Epic Signs & Graphics Blog

When businesses or individuals need help with mechanical issues with their building or home, where do look for a contractor? You may assume the Internet is their first stop, and that is becoming an increasingly common option. Friends and family are also often good sources for advice. However, most people turn to a name they already know and trust. One way to get your name in front of more people and build brand recognition and trust is with spot graphics for Cleveland contractors.

Relmec Mechanical realized they could increase their brand awareness with vehicle graphics, so they called the experts at Epic Signs & Graphics to work on their fleet.

About Relmec Mechanical

From their headquarters on Hamilton Avenue in Cleveland, Relmec Mechanical, LLC is a full service mechanical contracting firm. They provide service and commercial clients with repair and installation services of fire protection, HVAC, process piping, and plumbing systems. They have been in business for half a decade and employ more than 75 full time workers.

When a local business that provides such valuable services to the community came to us for vehicle graphics for Cleveland contractors, we jumped into action. After meeting with Relmec, we discovered they just wanted their basic logo on the sides and back of their fleet of more than 50 vehicles. The trick was working with their schedule to coordinate installation.

Fortunately, Epic Signs & Graphics has a time tested process that works great for busy fleets that cannot afford to have their vehicles tied up for long periods of time. Once we planned and coordinated with Relmec how we would install the graphics, it took no time at all. There were no delays, and the client was impressed with the job we did.

Your Fleet Needs Van Graphics

Full vehicle wraps are all the rage these days, but these can be cost prohibitive for a lot of companies, especially if you have a fleet of 50 vans. To get the attention of fellow drivers and pedestrians, you do not always need wraps. You can use engaging, custom spot graphics if you have a solid colored van. This is what Relmec chose for their vans to advertise their company.

Thanks to the simplicity of the design, Relmec’s name really sticks out. This is crucial, since the average person will have about three seconds to look at your graphics. To help passersby read your message in a hurry, it is important that you only include pertinent information on your vehicle. Our graphics creation process is guided by these principles.

Relmec wanted to keep it incredibly simple. We generally recommend also including contact information, such as your web address or phone number. However, in this day in age, you can get away with just including your company name, and people can Google your information.

Thanks to our state of the art materials and cutting edge wide format digital printers, we can recreate just about any graphics you can imagine on your contractor van. Contact Epic Signs & Graphics today if you are ready to boost your branding with affordable and effective spot graphics.

You essentially have two choices when deciding on how to stripe your ride: vinyl adhesive stripes or painted on stripes. There is a third option of duct tape, but we think you will agree that this option is to be avoided at all costs unless you are making a parody of Fast and Furious.

There are both pros and cons associated with vinyl and painted on stripes. The two types are basically indistinguishable from each other, yet vinyl stripes are much less expensive. The owner of this Dodge Dart Rallye recognized this and called on Epic Signs & Graphics for Dodge Dart racing stripes in Cleveland.

About the Dodge Dart Rallye

The Dodge Dart Rallye is a fun little car. It has a limited edition 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 184 lb-ft of torque at 2500 rpm. It is a nice ride for long distance trips with 39 miles per gallon fuel economy, yet it also has a good amount of get up and go. The Dart Rallye can get from 0 to 60 mph in about eight seconds. And, it just looks awesome with the orange factory paint job.

When the owner of such a sweet vehicle came to us for racing stripes, we jumped at the chance to work on her car. After discussing with the owner exactly what she wanted, we went right to work. We used our highest quality 3M car vinyl and paid close attention to detail, working with the precise contours of the car. In the end, she was ecstatic about the job we did: yet another satisfied customer!

Painted on Stripes Vs. Vinyl

At this point, you may be wondering, “What are the best racing stripes for my car in Cleveland?” To help you decide, we have put together the pros and cons of the two main types.

Depending on the materials that are used and who does the job, painted on racing stripes can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000. As part of the process, only the area of the car that is to be striped will be exposed, while the rest of the car is taped off. They will then sand the area and spray the paint on. In the end, you have a stripe that will typically last longer than a vinyl stripe. Unfortunately, once a racing stripe is painted on, it is difficult to remove or alter.

Vinyl stripes are just a fraction of the cost of a paint job. You can have your car back the same day, whereas you may have to give up your car for a week or more to get a stripe painted on. Also, take a close look at the Dodge Dart Rallye above. Notice it is impossible to tell if it is vinyl or painted on.  Plus, you can protect the resale value of your vehicle, since the racing stripe is easily removed.

All in all, vinyl is the more cost effective way to go. And, having the professionals at Epic Signs & Graphics do the job will ensure it is done right. Contact us for a free consultation!

The unofficial polls are showing that the races are tight. Many area voters are beginning to get serious about learning about the candidates and ballot measures so they can make informed decisions. Election Day is right around the corner, and it is crunch time for local campaigns. To help you with your final surge before voters go to the polls, check out these ways to make your political signs work for you.

1. Encourage Political Participation

Campaign signs offer supporters a way to voice their opinions, feel connected to a measure or candidate, and to express themselves politically. To become part of the total campaign experience, political scientists say that yard signs are important for citizens.

Neighbors and friends will see who your campaign volunteers support when they openly display political signs. Cleveland campaign volunteers can use these signs as a way to show the hours and hard work they put into their candidate or measure.

2. Get People to Vote

By reminding supporters to vote with election signs, Cleveland candidates can improve their electoral prospects. If used strategically, these signs can help remind people who already like a politician to go cast their votes on Election Day.

Political scientists have found that simply posting campaign signs near busy intersections in a community can increase voter turnout by up to four percent or more. This may be the difference between winning and losing in a lot of races.

3. Harness the Power of Visibility

Presidential elections are when campaign signs are the least effective. However, that is when most people use them. Everyone usually has very defined opinions of the candidates involved, since presidential races are most prominent in the public eye. Therefore, a campaign sign is going to do little to change minds.

In elections where the candidate is relatively unknown, though, signs have a crucial effect. The additional name recognition created by political signs is incredibly valuable in races like mayor, school board, judgeships, city council, or sheriff, since these candidates are often unknown.

4. Social Cues Are Taken from Yard Signs

A person’s neighbors, family, coworkers, and friends can have a big impact on who they vote for, according to many political studies. By serving as voting cues, these powerful social forces are played upon with political signage. Put another way, even without a political discussion taking place, signs can spread political information between two people. For example, you may not think at all about a neighbors sign. You may just see it in passing, but when you are in the voting booth and faced with ballot decisions, you will vote for the name you recognize from your neighbor’s sign.

5. Increase Name Recognition

This has been touched on in various ways above, but it bears repeating: name recognition is the game changer when it comes to politics. That is why you see politicians doing all sorts of things that have nothing to do with making laws, such as riding in parades, updating their social networking accounts, and appearing on TV or radio shows.

If you are ready to finish your campaign strong, contact Epic Signs & Graphics for election signs.

Typically, businesses only use retractable banner stands at special events, such as tradeshows. After the event, the banners are removed, rolled up, and then put into storage until the next tradeshow. At Epic Signs & Graphics, we see this as an underutilized marketing opportunity, since easy to carry, light, and compact banner stands can be set up anytime and anywhere you need extra visuals. To learn more about other uses for banner stands in Cleveland, read on!

Welcome Signs

If you really want to put your banners to work for you, a welcome sign made with a banner stand is a perfect way to do it. When visitors enter your lobby, they will see the stands each time. Plus, it adds a colorful look to your décor without spending a bunch of money on something permanent. And, if your décor changes or you are just plain tired of the artwork, you can change out the banner. It is much more affordable then redecorating your office.

Information Panels

Using plain panels with nothing but text is boring. You will grab the attention of more consumers with easy to read banner stands. Any Cleveland business can choose this type of signage to inform visitors about specials or provide updates about services or products. Banners can be designed incoporating the business graphics and logos so that it coordinates with the branding and marketing. This is a great way to pass along information while maintaining the business ambiance.

POS Displays

Placing retractable banner stands near POS, or points of sales, allow retail marketers to attract attention to specific services or products. You can even list some of the features and benefits of what you are selling since passersby will be on foot and will have more time to read your sign. Shoppers have the impulse to buy, once they are in your store. Your banner stands can help focus this impulse.

Retail Marketing

To promote a new seasonal line or a particular department, we have discussed the benefits of retail stores using wall graphics. This is not always your best options, though. There may be circumstances where you need something small for just a short period of time, wall graphics may be too much for your budget, or your landlord will not let you put up wall graphics. Whatever the reason, banner stands for retail stores always come in handy.

Backdrops

Banner stands do not always have to be at the forefront. They work great as backdrops behind your reception area. They are just another tool to spruce up your lobby décor.

If you would like more information about using banners, retractable banners or banner stands for your business, please contact us. We will come up with the ideal solution for your purposes once we meet with you to find out your vision and goals during a free consultation.

Whether you get it for your company or your hobby, vinyl vehicle wraps for Cleveland are a good way to show what you are passionate about. With new car wraps, you can start conversations, get new clients, and attract attention. Without the need for an expensive paint job, many car hobbyists have gone with full vehicle wraps to completely change the look of their cars. Car wraps are ideal for car enthusiasts, whether it is a full wrap to give the car a new look and protect it or a partial wrap with a cool looking design or flames.

Businesses Are the Big Winners with Vinyl Wraps and Graphics

Businesses are most likely to reap the benefits of vehicle wraps in Cleveland. You can use your car to begin a conversation with a potential client wherever you go. One terrific way to get the attention of those around you is by driving through the city and pulling up to a business meeting in an expertly wrapped vehicle advertising your enterprise.

Advertising businesses is the number one use for vehicle wraps. Anywhere you drive with a wrapped car can lead to a connection that will win you more sales down the road or present you with a sales opportunity. For example, let’s say you take your wrapped car for a Saturday afternoon drive to lunch. Your wrap may spur a conversation with another restaurant patron, and you may soon have a new client, or he may pass your name along to a friend who is in need of your product or service.

Any Enterprise Can Benefit from Vehicle Wraps

Vehicle wraps are beneficial to tradesmen. They can be used to advertise any business, including:

• Florists
• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Dry Cleaners
• Karaoke Rentals
• Contractors
• Exterminators
• Chiropractors
• Restaurants
• Rental Companies
• And so on

If the trailer of a tradesman is wrapped, then visibility is increased exponentially. Essentially, the main candidates for wraps are any business or individual who wants to promote themselves and what they do.

Some of our biggest clients are companies that offer delivery services. For example, when pizza delivery drivers are on the road   in a fully wrapped vehicle, drivers will pay attention at a time when they are thinking about, “What should I have for dinner tonight?” It is hard to get such targeted advertising for so cheap. One local company even has their delivery car wrapped to look   just like a delicious hamburger. When customers call in to order food, they often reference being influenced by the “burger car.”

If you have read anything about vehicle wraps, you will know that they are referred to as rolling, or mobile, billboards. This is not   just hyperbole. Vehicle wraps have graphics that are just as vibrant if not more so than billboards, except wraps are at eye level   where people are looking, not up in the sky.

Epic Signs & Graphics has been creating top quality vehicle wraps for many years now. Contact us for a free consultation.

Wall and window graphics in Cleveland are becoming
all the rage. This is because just about any image and text can be printed on top quality vinyl in vibrant, sharp colors using state of the art wide format digital printers. We constantly field questions about how to get a wall mural done or how to have graphics applied to windows. So, to help with guidance, we put together this guide to help answer your questions.

What Are Wall and Window Graphics?

We have the ability to print full color images on vinyl or we can use standard color vinyls to die cut shapes like letters that can be applied to walls or windows. The vinyl can be applied because the back side has an adhesive that will stick to many substrates including walls or windows. So that technology allows us to provide window, wall graphics or decals. Wall and window graphics are typically used for marketing displays and specifically to deliver messages. 

Do Window Graphics for Cleveland Businesses Damage Surf
aces at All?

Adhesive vinyls will leave the glass surface looking as good as new if it is installed and removed properly. If the professionals at Epic Signs & Graphics do the job, you can be rest assured the surface will look great once the graphic is removed.

How Long Do the Graphics Last?

Depending on the type of vinyl used and what the intended goal is for longevity, vinyls will last from 3 years to 10 years. Weather variables will determine the length as well since since sun exposure has long term affects on vinyl because of UV rays.

In What Ways Do Businesses Use Lettering and Wall Murals?

Wall murals are commonly used as accents in office environments. City scapes are popular. Depending on the business will dictate the need for wall murals. A dentist office for example can use children themes to help ease their mind. Some organizations use cut lettering on walls to provide inspirational quotes or provide leadership vision statements. Many store front retail outlets use windows to display services, hours, specials or even product photos to entice customers into the business. Each of these products allow a business or organization to communicate to potential customers who they are and what they provide. 

Can the Same Vinyl Graphic Be Used More than Once?

For the most part, they cannot. This is because after having been peeled off their surface, they will not snap back to full elasticity. However, it is much less expensive for us to make a graphic the second time, since we will have the design already on file and will just need to print and install it.

What About Removal?

So as not to leave any marks behind, our professional vinyl installers use heat to carefully peel off the decals. As a way to leave the surface totally clean, window cleaner or water and soap may be used in instances that marks do get left behind. Walls may have marks left that would require light sanding and a coat of paint.

What's the Installation Process?

With a cleaning agent, like rubbing alcohol, the surface where the graphics will be going is cleaned. The vinyl is then placed into position for approval and to ensure a good fit. Then, after removing the backing to the vinyl, it is placed on the window or wall with a squeegee to push out air bubbles. This is done carefully to prevent wrinkles. Some times a liquid can be applied first to help with this process, particularly with vinyl frost used on windows. The liquid will allow the vinyl to repositioned if needed but it will take time to dry. 

If you are ready to use your windows and walls to make a positive impact with your consumers, contact Epic Signs & Graphics today for a free consultation, we would love to provide a survey and a plan to make it happen!

As a property manager, it is important that you keep your tenants happy. This includes making it as easy as possible for clients and customers to find businesses in your complex. One way to do this is with the appropriate signage. Coven-Goldman Associates recognized the importance of property management post and panel signs for Cleveland, OH and called Epic Signs & Graphics to help promote their tenants.

A Little About Coven-Goldman

As a commercial real estate firm, Coven-Goldman Associates specializes in property management and real estate development. Located on Mercantile Road in Cleveland, they manage and own more than 1.5 million square feet of warehouse buildings and single story offices. They have been involved in commercial and industrial real estate for over half a century.

When a company that has been serving Cleveland area businesses for so long came to us for signage, we were ready to meet right away to design something spectacular. Coven-Goldman already had a directory sign for their Commerce Parkway West property, but it was horribly outdated. They needed a more modernized look.

How We Helped

For the posts, we used four round extruded aluminum poles that were each four inches in diameter and had a brushed metal look finish. The poles were installed three feet deep and held in place with cement. As part of our project management capabilities, before digging, we worked with utilities to make certain we would not take out any communication, water, or electricity lines.

For the panels, we installed six inch wide PVC panels with vinyl lettering applied for the companies and the address. In the end, the sign is 150 inches in total length and stands at eight feet high, so people can see tenant information from near and far.

What We Can Do for You

Property management post and panel signs in Cleveland are a perfect choice for any company because of their inexpensive pricing, versatility, and ability to get your business’s message across. There are a variety of different uses for these signs beyond just letting consumers know where you are located. We have several types of popular post and panel signs:

• Frameless – If you want to use unique shapes and keep your prices down, go with frameless post and panels signs. The U-channels that go in the ground are attached directly to the vertical edges.
• Twin Hinge Illuminated – These work great wherever readily changeable copy to promote events or display information is needed. Directory signs also use these types of post and panel signs.
• Classic – These carry a single message panel and sport a beveled picture style frame. The frame is held in place by concealed locking squares.
• Illuminated – For these signs, one polycarbonate face or two illuminated aluminum faces can be used. Illuminated post and panel signs feature cabinet style frames and are made from heavy gauge, extruded aluminum.
• Slide Panel Illuminated – A main feature of these signs is the easily removable panel inserts, which makes them ideal for information that is likely going to change in the future.
• Double Panel – Featuring a traditional cabinet style frame, these have two message panels chemically bonded to a polystyrene core for extra strength against the weather.

If you are considering post and panel signs for your property, contact Epic Signs & Graphics today for a free consultation!

The doors of your business are often an overlooked aspect of how you present yourself. However, the doors are also the first experience many people have with your company. Therefore, they make the first impression. If your entrance looks dingy, visitors will be turned off and may not come back. On the other hand, you can have a positive impact with frosted vinyl door graphics in Cleveland. Brennan’s recognized this and came to Epic Signs & Graphics to get their doors updated.

What Is Brennan’s?

Brennan’s Catering & Banquet Center is located on Triskett Road in Cleveland. It is a family run banquet center and catering business with more than four decades of party planning experience. They have succeeded by showing a strong commitment to excellent cuisine and personal service that ensures the success of their clients’ events.

When a company that provides such a valuable service for our area’s businesses and individuals came to us for help with their doors, we got right down to work. The first step was meeting with Brennan’s to find out what exactly they wanted. When we got a look at their catering and banquet center, we could tell right away what needed to be done.

Adding Frosted Vinyl Door Graphics

The three doors to the center all had frosted window vinyl. Unfortunately, they were starting to show a lot of wear and tear, which was beginning to reflect poorly upon Brennan’s. They told us they wanted essentially the same thing, but there was not any art available. So, we had to create the Celtic look from scratch. Fortunately, we have some of the best graphic designers in the industry. Our team was able to come so close to the original design that the client could not tell the difference.

Etchmark 900 series frosted vinyl was used for this project. The wet method was used to apply the vinyl. Before lying down the vinyl on the window of the doors, a water application is required. Overall, this was not an easy job with all of the fine vinyl detailing and intricate cuts that had to be installed carefully, but the work paid off. The finished product looked sharp and highlighted Brennan’s commitment to excellence.

What We Can Do for You

Etched vinyl door graphics for Cleveland are becoming increasingly popular. This is because they are a much less expensive and less permanent alternative to actual etched glass. Best of all, it is next to impossible for the untrained eye to notice that vinyl was used in place of real etched glass.

Etched or frosted vinyl is used to add a note of sophistication and elegance to your business. This makes it an ideal choice for business that sell high end items, offer fine dining, or that look to give their clients the better things in life.

As you can see, Epic Signs & Graphics has the expertise to provide elaborate door graphics that match any design scheme. Contact us today for a free consultation, and we will show you what we can do for your enterprise.

One of the most effective ways to customize your vehicle is with a vehicle wrap. This is because they preserve the beauty and integrity of the factory paint while temporarily changing the color of your car. The resale value of your vehicle is protected by this. Vinyl wraps are typically more affordable than a custom paint job. It is also simpler to repair and maintain wraps, since in the case of an accident, you can repair just small portions.

While many businesses choose to have wraps that have graphics and lettering, we here at Epic Signs & Graphics have noticed that an increasingly popular alternative is color change wraps. Cleveland motorists are realizing that this is a great way to update the appearance of their cars. Read on to learn more about this option.

How Do Color Change Wraps Compare to Paint Jobs?

Custom paint jobs are typically much more expensive than color change vehicle wraps in Cleveland. You must also consider that you have to remove the factory paint job when you repaint a car. The value of your vehicle can be affected by this. However, you can actually preserve and protect the factory paint for the next buyer when the color is changed with a vinyl wrap.

Vinyl is used for each of our car wraps. World renowned companies Avery and 3M are among the manufacturers that make our vinyl. The vinyl is specifically designed to be used on vehicles, and the manufacturers stand by their products with a warranty. We avoid using cheaper materials because they can actually damage the paint.

What Colors Are Available?

The short answer is every color imaginable. The long answer is a bit more involved. There are two ways to achieve various colors with wraps. Both have their benefits. The first way is to choose stock vinyl that is manufactured to be a specific color. These colors are typically more vibrant and less expensive. However, for your color choices, you are limited to what the manufacturer produces. Some popular colors are pearl white, matte white, matte black, metallic red, carbon fiber, and gunmetal gray.

The other option is to have any custom color you want printed on white vinyl using our state of the art wide format digital printer. This costs a little more, since it includes an extra step, but you will have a perfect match for whatever color you want.

Are Only Solid Colors Available?

Though solid colors are common for color change vehicle wraps for Cleveland, it is not required. We can create custom printed graphics or mix colors for your project. When businesses come to us, they often request color change wraps with information to promote their brand or specific products.

If you would like a color change wrap in the Cleveland area, give Epic Signs & Graphics a call for a free consultation. We will discuss how our wraps will help you turn the heads of up to 70,000 people per day for the next three to five years!

A crucial part of your marketing and branding efforts is presenting your customers with a reception area that ensures your company stands out from the competition. You simply cannot afford to have a bland looking reception area. To make certain their lobby projects the right kind of image, many businesses hire interior decorators. Of course, Epic Signs & Graphics can also help with either metal, acrylic or vinyl lobby signs for Cleveland business owners and property managers.

Project Longevity and Durability with Metal Lobby Signs

Metal wall signs for Cleveland are an ideal option if you want customers to know that your company is here to stay. When your lobby sign is heavy on details, etched metal is a great choice. The etching process is best for signs that include a bit more than just the name of your business or highly intricate logo depictions.

Etched metal delivers a great look if you include a drawing or photograph. Typically, these signs come in brass, stainless steel, bronze, copper, or aluminum. With baked enamel, it is even possible to add color. Plus, the signs can vary in thickness from a sixteenth of an inch to a quarter inch.

Cast metal letters may be better for your purposes if it will be lighter on text. This type of metal lobby sign gives you many attractive border design options and usually uses brass, aluminum, or bronze. The elegant look of your message can be accentuated with a background texture, such as a leatherette backdrop. The backdrop is recessed while the information you want people to see is displayed.

The Benefits of Choosing Vinyl Graphics

You may want to go with a vinyl graphic lobby sign if you want to entirely get rid of the look of a wall attachment held in place by brackets or hooks. This is quickly catching on with many different office signs. Cleveland businesses are increasingly commissioning us for wall murals to display in their lobby area.

Rather than having their lobby sign stand out, more companies want us to cleverly work it into the interior décor. This is not a problem when we do wall graphics or murals. For example, if we were to create a cityscape mural for an architecture firm, we could display the business information in the foreground on a structure holding a sign marker. With this option, the possibilities are endless.

If you decide you want to have the reception sign done as a decal or if you do not want a mural, we will match the border colors to create a visually appealing transition to the signage hues from the wall color. The final sign will help you stand out from the crowd while being very attractive.

If you like both metal and vinyl, they can work together for dramatic effects. One common type of reception area sign is cut vinyl mounted on metal. On a long-lasting material, you get any color you want and precise cut vinyl graphics.

Whatever your lobby signage needs may be, Epic Signs & Graphics can help you out. Contact us today for a free consultation!