Blogs by John Webber, Author at Home | Sign Parrot

Gator Board Vs. Foam Core Signage Comparison

John Webber — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 20:13:32 +0000

COMPARING FOAM BOARD VS. GATOR BOARD

Business and consumer-friendly signage is what we excel in. To help simplify your display needs, we provide inexpensive, foam-based signs that make for an excellent product for signs, presentations, and storefront displays. Foam board (also known as foam core) and gator board (also referred to as gatorfoam) are both viable signage solutions that excel in lightweight versatility. Though both are comprised of a foam core, there are distinct differences between foam board and gator board.

We’re here to help make your decision between foam board, and Gator board signs as easy and straightforward as possible. Each sign type is unique in its own right, differing in physical attributes and applications. That being said, each sign is a quality display choice for a variety of uses.

FOAM BOARD SIGNS

One of the most common display boards used in presentations, school projects, and advertising is foam board signs. As its name implies, this sign is produced with a lightweight, rigid foam core sandwiched between white paper faces. Your design is printed in full color with fade and abrasion resistant UV ink. The result is a high-quality, matte finish that will surely impress.

Weighing in at .13 lbs per square inch (comparable to the weight of 13 quarters) and 3/16” thick, foam board is ideal for both business and personal use. If you’re looking for a thicker foam board, you can contact us at sales@signparrot.com or 813-612-9200 for additional options. The cost effective and lightweight foam board makes it a great option for one-time use signage. This board is slightly pliable, but over-bending the board will result in it creasing or snapping. The pliability of foam board signs does increase with size. Bigger foam board signs should be handled and used with care.

SHOP FOAM BOARD SIGNS

Businesses can utilize foam board signs as a display for products at trade shows or conventions, window displays for sales or promotions, or a base for mounting papers using thumbtacks. Another common use is to display directions or important information needed at events and conferences with a custom foam board sign.

If you have a project or need for a display as a student or teacher, a foam board sign will be a cost-effective choice. You can also use this material as a base for creating seasonal displays for Christmas, Halloween, the 4th of July, and other holidays. You can display the board using adhesive against a wall, propping it on an easel, or hanging with zip ties, rope or hooks. If you do decide to pierce the board for hanging purposes, do so carefully and away from edges to prevent any breaking of the board. We do provide the option to drill holes in our production facility; you can select the ‘drilled holes’ option in the design tool to request this with your sign.

Using multiple foam board signs can help you create an appealing display, or you can incorporate double-sided printing to have a design on either side of the board. When implementing double-sided printing, make sure to hang the sign in a way that allows for both sides to be seen.

The design of foam board signage does make it susceptible to easy breaking or denting if not handled correctly. Any weight applied to a foam board sign could result in it bending or snapping, so we recommend not placing heavy items on the board. Likewise, this board is not waterproof and we highly caution against using the board outdoors, especially in harsh weather conditions.

GATOR BOARD SIGNS

Gator board is a durable display board that is constructed with a rigid foam core. This foam core is comprised of a dense polystyrene, which gives a rigid frame while maintaining a lightweight nature. With a 3/16” thickness, our gator board signs are comparable to foam board (we also offer additional thicknesses by contacting us at sales@signparrot.com or 813-612-9200). Though similar in appearance to regular foam board signs, the durability of the polystyrene core gives gator board signage a superior sturdiness in comparison to foam board signage. This quality of gator board with its lightweight and solid construction is noticeable when handling or hanging the signs. Like with the our other foam or cardboard signs as detailed in this post, your design will be printed using fade and abrasion-resistant UV ink.

Though made to resist scratching and breaking, gatorboard is still liable to damage when too much pressure is applied to the surface. Gatorboard, though named after an amphibious creature, is not entirely waterproof. The UV ink will give a slight protection from water and the polystyrene core can withstand only very slight moisture. That being said, we recommend not exposing your gatorboard signage to large quantities of water or moisture to maintain its quality. If handled and stored correctly, a gatorboard sign or display will last at least 2 years.

Because Gator board signs are considered to be a stronger version of foam board signs, it will cost slightly more to produce signs and products using it.

CREATIVE USES OF GATOR BOARD SIGNS

Taking advantage of the lightweight and increased durability of gator board signs for your display purposes is a viable alternative in some cases to even rigid plastic signs. Gatorboard signs can be considered a more permanent signage solution than foam board because of its quality. The high quality of the gatorboard will allow for use as professional logos, directories, and product displays for businesses and stores. If you’re opening up a restaurant or catering business, gatorboard would make for a perfect portable menu or sign.

Gator board can be easily mounted on a wall using screws or hooks, making for an excellent wall display in any business or home circumstance. The sturdy design allows for holes to be drilled in the board without damaging or cracking the material. If you’re looking to add nameplates or directional signage to your business and do not want to spend money on an aluminum or acrylic signage, then custom gator board signs can be used as a cheaper yet durable alternative. Using gator board signage as a decorative element during a seasonal sale or holiday can enhance your storefront display. Gator board can also be cut to any shape (contour cut) as long as any given portion of the sign is never less than ½” in width.

What Is The Best Material For Your Monument Sign?

John Webber — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 18:46:30 +0000

MONUMENT SIGNAGE

You’ve already decided to adorn your property with a monument sign. Now you’re in the graphic design stage, a step in the process where you can let your wildest creative ambitions run amok!

But not so fast. Every aspect of your monument sign must fit into an overall vision, and no aspect is more fundamental than the material your signage is made from. Beyond the aesthetic difference between various substrates, many offer a wide range of benefits and trade-offs.

As you might’ve guessed, there is no one-size-fits-all material for every business or organization. Choosing an ill-suited material can leave visitors with the wrong impression of your building, or even worse, perplex newcomers struggling to find your home office.

So, join us in taking a closer look at the different materials that make up monument signs.

Foamcore & Armored Foam

Expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) is lightweight, durable, and impervious to rot and water damage (unlike more traditional materials, such as wood and brick). If you’re on a strict budget, foam can be a great way to achieve the time-tested appearance of stone masonry without getting down on your hands and knees and laying actual brick.

And, if you’re looking for something even closer to the look of real masonry, foamcore-based paneling allows for the application of a veneer. These veneers range from synthetic stucco to granite; they feature the natural imperfections that give masonry its unique beauty.

Foamcore monument signs are much easier to remove than signage fabricated using other materials. So, if you’re thinking about replacing your monument sign later down the road, foam core might be your best bet.

Aluminum and Metal

If you prefer the sharp edges and the sleek simplicity of modern industrial design, you’ll love the look of an aluminum monument sign. Malleable, cuttable, and ductile, aluminum will give your business the highest degree of customizability as far as shape is concerned.

Other metals, such as wrought iron, will deliver a similar appearance with more rigidity. However, the biggest benefit of aluminum is that it’s rust-resistant, so you’ll have much less time and money spent on maintenance.

Now, if you want illuminated signage or a digital message board, you’ll be out of luck (for the most part). Aluminum monument signs can only be lighted from the exterior with angled lights. While this may be considered a setback for some businesses, exterior lighting delivers a moody, resort-like atmosphere at night.

Plastics

Similar to aluminum, plastics like acrylic and high-density urethane can be formed into an extensive assortment of shapes and sizes. If you have a complex design in mind, plastic is the way to go.

Make sure to match the plastic monument sign to your building’s façade by choosing complimentary colors. Since plastic can be fabricated in almost any hue, accenting the color of the office or even coordinating with the same color can give your architectural signage a huge boost.

Wood

Commercial and municipal properties steeped in tradition, such as cottage resorts, state parks, hotels and luxury stores, benefit from a rustic and nostalgic quality that only wooden monument signs can provide. A charming routed or carved wooden sign can be an inviting addition to your business’s entrance or parking lot, too.

Fully varnished wooden signs are weather-resistant – however, expect to perform regular maintenance in order to avoid termite and insect damage. Wooden monument signs may also wear down over the years, especially if your business is located in a geographic area prone to adverse weather conditions.

Stone and Brick Masonry

Yes, it’s possible to build a monument sign out of the same type of material used to build the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, and St. Peters Basilica. While by far the most expensive option on the list, natural stone monument signage is the most stable, and possibly the most elegant (depending on your tastes).

If you’re outsourcing the installation and transportation of your sign, be aware that this type of monument sign is much heavier. Hundreds of pounds heavier. Pricing might vary accordingly.

Poured Concrete

The most utilitarian option, concrete is a viable choice for those who want a no-frills look, along with longevity. Poured concrete is virtually indestructible, and is commonly found at the gateways to cities and local parks.

Understanding Decals For Indoor Use

John Webber — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 13:40:46 +0000

The peel-and-stick motion of a window decal is satisfyingly simple. Choosing how to display a clear window decal or static cling, on the other hand, might not be as simple. The question is: should you go with inside glass or standard decals? It may seem self-explanatory as to what an inside glass window decal offers but, there’s far more to its design and placement than meets the eye. In this post, we’ll take a look at the different considerations when choosing between inside glass and standard decals as well as a handful of other important things to know so that you can get the right type of decal for your business or other use.

What is Inside Glass Printing? How Does it Differ From a Standard Print Surface?

You’re probably wondering what the difference is between inside glass decals and your typical decal (we’ll refer to these as standard decals as this is the default on our website and is called a “Standard Print Surface”); we’re sure you’re familiar with both but a little refresher course never hurt anyone. We’ve included some pictures below to help you distinguish between the two.

Standard surface printing allows decals to be visible, even on highly reflective windows.

Inside glass window decals are often placed inside store windows to promote sales and promotions. Note the reflection of the window continues onto the surface of the decal because of the decals placement using inside the glass.

As you can see, inside glass decals are visible from the outside, but are placed on the inside face of the glass (hence the name inside glass). The adhesive will be on the front of the decal while the design will be printed on the back of the clear vinyl material, allowing it to show through to the front of the decal. Because the front side of the decal will not have any printed ink, it will stick to the surface of the glass on the inside.

The same effect can be accomplished with opaque materials despite the idea seeming impossible given the solid material of our opaque window decals and opaque clings. To get the Inside Glass functionality but with an opaque appearance, your design will be printed on the back of the equivalent clear materials. The difference is that there will be a layer of white ink that is printed behind your design to give it an opaque appearance. Because it is a white ink background, rather than a solid opaque material, it won’t have the exact same appearance as an opaque decal but will be close. In both cases, the adhesive will be on the front for an interior window placement. Using this workaround your decals or clings can be opaque in nature yet be placed inside and visible from outside.

ALTERNATE NAMES FOR INSIDE GLASS AND STANDARD SURFACE DECALS

There are a number of different terms used within the signage industry for these two very different functionalities of your custom window decals. For decals that adhere to the inside and are visible from the outside, there are: Inside Glass, Reverse Stickers, Adhesive On Front and Second Surface. For those that adhere to the exterior of your window and are still visible to those that approach your store, there are Standard Surface, Adhesive on the Back, First Surface.

Why Should You Purchase Car Advertising?

John Webber — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 18:46:33 +0000

Let Us Look at the Numbers of Car Advertising

On average, a typical U.S. driver travels 13,476 miles per year. That’s 36 miles a day, which means there are a lot of people on the road that could be potential customers! Gone are the days when people lived, worked and played in a few square block radius. As America’s population has surged over the last 75 years, our nation has become more subdivided and our dependency on automobiles has increased. Consequently, car wrap has become a legitimate form of marketing. One that, if you are a local business looking to attract local customers, cannot be ignored.

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits vehicle advertising can have.

Lots and lots of impressions for Car Advertisements

According to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, it is estimated that during an average day, a car advertisement can reach up to 70,000 impressions. That’s a lot of eyeballs! In fact, vehicle advertising reaches more people than billboards, radio, direct mail, local group mailers and mass transit advertising. But here is the best part – most individuals say that advertisements on vehicles are actually more noticeable, more memorable and caused them to take action quicker than traditional forms of advertising.

How Inexpensive Car Advertisements Can Be

Like any good marketer, one cannot simply look at the amount of impressions a campaign might get and conclude that it is going to be successful or not. There are a lot of mediums out there where you can buy millions of impressions but it’s going to cost you a pretty penny when it is all said and done. So, let’s stack up car marketing costs to other advertising opportunities out there. When you break down the cost-per-thousand metric for each of the main advertising mediums, you can see that car advertising is clearly less expensive than it counterparts. Keep in mind, this is for a single advertisement. Even if you had a fleet of 5 or 10 vehicles, each with their own ads on them, at $.35 per thousand, it would still be $1850.00 cheaper than the next closest medium on the list.

The Benefits of Tax Write-Offs For Car Advertisements

Ok, before you start jumping up and down, thinking you can write off your whole car by slapping a decal with your business logo on it…..you can’t. Truth be told, auto deductions are highly scrutinized by the IRS and shouldn’t be taken lightly. A few years ago, it was ruled by a court of law that a business could not write off 100% of a vehicle’s expenses simply because of an advertisement. The good news is, any expense that goes into placing said advertisement can be written off. So, if you want to have an ad painted on your car, have your vehicle wraps or just place a cool decal in your rear window, go for it. Just keep track of the expenses and write them off come tax time.

Printing Directly to Substrate vs Vinyl Overlay

John Webber — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 02:00:12 +0000

WHAT IS A VINYL OVERLAY ON SIGNS?

A vinyl overlay is a vinyl sheet with either a printed design or solid color, adhered to a rigid material. These overlays offer a cheaper alternative to smaller sign shops who often can’t afford large, flatbed printers.

Vinyl Overlay Advantages

Vinyl overlays work best for temporary signs. The ease of removing and replacing the overlay makes them ideal in scenarios where information constantly changes. For example, an exterior aluminum sign outlining store hours or parking regulations benefits from the advantage of simply printing a new vinyl overlay and replacing the old one.

Removing and replacing vinyl overlays requires a razor blade, cleaner, non-abrasive brush, etc. After removing residue from the rigid portion of the sign, update the sign for only the cost of printing new vinyl overlay. That makes vinyl overlays a versatile, semi-permanent solution for a variety of uses and situations.

Vinyl Overlay Disadvantages

Installation and Removal

The overlay’s versatility also creates some disadvantages. Anyone who has installed a sticker or decal of any type knows it’s easy to run into issues during application. That could mean tearing the material when removing its backing or unwanted bubbles and lines during application. There’s also the risk of damaging corners or edges from handling, which leads to peeling and weakens the adhesive. Considering all of this, working with vinyl overlay can mean a lot of headaches.

That said, carefully following installation instructions can help prevent air bubbles or pockets. Doing so will require some sweat equity and a knowledge of appropriate tools and cleaners to use. Keep in mind, some of the rigid materials used for displaying the vinyl overlay may not be strong enough to withstand the vigorous scrubbing needed for removing residue, and may scuff or scratch when replacing new vinyl overlays.

Peeling Possibility

An exterior sign using a vinyl overlay may not hold up against weather and the elements. Over time, the adhesive will weaken and the overlay will begin to peel off, significantly diminishing the quality of your sign. Another scenario is intentional damage or removal of the vinyl overlay by passersby that deface the sign. Much like any externally placed sticker or decal, this risk will always be present. A person or group of people determined to deface, damage or destroy signage only need to peel up a corner and remove the vinyl all together. While this disadvantage pertains to vinyl overlay, where someone intends intentional damage, any sign faces the risk of vandalism.

WHAT IS DIRECT PRINTING?

Direct printing means that the sign manufacturer prints your design or logo directly onto the surface of the sign. This print method is standard when printing on non-rigid materials such as vinyl banners, and is considered a superior method over vinyl overlay for creating rigid signs. At Sign Parrot direct print comes standard on all of our products, with the exception of our vinyl lettering and wall graphics, and our aluminum signs. Though we do not offer signage that incorporates vinyl overlays, we do offer clear vinyl signage that can be placed on a variety of substrates. Clear window decals can give the effect of a vinyl overlay, as well as our backlit decals and vinyl lettering.

Direct Printing Advantages

Direct printing offers a number of advantages over vinyl overlay. Primarily, with no layer in between the substrate and the design, direct printing offers vivid, crisp reproduction of text and images. While vinyl overlays can reproduce high resolution image (assuming the original file is a high resolution or vector image) it won’t be as sharp or vibrant as direct printing.

Another advantage is the durability of the ink and the sign. Sign Parrot prints with UV inks that provide a durable, fade and scratch resistant finish to your sign. These inks are rated for outdoor use and can last for years with proper sign care and maintenance. That means more protection against loss of adhesion or peeling since this method cures the ink directly onto the surface. However, even direct surface printing is susceptible to scratching and other damage caused by sharp objects or intentional abuse.

Direct Printing Disadvantages

Permanence of Design

Unlike with vinyl overlay, direct printing will be permanent. As mentioned above, vinyl overlays enable reuse of the rigid material when updating sign information. Direct printing, unfortunately, doesn’t offer that benefit. Having said this, we’ve found that rigid materials such as aluminum, brushed aluminum and rigid plastic signs are best when intended for long-term use.

These are signs that are placed outdoors and expected to last for a long time. So, the inability to change the messaging of the sign usually isn’t necessary. Even other rigid signs that are used for shorter durations (foamboard and corrugated yard signs) result in more affordable signage by printing directly to the surface of the material rather than adding in the cost of the vinyl overlay and the installation labor on top of the material cost.

Which Banner Material Is Best For You?

John Webber — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 12:49:27 +0000

WHICH BANNER MATERIAL IS BEST FOR YOU?

Banners can be used for a wide variety of purposes and can be created from a wide variety of materials. So, which banner is going to be right for your needs? Vinyl banners, fabric banners, or mesh banners? There are limitless display options for these types of banner materials, so choosing the right one may be somewhat of a daunting task. Knowing which banner to use can help you maximize the quality of your display and prevent any dissatisfaction from choosing the wrong type of banner material. We’ll take a look at the three most popular banner types, the material used to produce them, and how each offers unique display features for business and home use. Make sure to check out our page that includes all of our flexible signage!

VINYL BANNERS

Vinyl banners are the most durable and commonly used banners for outdoor display purposes. Choose between a 13 oz. or 18 oz. vinyl to print on, depending on your intended use. Typically, the heavier the material, the greater the durability.

Thirteen-ounce (13 oz.) vinyl is your best bet for everyday display. Don’t let a lightweight material fool you; this banner is impressively durable and versatile. Case in point, our 13 oz. the vinyl material is the same material used for billboards!

Eighteen ounce (18 oz.) vinyl is a special-use material for heavy-duty display (like at construction sites). As we mentioned above, a higher ounce count means greater durability and tensile strength.

Regardless of weight, vinyl banners offer exceptional image quality and display versatility.

Vinyl offers a semi-gloss appearance, which can be noticeable when light shines on the surface. Avoid placing banners in direct light to reduce visible glare; the less glare, the clearer the design.

Since vinyl banners are heavier than fabric or mesh, we recommend choosing one of our grommet options that places grommets around the edges of your banner in addition to the four corners. This will ensure it is pulled taut when displayed (this is especially the case with larger banners) and gives you more anchor points to securely display it, regardless of the conditions. Another common way to display a vinyl banner is by using pole pockets to suspend the banner from a pole or from rope.

FABRIC BANNERS

Designed for both functionality and aesthetics, fabric custom banners present a beautifully printed image with impressive quality. Lightweight polyester contributes to this banner’s exceptional functionality, allowing the banner to be easily transported and displayed (which makes decorating easy at events hosted in venues or satellite locations).

Fabric banners offer a slight transparency; displaying in front of windows or light sources will allow light to illuminate through the material (of course, this effect is not comparable to the semi-transparent nature of mesh banners).

Fabric banners are meant for indoor use, though displaying outside is possible as long as you avoid doing so in heavy rain or wind (inclimate weather is bad in any display situation for these banners). Hanging fabric banners from a ceiling or awning is a typical indoor (and sometimes outdoor) method for professional displaying. As with vinyl banners, fabric banners can either include grommets or pole pockets to help you hang your banner in the ideal location.

MESH BANNERS

The mesh construction used for our mesh banners reduces weight and allows wind and light to pass through the banner – don’t worry, the quality of the printed design is still maintained. It’s important to note that the colors and graphics on these banners are often described as “lighter” or “muted” when compared to their vinyl and/or fabric counterparts. For the best image quality, mesh banners are best viewed from a distance.

Functionality is the name of the game for mesh custom banners, especially when displayed outdoors, as they boast both wind resistance and a semi-transparent effect when displayed.

The 10 oz. PVC mesh offers exceptional tensile strength while preserving the lightweight form. This mesh pattern has a ratio of 70:30; meaning that 70% of the banner is actual material whereas 30% is made of very small holes. Mesh banners include hemmed edges to ensure that the material does not tear when pulled taut during display.

A-Frame Signs and Accessories

John Webber — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 08:00:49 +0000

A-FRAME SIGNS AND ACCESSORIES

A-Frame signs, also known as Sandwich Boards come with versatile, durable outdoor sign boards designed by Sign Parrot, you’ll draw attention to your storefront and invite people to come take a look. The lettering on the boards is changeable, which allows you to tailor the advertising to suit your company’s current sales and promotions. These light-weight signs can be a low-cost investment to reach multiple audiences with your company’s individualized messages.

SIGN PARROT OFFERS VERSATILE AND PORTABLE A-FRAME SIGN SOLUTIONS

A-frame signs, or sandwich boards are a very versatile portable sign solution for many uses. They are ideal for businesses to place on the sidewalk each day to gain more exposure. A-Frames are also ideal as real estate signs, with the ability to pack them up and move them from property to property as you go. Portable and affordable – a great sign choice.

Solid fabrication
Different insert options
Grab the attention of walk-by customers
Great for seasonal sales
Various sizes available

Sign Parrot has a vast array of A-frame options to choose from. Whether it’s PVC or any other custom option, we can do it! We can even provide wheels to make them easier to handle. Changeable design panels allow you to change your sign daily with little to no effort. Change your specials or events on the fly.

Our A-Frame signs are made from PVC, Aluminum, Steel, or Wood and come in many different sizes. Print two panels or four as you can change your message by simply folding the a-frame sign to display the opposite side. With easy-to-change panels, you can change your message as frequently as your marketing campaign requires.

SOME BENEFITS OF A-FRAME SIGNS AND SANDWICH BOARDS

High Visibility

In high traffic areas, custom signage gives you high visibility for people walking or driving by your location. They’re almost impossible to ignore, and Sign Parrot can design them so they POP. Display specials, discounts, and other promotions. It’s great for seasonal specials and sales. A-frame signs are a very effective way to get your message out.

Cost Effective

Because of the quality fabrication and the fact that it’s portable, you can use the sign for many years. One of the most inexpensive advertising tools, A-frame signs are great for any storefront or event.

Innovative

A-frame graphics advertising is a relatively innovative method of advertising. It essentially is creating a 3D billboard attracting the attention of everyone walking, a car, a van, a pickup, an SUV, a delivery truck, a boat, an 18 wheeler trailer, or an RV.

Material Performance

Frame advertising is now a popular advertising medium, especially because of the high-performance vinyl materials and relatively inexpensive digital printing available today. These materials last for a long time (typically 5 years) and can be easily removed. Moreover, if you need to change a portion of the graphic like update your address, telephone number, etc. it’s very easy. Such performance is not possible with paint which is a lot more expensive to apply and very difficult to remove.

Versatility

A-frame Signs can be used indoors or outdoors and in various locations. Easy to move and store. You can use them inside to point customers to specials you’re promoting as well.

Increased Exposure

Place them in strategic locations to get the most exposure possible. They’re portable, so you can test different areas to see where you get the best response. With the ability to switch out faces, you can also change your message every day to gain more notice.

Understanding Standard Aluminum vs. Brushed Aluminum

John Webber — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 16:56:44 +0000

In today’s post, we discuss the difference between a standard aluminum sign and a brushed aluminum sign. We offer both of these types of metal signs and while they are fairly similar in most aspects, but there are a couple of major differences that you should be aware of before deciding to buy one or the other.

In addition to today’s explanation of the differences between the two types of aluminum signs we currently offer more information that can be found on their respective product pages here: Rigid Signage

First, let’s quickly discuss the similarities between these two types of aluminum signs. Both signs are made from a material known as Max-Metal. Max-Metal consists of two thin aluminum sheets with a reinforced plastic core. The plastic core is polyethylene, which is a hard plastic. The plastic core makes both types of metal signs significantly stronger and more durable than your typical aluminum sign that only consists of a thin aluminum sheet. The Max-Metal aspect can be seen in the pictures below.

Both types of signs are for all intents and purposes identical in terms of functionality. Both can be used inside and outside. Both signs can be attached or affixed in a variety of ways but are most often posted using drilled holes (an option we provide during the design/checkout process) and some combination of screws and washers. Lastly, both have proven to be a versatile and affordable signage option for a wide variety of businesses and homes.

STANDARD ALUMINUM VS. BRUSHED ALUMINUM SIGNS – DIFFERENCES

The more important part of today’s post is to discuss the differences between the two signs. While they are few they are significant.

DEFAULT COLOR & APPEARANCE

The first major difference is what both the standard aluminum and brushed aluminum look like in an unprinted state. i.e. What the raw material would look like if you were to order each with nothing printed on it.

The standard aluminum sign does not have the aluminum look (most often described as silver or metallic) that is commonly visualized when aluminum is mentioned. Rather, our standard aluminum signs are manufactured with white paint on both sides. We then print your design onto the white surface. Thus, anywhere your design does not cover on the sign will be white in appearance and not metallic.

Custom Printed or Plotted Decals, Labels, & Lettering

John Webber — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 01:14:07 +0000

CUSTOM PRINTED OR PLOTTED DECALS, LABELS, & LETTERING

DECALS AND LETTERING

Decals and letters are a low cost but very effective vehicle advertising method that is easy to install on any smooth surface on your car, truck or van. Service companies such as plumbers, remodelers, electricians, blinds installers and carpet cleaners use vehicle letters and vehicle vinyl logos to identify their company and enforce the company brand.

BUMPER STICKERS

Sign Parrot of Tampa can make your message stick with custom logo labels, decals and bumper stickers. Our long-lasting materials attach to a variety of surfaces including windows, walls, floors, products, pavement and packaging. Made-to-order in virtually any size, shape and quantity, labels, decals and stickers can be made from vinyl and adhesive or pressure-sensitive materials.

EXTERIOR DECORATIONS

You’re looking for original decor for your walls and ceilings. You have an interior decoration or wall decoration idea and you would like to personalize your interior with a large printed wall covering or wall mural and thus create a new atmosphere or a new design.

INTERIOR ACCENTS

Also known as window stickers, our custom vinyl decals can be used indoors to enhance bedroom and living walls or on outdoor walls. They are ideal for your car, truck or SUV or anything else that has a clean and smooth surface.

At Sign Parrot, creating custom designs is what makes us unique and by extension makes you unique as well. We like to give you the opportunity to fit any type of message you are looking to communicate.

PRODUCT LABELS

Help your business or product stand out from the crowd. Let us custom design your logo for your product label for that brand recognition you are looking for. Made-to-order in virtually any size, shape and quantity, labels, decals and stickers can be made from vinyl and adhesive or pressure-sensitive materials.

ORGANIZATION STICKERS

Custom stickers can be used to promote yourself, your business, or entertainment company. They can also be used to promote awareness and can be printed and cut into any shape you desire. High quality custom stickers are printed on quality vinyl and last years outdoors.

Dimensional Signage And The Materials To Consider For Your Next Sign

John Webber — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 13:36:35 +0000

DIMENSIONAL SIGNAGE

Give your brand a facelift with durable and attractive dimensional signage that can be installed both indoors and out!

Dimensional lettering can be found almost everywhere; it’s an extremely popular way to advertise and promote your company. Because Letters can be made from aluminum, steel, acrylic, laminated acrylic, foam, laminated foam and formed plastic. Durability varies depending on the material, but in general, metal lasts the longest (but costs more) and aluminum is a cost-effective material if you want the metal look for less money.

There are numerous options available when it comes to mounting as well. Therefore depending on whether it’s indoors or out in the elements. This includes double-sided tape for flat indoor letters or side and stud mounts and much more. The majority of dimensional letters can be front or backlit.

Dimensional signage can be placed almost anywhere and is ideal for your company’s name, logo or address. Additionally, dimensional signage is perfect for directional and wayfinding signage, indoors and out!

With so many options, how do you know what to choose? Therefor you should take a look at some of the pros of the top-dimensional lettering styles below and then call our signage experts for a free consultation. They can help determine the best material and size for your project.