the building. We quickly made our way out to the building they manage on the corner of Chagrin and I-271. By noting measurements and listening to the property manager, we put together an estimate and he gave us the green light.

   Now that we understand the structure of vinyl, we can understand how they are applied. When wrapping a vehicle, the vinyl needs to have the abilty to have some stretch. Cast vinyl is used for vehicle wraps since it can stretch and conform to the body easier, for example wrapping around a bumper. Part of the reason cast vinyl can stretch is because it tends to be thin compared to calendared, and so requires an experienced installer to get the cast vinyl to apply smooth. These factors increase application time in order to have a great looking wrap. Applying calendared vinyl usually does not involve curve surfaces, rather flat applications, like the sides of vehicles. Since this type of application does not require as much time to conform vinyl around curves, and because calendared vinyl is thicker, it tends to be a little easier to handle and leads to less labor time when compared to wrap labor time. This is a big contributor to a better price point for flat cut vinyl application.

   Oh, by the way....we can help you with that! We use only the highest quality equipment, and state-of-the-art supplies.  We have been busy designing and installing vehicle graphics this season, and a few recent customers include, Relmec, Cleveland Lumber Company, and our very own vehicle.  Contact us today for a free quote, so we can begin designing your dream sign as soon as possible!

The new lobby sign at Wholesale Supplies Plus in Independence, Ohio is creating a buzz. Wholesale Supplies Plus company moved their location to E.Pleasant Valley Road in Independence, Ohio and where in need of a new lobbby sign for their entry way. Presto! Below are the results!

They approached Epic Signs & Graphics and requested some ideas. We surveyed the room and made several reccomendations and after reviewing renderings they settled on brushed aluminum lettering. As you can see, what makes this unique is the script style. 

The wall for this project is over 19 feet wide and is the perfect place for a quote. Epic Signs & Graphics provided several design fonts until this one was selected. The aluminum letters are 1/4" thick. The height of the lobby letters are 6" and are placed on stand-offs so they stick out about 1/4" fromt the wall. This provides a nice shadow affect, when aded to the lettering, it relays to a client and to employees that this is a classy organization. The whole process starts with high grade metal sourcing. Once the design is approved, the flat cut letters are routed with either laser or high-pressure water jet machines that produce with high precision. A paper pattern is developed of all the letters so our installers know where to drill holes for the studs and they can then place all letters accurately on the wall within the pattern. Somes times adhesive is used if deemed neccessary. The customer is there to give the thumbs up on centering and overall placement. At Epic Signs & Graphics, customer satisfaction is a priority so we work with you every step of the way.

Cut metal letters or metal logos can be done with stainless steel, bronze, brass, and copper. They can be done in range of thicknesses and completed with finishes such as straight brush, circular brush, polish, oxidizing, anodizing and painted any color you throw at us. There's even an option to add beveled edges for a stately finish. Production lead times are from 10 to 15 days from the point of approval. 

CONCLUSION:

If you are looking for help with your interior signs for areas such as lobbys, entry ways and even hallways, call Epic Signs & Graphics for help planning, designing and installation. We listen to your needs and consider all the variables for a fantastic finish like Wholesale Supplies Plus just experienced. Hit the link below for a free consultation and we would be happy to meet and review your ideas or plans. 

Epic Signs & Graphics is proud to say we have helped many businesses in the community improve the culture and brand of their company with exterior and interior signs. Every thing from ground signs, to channel letters, to wall murals and dimensional lettering. We provide services to get you recognized with various sign projects.

Lobby Signs

These days there are many material options to dress up your lobby. Various materials and options exist such as acrylic, aluminum, steel, bronze, brass, and copper. As an example, signs can be made as a cast metal providing a distinctive look for universities, banks and government buildings. There are also finishes to sway a look such as polish, brush, or custom paint colors. Acrylics are used in the same fashion. In many cases a metal or other material is laminated to the acrylic and finished as satin or brush affect. 

Windows

Windows provide an opportunity for placement of messages or high design graphics. One is the use of frosted or etched cut vinyl.  Cut vinyl is an economical choice and can be made with many color options. The cool thing about this option is we can print full color graphics on etched vinyl to include pictures and color gradients.

Exterior Signs

Need we say more? We provide guidance, design, production and installation of business building signs. There are a range of variables to consider when planning for exterior signs. Placement, power, types of lighting and mounting to name a few. 

These are only a few snippets of possibilities on this inventory of ideas. Give us a call for a free consultation and we would be happy to visit and provide ideas. Call Epic Signs & Graphics today for an appointment!

     We were recently contacted by Avalon Salon and Day Spa, located on West Pleasant Valley and Ridge Roads in Parma, Ohio.  Because the business was recently bought, the new Avalon owners needed a temporary banner to cover the existing sign and let every know of the change and their new name.

    Avalon Salon and Day Spa is a growing, full service salon, that boasts fabulous hair design, cut, and color, and wonderful nail care, skin care, massage therapy, and relaxation.  Any time you are in need of a little pampering, head over to this local oasis.  

     In the picture above you can see the crisp, clear, temporary banner we designed and installed for Avalon.  Pictured below is another banner we created, this one for Great Day, which is an example of a large mesh banner, which we installed on the side of a building.  As you can see, we can print bright full color graphics that tell potential customers about events, sales, specials or just point out they have something interesting to see inside.

     Below is yet another Ep!c-designed banner.  This one was made for Passion8 and used as a backdrop for photos at an event.  

     Because Avalon just recently moved to their current location on West Pleasant Valley and Ridge Roads, the sign promoting the old business needed to be concealed.  In order to provide a short-term solution, we created a temporary banner to cover the old sign.  After using grommets all around the perimeter of the banner and drilling screws into the former sign's structure, we can ensure that although it is temporary, the sign is secure and will not be detatched and flapping around after a strong gust of Cleveland wind.

     There are many varieties of banner material, but the typical is a 13 oz vinyl, which can be used indoor or out. There are other weight options, such as 18 oz, for a sturdier banner, or a lighter version, weighing 9 oz. One variation on a typical banner is a block-out version, which provides a sleek finish, prints smoothly, and blocks 100% of the light.  This option is good for trade show banners, pull-up banner stands, and table top stands.   As noted above there are mesh banners that will help avoid wind damage since the wind will pass through instead of becoming a potential sail like on a Lake Erie boat. Mesh banners also come in various weights, however you do loose some visual color "pop" since 1/4 to 1/2 of the material is missing and not attracting ink when printed. Also know, that we can print very large banners for a real attention getter! It is possible to cover a buildng wall as big as 60 feet high and 30 feet wide using the same type of material.

     So the next time you need to get your business noticed for an amazing event, remember that banners are incredibly versatile and can be customized to include virtually any design or image you could imagine.  Epic Signs & Graphics would love to help you create the banner of your dreams, so contact the Ep!c team today to get you started on a free estimate today!

Ennis Britton Co., L.P.A. called Epic Signs & Graphics in Parma, Ohio about fabricating and installing a lobby sign for their new remodeled office. After we took measurements and reviewed potential samples that could be used, they settled on a sleek, classy look as seen below. We used 1/4" thick brushed aluminum letters and offset the letters from the wall 1/4" in order to provide a shadow effect. Letters can be made of many different materials inlcuding metal, acrylic, or formed plastic. What material is used is determined by factors such as interior vs. exterior, style of decoration within the area, and of course, budget.

When Ennis Britton considered metal letters, the gorgeous, brushed finish they selected was one of many possibilities of flat cut metal finishes they chose from. Types of metals available are aluminum, bronze, brass, copper, and steel. Any of these can be brushed, polished, or even oxidized for a nice special affect. Also consider they can be mounted either flush on the wall or offset, as seen in this example. Ennis Britton chose to have a 1/4" offset from the wall and the result was just enough touch of shadow to give it a nice overall accent, particularly when lights were positioned above. Offsets are available up to 1" or more depending how it is to be used. In addition to these choices, metal leters can also be painted nearly any color you desire. Imagine all the possibilities these options offer for your business sign!

Interested in designing your own metal letter sign?  Contact us today to get started! We provide value with a thorough review of the area to place a commercial sign by listening to the customer. Once we understand your vision, we take measurements, evaluate installation factors and then determine a solution that best matches your circumstances. We source materials from trusted sources that have provided materials for decades and we have years of experience to rely upon for expertise in challenging situations. So give us a call today and get a free estimate for your next busines sign from Epic Signs & Graphics!

     

Adopt-A-Family Adopts a New Sign for Their Windows!

For most of us, Adopt-A-Family is an organization we hear about only during the Christmas season and pay no attention to any other time of the year.  Although the organization is incredibly active during the Christmas season, they also work to help children and families in need during the Easter season and host many events and fundraisers throughout the year.  Their motto, "It's all about the children", describes perfectly their intent to provide all children with happy holidays and memories.  

Recently, there has been more activity than usual surrounding the team as they moved into Snowville plaza in Parma.  This exciting move meant they would need signage, which we happily designed and installed. When the director called, she said she wanted to have something over the windows that would prevent someone from looking in, yet they wanted the ability to see out to know if a customer was on the way into there store.

The solution Epic Signs & Graphics provided was peforated window vinyl. There are many types of vinyls these days and this particular type has the ability to let light into the window yet provide a way to apply strong graphics as see in the above picture. Adopt A Family provided the graphics and our designs assembled them into a cohesive design you see above for an attractive window front. When you look closely at perforated window vinyl, you will see small holes punched through which is what allows you to see through the vinyl and yet block some of the light to reduce sun brightness. There are various ratios of hole space to vinyl material and they refer them as 65/35 or 70/30 and 50/50. The 65 or 70 is the amount of material while the 30 or 35 is the amount of hole space. This type if window graphic is prone to a reduced vibrancy since some of the material missing, so some image "pop" is expected to be missed, but when you have the right equipmeent such as Epic Signs & Graphics does, that problem is minimized.

See through window graphics are a good solution for some applications and situations, but ask an expert like Epic Signs & Graphics because some applications can pose problem with certain types of glass and too much heat, so be sure to get informed by experts. One way windows are a good solution for masking the ability see through windows from the outside, yet maintain the ability to see approaching customers. And as you can see, it is possible to have eye catching graphics as well.

To make the most of your storefront windows, take a cue from Adopt-A-Family and contact us to start designing your perforated vinyl window graphics today!  Also call for your free consultation.

Tavolo 72 Restorante Moves In On the Scene With New Signage!

Tavolo, which means table in Italian, recently updated the restaurant at the Crowne Plaza in Middleburg Hts and they called Epic Signs and Graphics in Parma for help. The project consisted of exterior and interior signs including updated cabinets for the pylon sign out front, interior directory signs and full color digitall printed and laminated posters. The cabinet update consisted of 2 signs made of aluminum with routed faces backed with red and white acrylic and then illuminated with LED lights. The results is a presentation that is classy reflecting the name Tavolo.

The operators at Tavolo 72 determined that hotel visitors were not finding the restorante very easily so they asked for a solution. A metal bracket was designed so that it could be seen from the stairwell. Once they approved our bracket design we wnt to work with fabrication and then painting. We then used links to hang the panel fron the bracket so that it would hang down low enough to be noticed but not in the way of foot traffic. The result is a sign that blends with the decore yet lets people know that good food is right down the hallway.

Besides these fine signs, we also printed 24" x 36" posters for around the facility reminding patrons of the restaurant within the building. They were printed on our Hewlett Packard 60" wide format printer. Our printer by the way uses latex ink which is friendlier for the environment than the solvent inks. We then added a nice luster laminate to reduce glare and give it an elegant touch, again reflecting the quality of the operation. Our printer and software equipment can produce millions of colors so that the results are photo quality output, especially on the photo quality HP paper we use for these types of projects.

Call Epic Signs & Graphics when you have a rebranding project on your hands and you need experts to manage through completion. We can handle new sign implementation for exterior and  interior sign displays, call us today for a free consultation!

Gemlite Channel Letters

If you are looking for something different, you may want to try LED lighted signs known as GemLite. This is a versatile, customizable, and affordable way to promote your business name, so look no further than GemLite formed channel letters.  A great option for interior signs as well as exterior in some cases, these LED channel letters will have customers looking your way.

The technology found in GemLite letters is astonishing.  Featuring ¾” deep, opaque, white cans,  they reflect the most light through the faces and prevent LED lighting systems from showing through the sides.  They also feature low-profile LED lighting, a Slimline design, and are UL and CSA listed and recognized.

Not only do GemLite channel letters utilize state-of-the-art quality technology, they are also incredibly customizable.  With this signage option you can achieve the exact look you desire. Available as standard or flush, the face can be made to allow some light out of the sides, creating a halo effect.  The face can also be customized in regards to color, font style, and size.

Contact the Ep!c team today, and we can help you create the sign you need to entice potential customers!