Applying simple vinyl graphics processes and methods Dry application is mostly always used for applying vinyl graphics. However, there are some exceptions, where it may be easier to apply ‘wet’. This can be due to inexperienced applicators, high tack surfaces like glass or acrylic or applying paint protection films to vehicles. Vinyl should be applied […]
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Differences between cast and calendered vinyl film Understanding the difference between cast and calendered vinyl helps a sign maker choose which would be best for the job at hand: will it be indoor or outdoor, will it be applied to a flat or curved surface, will it be used for long term signage or short
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Lightbox fabrication Lightboxes are used for illuminating graphic displays/adverts, logos and business signs, etc. They can be made for indoors or outdoors, permanent or temporary signage. Some light boxes allow for easy replacement of graphic images. Through fabrication, custom shaped light boxes can be created outside of the standard square & rectangle displays. Some light
3 Dimensional letters fabricated, logos and graphics 3 dimensional letters signs – also known as architectural lettering, 3-D or three dimensional lettering. This type of lettering has a raised dimensional look giving lettering and/or graphics a depth that can’t be achieved with standard cut vinyl surface lettering or printed. 3D letter signs have many fabrication
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Common materials used in signage Signage can be created using a wide range of materials that all deliver different effects. Here’s a list of common materials Corflute – is an effective and durable ribbed plastic material that is available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses and can be printed in full colour and/or vinyl
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Examples of common processes for fabrication / sign manufacture and production Fabrication meaning: the action or process of manufacturing or inventing something – the fabrication and assembly of signs. Common production processes to produce signs and fabricate sign parts Cutting (cuts through) and Routing is more like grinding than cutting CNC Cutting and Routing – computer based
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Common file formats used in the sign industry Below is an example of the requirements for an actual sign business. This may vary a little from sign shop to sign shop, depending on their software and equipment. Each sign shop will have specific requirements for their customers to supply files – or for people within
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Image resolution for print As we’ve seen in previous lessons, raster images are made of individual pixels. Image resolution is the amount of pixels in each ‘inch’ of an image. The term applies to raster digital images and film images. Higher resolution (a higher pixel count per inch), means more image detail and sharpness. Pixels per
CMYK and RGB colour modes? CMYK and RGB are the two colour modes we need to be aware of for printing graphics and text in signage. All software used for designing signs, gives you the option to select various colour modes based on the output of the file (screen or print). We’ll be focussing on
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Intro to colour Colour conveys messages and can create a sense of emotion or mood and can attract attention. The mood can vary depending on different colour combinations. In signage colour can be used to grab attention, create contrast and evoke a feeling / emotion to reflect the image of a brand / product /