Open a new business? Looking to update your current signage? Perhaps you need to advertise a sale, or special event. Signs are an invaluable tool for businesses to speak a message directly to their customers. Signs work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They don’t call in sick, ask for a vacation, or show up late for work.
FACT: Did you know that 85% of a new business’ customers come from within a 5 mile radius of their physical location and 49% visit the location specifically as a result of “seeing the sign”?* Wow, who new that signs were that important? It is logically conclusive that having an EFFECTIVE, LEGIBLE, VISUALLY APPEALING sign is of critical importance to every organization. Following is a list of some of the types of signs that we offer:
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Road Signs
Yard Signs
Banners
Vehicle Lettering/Graphics
Storefront/Window Lettering
Directional Signs
Architectural Signs
Monument signs
Sandblasted Signs
Routed/Dimensional Signs
Site Signs
Electrical Signs/Displays
Magnetic Signs
Interior Signs/Displays
Trade Show Displays
Ready-to-apply vinyl lettering
Decals, Stickers, Labels
Cut-vinyl paint masks/stencils
& Much More!
Substrate Selection
There are many different types of signs which are suitable for different applications. Art-Fx can help guide you through the process of deciding which type of sign you need, as well as what type of materials should be used. Remember that not all signs are created equal. Proper material selection is an often overlooked, but critically important step in deciding what type of sign you will need. When ordering a sign, the type of material used as the base of the sign is referred to as the SUBSTRATE. Below is a list of some of the most common substrates used in flat and dimensional signs, with a brief description.
- MDO Plywood – Medium density overlay (MDO) is an exterior grade plywood used in many outdoor sign applications. If properly sealed and finished, MDO is a great choice for medium to long term exterior signs. MDO signs can be mounted between posts or poles, to a structure, or hang from hooks/chains. MDO varies in thickness from 3/8″ thick to 3/4″ thick.
- Alumalite – A composite substrate consisting of three layers. The layers consist of 2 sheets of aluminum with a plastic core in the middle. Like MDO, alumalite is an excellent choice for many types of outdoor, as well as indoor signage. It is a strong, rigid substrate which lasts years outdoors. Alumalite is available in 1/4″ and 1/2″ thicknesses.
- Aluminum Sheeting – A great outdoor/indoor substrate. Not as rigid as MDO or Alumalite, but is commonly used in frames for realtor signs or mounted to posts for directional/regulatory signage as well as wall-mounted signage.
- Sintra or PVC – A solid plastic substrate used in outdoor or indoor signage. Sintra can be easily cut/routed into any shape. Typically mounted to a flat surface but can be used for indoor hanging signs.
- Redwood/Cedar – Used primarily for outdoor sandblasted signage. Sandblasted signs are multi-dimensional and blasted area reveals wood grain texture. Great for long-term outdoor applications
- HDU Foam – High Density Urethane Foam is a great alternative to wood in routed/sandblasted dimensional signs. HDU resists rot or decay in outdoor applications and can be shaped/painted into any configuration. Great for long term outdoor applications.
- Acrylic/Plexiglass – Commonly used in electrical backlit signs. Acrylic is often translucent and can be lettered with vinyl to produce an image suitable for backlighting. Acrylic can also be laser-cut/routed into any shape also making it a popular choice in dimensional signs or raised letters.
These are only a few of the common substrates used. Call us to discuss what is best for your unique application.
