About Professional Sign Making
Sign making has come a long way thanks to the age of modern technology. Gone are the days of hand lettering and messy paint. The 21st century sign maker is high-tech and computer-savvy.
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The Layout Process
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Sign layout is done on computers these days with programs written for that exact purpose. There are several programs available and they vary in difficulty and user-friendliness. It helps to have a good grasp on photo editing software or a publishing program because many of the commands are the same. The software for signage allows the user to create a template for the sign by entering in the substrate (sign face) dimensions. A scaled-down version of the sign face is on the desktop waiting for the user to add the lettering and verbiage. The programs allow the designer to experiment with different colors and different text styles. When the sign maker has completed the layout process it is time to manufacture the sign.
Getting the Components Ready
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Now that the design is ready, the designer needs a material to adhere the lettering to. Substrates come in varying materials. Corrugated plastic is a cost-effective option. PVC, laid out flat, is a more costly and sturdier choice. Professional sign makers frequently use MDO board, which is plywood coated with veneer and painted with a professional finish. For lit signs, plexiglass is used. There are other substrates available made specifically for certain kinds of signs.
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Plotting and Preparing Lettering
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When the sign maker has decided on a substrate he can begin the process of lettering. The computer-aided layout is ready to be plotted. A plotter is the sign maker's printer. Instead of printing. though, it cuts the design. And instead of using paper, a roll of vinyl is fed through the plotter. The special carbide blade cuts just deep enough to penetrate the vinyl, but leaves the paper backing intact. The next process is known as weeding. The vinyl around the lettering and the middles of some letters are pulled away from the backing, leaving only what will appear on the sign. A special paper called masking is applied to the lettering. This will help in the transfer process. The sign maker then finds the center of his sign and tapes the panel of lettering to the top of the sign. The tape acts as a hinge and as he lifts the panel up he peels the backing off the masking paper. He can then lay down just the masking layer that now holds the lettering and squeegees the vinyl letters into place.
Completing the Process
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If the sign maker has agreed to erect the sign, he will have to pull a permit from the local office. The permit will be displayed on the sign for the required amount of time. The new age of sign making has opened the door for small business owners and storefront sign shops are increasingly popular.
Other Services
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The full-service sign shop offers a variety of services: electric sign repair, window lettering, truck and boat lettering, car pinstriping, and neon signage, to name a few.
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