The Design and Application of Vinyl Signs

Whether it’s through honest appreciation or blunt curiosity we’ve noticed here at the shop that there’s becoming a growing interest in both our products and how we create them. In a world where we have information at our fingertips and countless How It’s Made Shows on Television, it’s only natural to wonder how things come to be. Having clients that understand the process and what goes into it makes our jobs easier and in turn makes the transition from idea to final product smoother for everyone.
Our process at Rosigns is a time tested one. Rosenkrans Signs, Inc. was one of the first shops in NEPA to offer computer cut vinyl graphics. While we’re no strangers to computers, we’re not dependent on them either. Technology, while an important part of our procedures, by far the most significant part is you!

Figure Out What You Need

The first step to creating an eye catching sign is asking the right questions. How big does it need to be? Is it for indoors or outdoors? The distance the viewer is going to be from the image is an important factor in choosing the right letter height, colors and over all dimensions. Asking the right questions and having good answers is the key to developing a successful sign or graphic everyone will enjoy. Here are some questions to ask yourself to gather the information you need to help us create amazing art for you:
• What is the size of the space, height and width, where you’re going to hang your sign? Does it need to be mounted on poles in the ground? Knowing the location of where you want your sign will help determine what size will be best. Bringing a picture of where you want your sign to be installed is always a great idea and can help us advise you on the advantages and pitfalls of the project.
• How far will the viewer be from it? Will the sign be next to the road where traffic is driving by? How fast does the traffic travel?
• What are the colors you’d like included in the design? Should the sign include your logo?
• What information would you like included on your sign? Is the information necessary for it’s use? It’s unlikely that drivers traveling at 40 or 50 mph will be able to read a text heavy sign including your address, phone number, website, services and more. How would you prioritize this information? Is the sign merely for the purpose of helping customers locate you?
• Are you planning to install the sign yourself? Or do you desire to have us install it?

The Design Phase

In this phase we bring together all of the info from the first phase –creating a one of kind sign for your individual needs. We’ll generate a digital drawing of your sign showing the custom design we’ve created along with the materials, cost and dimensions of the final piece. This is the stage where you have an opportunity to give feedback into what we’ve created. It’s always important to carefully consider all the factors of the drawing at this phase.
This marks the beginning of the point-of-no-return. Once the design is approved and production- the next phase- begins it can be costly to stop the process and make changes.

Production

At this point we begin the process of fabricating your sign. Any materials that we don’t have in house are ordered, the sign blank is cut to size and the graphics are produced. Rosigns uses a number of different production methods to create the perfect signage solution for your business or personal needs. We offer both computer cut and full color printed vinyl, posters, banners and can create custom shaped signage to give you that unique look you’re looking for.

Pick-up and Installation

Having a completed sign is one of the most exciting parts of the process for everyone. Once it’s ready, we’ll contact you and set up a time for you to pick it up or have us install it. When picking up your sign, you’ll want to keep in mind its size and how you’ll transport it safely without damaging it. It’s not uncommon for customers to arrive with the intention of picking up their sign only to find out it won’t fit in their vehicle. If the sign is large, you’ll want to plan to have a truck with appropriate tie downs and packing materials for transporting it. While the materials we use to create signage are usually made to last several years, they’re not made to survive a trip in a truck bed unfastened and can be damaged, scratched or (depending on the substrate) broken entirely.
If you sign is outdoors, weather will be a factor in scheduling its installation. Cold, snowy winters have been known to postpone installations for, sometimes, extended periods of time and you’ll want to take this into consideration when planning for your sign. It’s always best to plan ahead and make sure you have enough time to get it in the ground when you need it.
We ask that all of our customers keep in mind the things above with regards to pick-up and installation and if you have any questions feel free to get in touch with us. Your new sign will be something you can enjoy for years to come and this final phase of the process is as important as the rest.
What questions do you have about the production and installation of signs? Ask your questions over on our facebook page:HERE
Thanks for coming by!